Writing Studies
(Sessional Lecturers)

The School of Journalism, Writing, and Media (JWAM) in the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia invites applications for sessional lectureships to teach sections of WRDS 150: Writing and Research in the Disciplines (3 credits)

2024 Summer session:
• Summer Term 1
• Summer Term 2

2024 Winter session:
• Winter Term 1
• Winter Term 2

JWAM, an exciting expansion of graduate and undergraduate programs known for their leadership in the fields of journalism and writing studies, offers research and teaching innovation in journalism and media, writing and communication, and knowledge-making and mobilization. Contributing to the development of scholarly and professional communication and media competencies across and beyond UBC, the School creates unique opportunities for students to succeed as practiced writers and media professionals in an era of significant shifts in communication technology and culture.

The School is seeking applicants to teach WRDS 150 (Writing and Research in the Disciplines). We offer distinct sections of WRDS 150 for students registered in the Faculty of Arts (WRDS 150A) and students in non-Arts faculties (WRDS 150B). Each section of WRDS 150 enrols approximately 30 students and takes a writing-in-the-disciplines approach to reading and writing, with relevant representation from disciplines including natural and applied sciences, the social sciences, humanities, and creative and performing arts.

We embrace anti-racist and anti-colonial approaches in our teaching of WRDS 150, recognizing the situated nature of knowledge production and communication.  Thus, we seek to foster an open and diverse community within our unit, and encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Successful applicants must meet the following requirements:

A doctorate in a relevant field (including writing and discourse studies, rhetoric, applied language studies, communications) OR a doctorate and significant experience teaching academic writing in university settings (this teaching should be informed by current writing theory). Training and/or experience in technical writing and/or science communication would be an asset.
Evidence of strong performance in teaching, including: a command over subject matter pertinent to WRDS 150, such as an understanding of recent developments in writing studies and other related fields, as well as pedagogy that reflects an active commitment to anti-racist and anti-colonial work in the teaching of writing; preparedness in the classroom; accessibility to students; and a positive influence on their academic growth as writers and researchers.

How to Apply:

If you are currently teaching WRDS 150:
Applicants should submit the following documents:
A sample syllabus for a WRDS 150B class (for non-Arts students)
A statement of teaching philosophy (500 words), highlighting key aspects of your approach to teaching writing, including recent developments in your teaching of writing studies courses, your success as an instructor, and your specific approaches to recognizing and fostering diversity within the writing classroom
The committee will consult UBC student evaluations of teaching

If you are not currently teaching WRDS 150:
Applicants should submit the following documents:
A curriculum vitae (please detail postsecondary teaching experience, including credit value of each course and instruction dates)
A sample course outline for a section of WRDS 150B (for non-Arts students): include course description, list of sample texts, learning outcomes, and descriptions of sample assignments
A statement of teaching philosophy (500 words), highlighting key aspects of your approach to teaching writing, including recent developments in your teaching of writing studies courses, your success as an instructor, and your specific approaches to recognizing and fostering diversity within the writing classroom
Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student evaluations of teaching, peer reviews of teaching)
The names and contact information for three referees

Further information from applicants may be requested during the review process.

Sample WRDS 150B syllabi may be found here:
https://jwam.ubc.ca/undergraduate/writing-requirements/non-arts-students/sample-syllabi/
Sample WRDS 150A syllabi may be found here:
https://jwam.ubc.ca/undergraduate/writing-requirements/arts-students/wrds-150a-sample-syllabi/

Application materials must be submitted online as .pdf files. Please follow the instructions provided on the application webpage found at the link below.
https://jrnl.air.arts.ubc.ca/applications-for-writing-studies-sessional-lecturers-summer-and-winter-terms-school-of-journalism-writing-and-media/

Please submit your application materials by March 13, 2024. Review of applications will occur thereafter, and will continue until the positions are filled.

All positions are subject to funding and enrolment numbers and are governed by Part 7: Conditions of Appointment for Sessional Lecturers, Collective Agreement between the University of British Columbia and The Faculty Association of the University of British Columbia. The current minimum salary is $9,280.71 per 3-credit course.

Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Tara Lee at tara.lee@ubc.ca.