Lecturer

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The 13th Biennial Medieval Slavic Summer Institute (MSSI) will be held June 22 through July 17, 2026, at The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio, USA). The Hilandar Research Library (HRL), the Resource Center for Medieval Slavic Studies (RCMSS), and the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures (SEELC) at The Ohio State University host a four-week intensive Summer Institute for qualified graduate students in Columbus, Ohio, every other year. The Medieval Slavic Summer Institute (MSSI) offers lectures in two areas: (1) Manuscript Description and Access and (2) Readings in Church Slavonic. Manuscript material on microform from the HRL’s extensive holdings forms a large part of the lectures and homework assignments. There are additional guest lectures on related specific topics. By the end of the Institute, each participant will be able to describe an original Slavic manuscript relying on both areas' lectures and hands-on work. Space is limited to 12 participants. The successful candidate for lecturer will teach the “Readings in Church Slavonic” course that includes introductory sessions of Old Church Slavonic grammar and multiple levels of Church Slavonic using texts from original manuscripts (as opposed to normalized texts) of the East and South Slavonic Cyrillic tradition. The candidate will assist participants outside of group instruction sessions and support the MSSI program as needed. It is expected that the candidate will have approximately 10 hours of in-class instruction per week for four weeks and consultation with participants and other activities for additional hours weekly as needed. Candidates must have PhD in Slavic linguistics, literature, languages or cultures with proven track record of teaching and/or research in pre-modern Slavic languages and texts, and experience in teaching intensive courses. Open to all ranks of teaching faculty. Successful candidate will serve on the selection committee for MSSI 2024 participants and work closely with the RCMSS director to create a balanced curriculum based on the qualifications and skills of the participants selected. Candidates with previous experience may also qualify as co-director of the Medieval Slavic Summer Institute 2026 with commensurate increase in responsibilities and salary.

Requirements

• PhD in Slavic linguistics, languages, history or a related discipline by the time of the appointment
• Previous experience teaching Old Church Slavonic and Church Slavonic grammar and working with medieval Slavic (primarily Cyrillic) manuscript texts (as opposed to using normalized texts)
• Prior experience teaching intensive language courses
• Fluency in English and Russian required

Nice To Haves

• Facility with a modern South Slavic language
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, special collections, and others to advance student learning and innovation in teaching and learning
• Familiarity with the Byzantine and/or Glagolitic manuscript tradition/literature

Responsibilities

• Teach course on Old Church Slavonic grammar and readings in Church Slavonic and East & South Slavic Cyrillic manuscript culture at the graduate level.
• Demonstrate excellence in student mentorship.
• Work closely with the RCMSS director/HRL curator to provide research guidance to the MSSI graduate student participants
• Support the intensive summer Medieval Slavic Summer Institute as an active citizen outside of the classroom through service on committees, teaching assignments, and administrative leadership roles.

Benefits

• Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources.
• Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.
• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree