Teaching Assistant in Political Science / Political Philosophy
The Foundations Development Directorate at Sabancı University is seeking a qualified teaching assistant for an introductory level course in Political Science and Political Philosophy.
Overview
The Foundations Development Directorate (FDD) is seeking a professional Teaching Assistant for Law and Ethics (SPS 303).
SPS 303 is a survey of some of the main concepts that shape academic and nonacademic debates about politics. It aims to equip students with a basic understanding of the key concepts and theories in political philosophy and political science as well as the critical skills that will put them in a position to rationally make up their own minds about political questions. Topics covered include the modern state, the rule of law, democracy, hybrid and authoritarian regimes, civil rights, justice, feminism, capitalism, the institutions of social justice and the challenges climate change poses to existing political institutions. All undergraduate students are required to complete this course.
One-hour discussion sections are conducted as a co-requisite of the courses. Discussion sections led by teaching assistants consist of a group of around 25 students. Discussion sections are designed to enhance students’ critical thinking, listening, and self-expression skills by expanding on the themes and major issues developed in the lecture.
Qualifications
Candidates with an MA or PhD degree in Political Science or Philosophy as well as advanced graduate students who are pursuing a PhD degree in Political Science or Philosophy are eligible for the position. Having specialized in political philosophy or political theory is a plus.
Qualified candidates’ cumulative grade point averages and the courses they have taken will be taken into consideration.
An excellent command of English is required. Qualified candidates’ language scores will be taken into consideration and candidates with the highest scores will be prioritized.
Qualified candidates’ teaching experience will be taken into consideration. For candidates who have worked as a teaching assistant in a political science or philosophy course before, previous performance evaluations by their instructors and student evaluation results will be taken into consideration.
Qualified candidates’ compatibility with the respective needs of the course will be taken into consideration. As such, candidates’ past experience in the humanities or social sciences (if applicable), coordination and good team work skills, and their potential to contribute to the designed format of the course will be evaluated.
Responsibilities
The candidate is expected to:
- attend the weekly SPS 303 lectures and follow the course content
- lead discussion sessions every week
- grade examinations, writing assignments, and discussion section activities
- keep track of student attendance and participation
- help with exam proctoring during all exams
- hold weekly office hours
- attend all training, orientation programs, and meetings designed for SPS 303 teaching assistants
How to Apply
The deadline for applications is January 31st, 2024. Qualified candidates are asked to provide a CV, their latest transcript, student evaluations (if any), names of at least two references and documents about their latest English language proficiency examination along with a cover letter. These documents should be attached to the application message of the applicant. All applications will be evaluated by a committee of SPS 303 instructors after the deadline.
Applicants are requested to complete an online application form and submit a teaching statement and CV at https://crm.sabanciuniv.edu/academiccv/application.php?advertcode=FDPSPS303-2024.
About Sabancı University
Established by Sabancı Foundation in 1994, Sabancı University provides a world class education to its students from undergraduate to doctorate levels. It is distinguished by its educational system which was unique in Turkey when Sabancı University started its educational activities in 1999. It offers freedom to all its students to choose their academic program within the first two years after they are enrolled in the university. Sabancı University has been the most entrepreneurial and innovative foundation university in the University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Index produced by the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology of Turkey since 2012. It also ranks one of the top among the universities from Turkey in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. As a young university with twenty years of history, Sabancı University aspires to become an international reference point for innovation in education and research.
Sabancı University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment in education and employment. The University respects all individuals without any discrimination of gender, religion, national and ethnic origin, race, color, physical disability, physical appearance, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, age, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational, admission and employment policies, and its scholarship and university-sponsored programs.