The iSchool (School of Library, Archival and Information Studies) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is pleased to invite applications for the TD Visiting Professorship in Children’s Literature and Writing for Children, generously funded by the TD (Toronto Dominion) Bank. Located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people in Vancouver, Canada, UBC holds an international reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and learning.
The TD Visiting Professorship in Children’s Literature and Writing for Children supports the uniquely interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Children’s Literature Program, which draws on the expertise of faculty from the iSchool, as well as the departments of Language and Literacy Education, English, and the Creative Writing Program. The successful applicant will be invited to spend an extended period of time, normally an academic term (Sept-‐Dec or Jan –April), engaged in research and teaching at the iSchool, connecting with affiliated units at UBC, and engaging with the broader community.
Applicants should have a significant record of academic accomplishment, scholarship, or literary reputation, and the ability to teach in one of program’s key pillars, namely:
• Children’s literature theory and criticism;
• Literacy and the mediation of children’s texts; and
• Writing, publishing and the book trade for children.
UBC has established innovative community-based Indigenous research and intercultural exchange, a position of success unmatched in North America. This year’s call is for a Visiting Professor whose research, writing, illustration or criticism complements these strengths. Preference will be given to a scholar, author, illustrator, or literary professional who works in the area of Indigenous literature for children and youth. This Visiting Professorship offers the opportunity to work with talented and motivated graduate students by teaching one 3-credit course. The TD Visiting Professor will be welcomed into the research and teaching culture of the iSchool and UBC, and will be expected to engage with students and faculty, provide at least one public talk, exhibit or symposium on campus, and deliver a workshop or similar event in the community. Applicants are encouraged to include in their letter of application the proposed area of teaching, and how their scholarship or creative work can connect with the Indigenous youth of the greater Vancouver area.
The TD Visiting Professorship in Children’s Literature and Writing for Children funds this position for one term (four months) in the amount of CAD $35,000, inclusive of teaching and engagement with the public. Scholars, critics, illustrators and creative writers of Indigenous children’s literature from all countries are encouraged to apply. Appointments are subject to approval by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Kindly address all enquiries and applications, comprising a letter of interest and a current CV to:
Dr. Luanne Freund
Acting Director, School of Library, Archival and Information Studies
The University of British Columbia
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Suite 470, 1961 East Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z1 CANADA
luanne.freund@ubc.ca
Closing Date for Applications – September 15, 2015
Anticipated appointment dates: January 1 – April 30, 2016; or September 1 – December 31, 2016
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