Position description

The Department of Political Science at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, seeks applicants for an Academic Year Adjunct Lecturer position (non-tenure track) in US Politics. This is one-year replacement position for a faculty member on leave. Courses include Introduction to US Politics, a quantitative methods course Introduction to Political Science Research and upper-division courses in the AYAL’s area of specialty. Specific assignments will be made according to the academic qualifications of the individual and programmatic need. Santa Clara University is on the quarter system, and the quarters are 10 weeks long with an 11th week for final examinations. The successful candidate will teach the equivalent of seven courses with at least one course in each quarter, fall, winter, and spring. This position starts on September 1, 2021. The successful candidate may need to teach in a hybrid or online method, depending on public health and university guidance.

HIRING RANGE:

Salary will be based on the number of courses taught and years of teaching experience; benefits eligible.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

1. PhD in Political Science or a closely related field. Applicants who are ABD or possess a master’s degree in Political Science, accompanied by commensurate academic experience (5-7 years of college or professional teaching) may be considered.
2. Demonstrated excellence in teaching Political Science at the college level.
3. Excellent communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. We seek an individual with TA or instructor experience in Introduction to US Politics and the qualitative methods course Introduction to Political Science Research, as well as an interest in teaching upper-division courses in areas such as political behavior and public policy.
2. Demonstration of inclusive pedagogical practices that advance SCU goals of diversity and equity, demonstrated experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students.
3. Availability to teach 8:00am classes

RESPONSIBILITIES:

(1) Teaching (95%)

Fulfilling all responsibilities associated with teaching assigned courses, including:

a. Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in presenting it effectively;

b. Assigning and evaluating assignments that align with the course description and course learning outcomes, and providing timely feedback to students;

c. Holding regular weekly office hours on campus;

d. Submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline;

e. Administering numerical and narrative evaluations for all courses;

f. Where applicable, teaching from an approved syllabus for the University Core courses assigned or working with the Chair to design an appropriate syllabus for submission for approval from the relevant Faculty Core Curriculum Committee;

g. Serving as an advisor to a reasonable number of students, commensurate with full-time equivalency of the appointment, by providing informed advice to those students;

h. Developing courses for which they are responsible and contributing to general curriculum development.

(2) Service (5%)

Faculty Handbook section 3.6.3.3 Specific Functions Related to Service defines service as fostering and advancing the mission and goals of the department, the University, or the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship or creative work such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, and community service performed in virtue of their professional expertise or association with the University. Service may more specifically include attending department meetings, serving on committees, advising student organizations and honor societies, taking part in student recruitment/orientation efforts, and contributing to the accreditation or program assessment. To respect the time and commitment of AYAL faculty members, service expectations must be commensurate with the full-time equivalency of the appointment.

Service is typically evaluated as 5% of the appointment. Additional service must be included through an assignment letter as part of the faculty member’s formal written appointment.

Other minimal instructional or academic duties as may be assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or the Chair of the Department.

Application instructions