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 and WRDS 151: Writing and Research in the Disciplines (3 credits).
• Summer Session 2025 (May to August), term 1 and term 2
• Winter Session 2025 (September to April), term 1 and term 2
• Summer Session 2026 (May to June), term 1
JWAM’s graduate and undergraduate programs, known for their leadership in the fields of
journalism and writing studies, offer 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.
Writing and Research in the Disciplines
The School is seeking applicants interested in teaching WRDS 150 and WRDS 151: Writing and
Research in the Disciplines. We offer distinct sections of this course: one for students registered
in the Faculty of Arts, and another for students registered in non-Arts Faculties.
Each section of WRDS 150 and WRDS 151 enrolls approximately 30 students and takes a
writing-in-the-disciplines approach to reading and writing: students work with research articles
from relevant disciplines and explore writing practices that research disciplines share and those
that differentiate them (assigned readings are expected to include research articles that represent
writing practices from relevant disciplines: e.g., for students enrolled in non-Arts sections,
readings from natural and applied sciences; for students enrolled in Arts sections, readings from
the social sciences, humanities, and creative and performing arts).
Please note: The course code for WRDS 150A and 150B will be updated to WRDS 151 and 150
in September 2025.
May–August 2025 (Summer Session Terms 1 and 2)
WRDS 150A — Arts students
WRDS 150B — non-Arts students
September 2025 onwards
WRDS 151 — Arts students
WRDS 150 — non-Arts students
We embrace anti-racist and anti-colonial approaches in our teaching of WRDS 150 and WRDS
151, 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. Learn more about the
WRDS EDI Statement of Commitments on our website:
https://jwam.ubc.ca/undergraduate/writing-studies-programs/wrds-edi-statement-of-commitments/
Successful applicants must meet the following requirements:
A doctorate in a relevant field (including writing and discourse studies, rhetoric, composition,
applied language studies, communications) OR a doctorate and significant experience teaching
academic writing within and across different disciplines in university settings (this teaching
should be informed by current writing, discourse, rhetoric, composition, applied linguistics, or
communications theory and research). 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 150/151, 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 separate sample syllabus for each course you would like to teach:
• e.g., a sample syllabus for WRDS 150A / WRDS 151 (for Arts students).
• e.g., a sample syllabus for WRDS 150B / WRDS 150 (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 a writing 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 separate sample syllabus for each course you would like to teach:
• e.g., a sample syllabus for WRDS 150A / WRDS 151 (for Arts students).
• e.g., a sample syllabus for WRDS 150B / WRDS 150 (for non-Arts students).
For each sample syllabus: include course description, list of sample readings, 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 a writing 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 150A syllabi may be found here:
https://jwam.ubc.ca/undergraduate/writing-studies-programs/arts-students/wrds-150a-sample-syllabi/
Sample WRDS 150B syllabi may be found here:
https://jwam.ubc.ca/undergraduate/writing-requirements/non-arts-students/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-andwinter-terms-school-of-journalism-writing-and-media/
Please submit your application materials by March 31, 2025. 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 $9,559.11 per 3-credit course.
Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Tara Lee at tara.lee@ubc.ca.