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Assistant Teaching Professor in Writing and Literature

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Position description

The College of Creative Studies (CCS) and the Writing Program at UC Santa Barbara are seeking a writing instructor with experience in creative writing, digital media, and/or publishing for a joint tenure-track faculty position as a Lecturer with Potential Security of Employment (working title of Assistant Teaching Professor), with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2020 (course instruction would start October 1, 2020). The primary responsibility of this position is teaching, and also includes service, professional achievement and/or scholarly/creative activity. Applicants who possess the ability to lead, collaborate, and organize curricular and programmatic needs, and who are committed, innovative writers, are encouraged to apply.

The teaching load in the College of Creative Studies includes the core major requirements of the Writing & Literature major, which offers undergraduate students an opportunity to study and practice a variety of creative, professional, and academic forms of writing in a small, collegial atmosphere. The successful candidate will share in the administration of the Writing & Literature major in the College of Creative Studies, including curriculum planning, advising, and admissions, and with the possibility of providing leadership for Spectrum, the literary magazine produced annually by undergraduate students in CCS. In the Writing Program the successful candidate will teach courses in interdisciplinary, professional, and academic writing and contribute administrative service.

The minimum requirement is an MFA (or equivalent degree) or completion of all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent degree) except the dissertation in a related field by the time of application. For applicants in pursuit of a PhD, PhD degree conferral must be expected by the start date of the position. Applicants must have a minimum of one quarter of teaching experience at the college level by the time of application (Teaching Assistant experience is counted). Also by the time of application, applicants should have demonstrated excellence in writing, research, and teaching to complement the Writing Program’s strengths in treating writing as an activity and an object of study, (see http://writing.ucsb.edu) and the College of Creative Studies’ focus on developing an advanced writing practice in a select group of undergraduate students, (see https://ccs.ucsb.edu/majors/writing-literature), and take the pedagogical needs, values, and cultures of both units into account.

Experience as a writer of fiction and/or and creative nonfiction including publication, editing, and/or active engagement in a writing community is preferred. Strong interpersonal skills are also desired. Experience in contributions to diversity is preferred.

The units are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

CCS is a small undergraduate college designed for self-directed students in the sciences and humanities within a world-class research university. It provides a rigorous, accelerated program that leads students through the production of a body of creative work supported by scholarly research and analysis, and offers a Bachelor of Art in Writing & Literature. The Writing Program, within UCSB's College of Letters and Science, offers lower and upper division courses in interdisciplinary, professional, and academic writing, a thriving professional writing minor, and unique fellowship and co-curricular opportunities for students to engage in writing.

Applications should be submitted electronically via the UC Recruit system (https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01697) and must include the following:

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae (resume)
  3. Statement of Teaching
  4. Three Course Syllabi (actualized and/or speculative)
  5. Writing sample (10-20 pages)
  6. Initiation of requests for a minimum of 3 letters of reference (up to 5 permitted) via the application system

In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an optional Statement of Contributions to Diversity. The University of California is committed to excellence and equity in every facet of its mission and strives to recognize contributions in all areas of faculty achievement that promote equal opportunity and diversity. Contributions to diversity and equal opportunity can take a variety of forms including but not limited to:
• efforts to advance equitable access to education;
• public service that addresses the needs of California’s diverse population;
• research in the area of expertise that highlights inequalities, and/or mentoring and advising of students particularly from underrepresented and underserved populations;
• creation of effective strategies used for the educational advancement of students in under-represented groups.

To receive primary consideration, all required application materials must be received by: January 6, 2020. The application period will remain open until May 31, 2020, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first. Inquiries may be directed to: search@ccs.ucsb.edu.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Course Syllabus Sample (actualized or speculative) - 1 of 3

  • Course Syllabus Sample (actualized or speculative) - 2 of 3

  • Course Syllabus Sample (actualized or speculative) - 3 of 3

  • Writing Sample (10-20 pages)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

    The University of California is committed to excellence and equity in every facet of its mission and strives to recognize contributions in all areas of faculty achievement that promote equal opportunity and diversity. Contributions to diversity and equal opportunity can take a variety of forms including but not limited to:
    • efforts to advance equitable access to education;

    • public service that addresses the needs of California’s diverse population;

    • research in the area of expertise that highlights inequalities, and/or mentoring and advising of students particularly from underrepresented and underserved populations;
    • creation of effective strategies used for the educational advancement of students in under-represented groups.

    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA