Part-Time Lecturer: "Writing as Exploration"

NYU Washington, DC is seeking a local, part-time instructor to teach " Writing as Exploration" for Fall 2024 (late August to late December); based on performance, there is the possibility of teaching Writing as Critical Inquiry in Spring 2025. Writing as Exploration is taught in English and meets twice per week for approximately 90 minutes each session, for 14 instructional weeks plus a 29th session during "finals week" for the final exam. The schedule is either Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday. 

The instructor role includes all preparation, delivery, and grading. Faculty will use the city of Washington, DC itself as a course element (e.g., having students write about an excursion, bringing a guest speaker to class, etc.). Courses are to be intellectually challenging in content, and rigorous student assessment is required. Candidates should have experience and a commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, which is informed by global and local perspectives. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who share Liberal Studies' commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and who can contribute to the diversity of intellectual life in Liberal Studies and NYU Washington DC.

Course Details

The first in a two-course series, Writing as Exploration introduces students to the forms and functions of the essay genre. Students practice essay writing across disciplines and modes, including personal, critical, academic, and journalistic. The course also exposes students to the writing, reading, and critical thinking skills needed for undergraduate study, as well as writing beyond academic contexts. The faculty introduce students to some of the interdisciplinary and theoretical bases for such practices. The course engages global issues and perspectives through its reading and writing assignments, as well as through experiential learning. Writing as Exploration thus helps students to appreciate writing as a tool for thinking and inquiry, not an exercise in boxticking or showcasing knowledge or opinion.

Students are required to submit 4,000-5,000 words of polished, graded writing. Typically, the course involves three major essay assignments (assignments of more than 1,200 words and requiring the submission of at least one draft).

Link to Course Description on Website:

Curriculum Background

Liberal Studies' Core Program is a two-year liberal arts foundation program for first-year and sophomore students distinguished by small classes and close faculty-student interaction. For junior and senior year, students transition to one of NYU's undergraduate degree programs to earn their bachelor's degree. The Core Program curriculum emphasizes the global context across all subject areas and fulfills liberal arts requirements for NYU bachelor's degrees.

All classes are global in scope and perspective, discussion-based, small (Writing normally caps at 15 students), and taught by faculty that are experts in their fields. The mission of Liberal Studies is to pioneer an interdisciplinary undergraduate education that engages students in interrogating global traditions and forging the new traditions that will shape the future.

About NYU Washington DC

NYU Washington, DC is one of NYU's 11 study away academic centers where students can participate in study away while earning credits towards their degree. If you would like to learn more about NYU Washington, DC please visit the website: 

An MFA in Creative Writing, or a Ph.D. in English, Communication Studies, Comparative Literature, or a related Humanities discipline is strongly preferred. Candidates must be legally able to work in the US at the time of application.

Liberal Studies sees diversity, equity and inclusion and belonging as essential to education and the development of leadership in a globally interconnected world. These values inform LS as a collegial and respectful environment for students, faculty and staff—with particular attention to improving the student experience. Liberal Studies strongly encourages applications from individuals who are under-represented in the profession. To learn more about Liberal Studies' commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion please read here:

NYU affirms the value of differing perspectives on the world as we strive to build the strongest possible university with the widest reach.  To learn more about the Arts & Science commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, please read here:

All applications must be made online through Interfolio at  . If you are new to using Interfolio Faculty Search, you may find the following guide useful: Job Applicant's Guide to Interfolio Faculty Search . 

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. In the letter, please highlight your teaching experience. 

Consideration for applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed jointly by NYU Washington, DC and NYU New York. The salary will be based on equivalent and appropriate rates for the course. Terms and conditions will be discussed with the successful applicant. 

Please direct any questions to Justin Evans, Assistant Director of Academic Affairs at NYU DC:

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NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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About New York University

Founded in 1831, New York University is now one of the largest private universities in the United States. Of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in America, New York University is one of only 60 member institutions of the distinguished Association of American Universities.