Adjunct Professor for Food, Rurality and Local Development

The American University of Rome is looking for an instructor to teach the social science course “Food, Rurality and Local Development (FS511 )” within the Master in Food Studies. Policies for Sustainable Production and Consumption. The course involves teaching three hours a week, for a total of 45 credit-hours during the period from 1 September to 12 December 2025.

The University will also consider applications for part-time teaching of selected learning objectives (below).

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course explores the role of food in influencing and shaping local development in rural areas. It examines the scope and characteristics of local food systems and the markets for typical products. It also reviews the range of other products and services delivered by rural areas for rural and urban communities. The course covers the main tenets, practices and processes of rural development, with specific reference to developed countries, but considering also the global food markets and developing countries' experiences. Rural development paths based on the multiple functions of farms will be analyzed in relation to local food systems as well as to the new roles that rural areas and actors can play to address emerging social needs and demands. The course will include field visits within the Lazio region.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Situate rural development studies in the wider context of social, economic and territorial studies.
2. Describe the features and characteristics of rural areas in developed and developing countries.
3. Identify and analyze food supply chains and their relationship with local-rural development paths.
4. Describe the EU rural development policies with specific attention to the bottom-up approach to rural development and compare with the policies and experience in the US and developing countries.
5. Use theoretical approaches and analytical tools to identify rural development paths and design possible interventions.

Required qualifications:

• Appropriate academic background, Ph.D. in Rural Studies, Rural Development, Area Studies, Geography, Regional Planning, Human Ecology.
• Teaching experience in the field of rural development.
• Excellent knowledge of English

Desirable qualifications

• Previous teaching experience with North American university programs
• Professional experience and research on rural development.

Application & Procedure

• All applicants must have the right to work in Italy.
• Applicants must submit a letter of application to detailing their teaching and other relevant experience, as well as a CV that includes the names of three references to be contacted should the candidate proceed to the interview stage. Please include ref: FS 511 Adjunct Professor for Food, Rurality and Local Development course and the candidate's full name in the subject field.

Further details

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 25 JUNE 2025

COURSE STARTING DATE: 5 September 2025

The American University of Rome provides equal opportunity for all qualified individuals in its educational programs and activities. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, or Vietnam-era veteran status. It conforms to all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. The policy of equal opportunity applies to every aspect of the operations and activities of the university generally and includes admissions and employment.