Lecturer: Department of English at University of the Western Cape/Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland

Job Description

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a research-led institution recognized nationally and internationally for its sustained contribution to democratic change in South Africa. We wish to appoint a Lecturer in the Department of English—a person willing to contribute in significant and innovative ways to teaching, research, and overall student development. We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate into the vibrant, collegial, and dedicated ethos of the Arts and Humanities Faculty.

The successful candidate should have a strong foundation in Literary Studies in English with an appreciation of the historical development of forms. Strengths in one or more of the following would be added advantages:

• Course coordination and curriculum design.
• World Literatures in English.
• Creative Practice.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Contributing to the learning and teaching programme at undergraduate and postgraduate levels (teaching effectively in large undergraduate lectures, smaller tutorial groups, and in postgraduate seminar contexts).
• Leading undergraduate workshops in academic writing and literary topics related to the main lecture series.
• Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
• Development of a research and publication profile.
• Active participation in departmental academic administration.
• Integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or research.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree in English Literature.
• A strong foundation in Literatures in English.
• Demonstrable experience and strengths in teaching literary texts (including in large lecture contexts) - evidence of innovative teaching practice at UG level.
• A research and publication record commensurate with the level of a University Lecturer - (at least one publication in an accredited journal).

Added advantages:

• A completed PhD or a PhD nearing completion in Literatures in English.
• Experience in academic leadership and departmental administration (including course coordination and curriculum design).
• Proven research, teaching, and supervision interests and competence in World Literatures in English, and/or Creative Practice.

Key competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment
• Student-focused approach
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Knowledge and skills in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership