Job Information
Johns Hopkins University Adjunct Faculty: Science Writing (Graduate Level) in Washington, District Of Columbia
The Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) division seeks non-tenure track adjunct faculty to teach various online science writing courses, including 491.658 - Techniques of Science-Medical Writing; 491.697 - Literature of Science; 491.696 -- Nature of Nature; 491.750 - Contemporary Science-Medical Writing: Creative and Professional Forms; 491.719 - Technology Tools, Multimedia and Digital Publications for Science Writers; and 491.673 - Science-Medical Writing Workshop in the MA in Science Writing Program. The MA in Science Writing Program prepares students for careers with popular science magazines, research agencies, universities, and other outlets that communicate science widely. Of particular interest are candidates who have experience engaging students from diverse backgrounds.
Course Descriptions
491.658 - Techniques of Science-Medical Writing
A core course that develops the reporting, creative and explanatory skills demonstrated by the best science-medical writers. The course features writing assignments and exercises in journalistic and literary writing, plus interviewing, ethics and the use of scientific journals and databases.
491.697 - Literature of Science
In this reading elective, students analyze current and classic books, magazine articles, and newspaper series to discover how the best science, medical, nature, and environmental writers create compelling, entertaining, factual literature. Craft topics include structure, pace, sources, content, explanatory writing, and clear, lyrical language.
491.696 -- Nature of Nature
This reading course focuses on the species and critters and phenomena that make up "nature" (the outdoors, ecosystems, natural history) and human interaction with nature (e.g., travel in, appreciation of, effects on). Students analyze books, essays, and articles from writers who tell gripping, true stories about topics ranging from outdoor adventure to environmental catastrophe to personal reflection. Students will also engage in numerous nature-writing exercises. For this course, you will be taking a step into the wild. Nature writing is considered a subset of science writing. Readings may include authors such as David Quammen, John McPhee, Elizabeth Kolbert, Gretel Ehrlich, and other contemporary writers.
491.750 - Contemporary Science-Medical Writing: Creative and Professional Forms
This core course provides a broad foundation in the diverse forms and venues encountered in contemporary science writing careers. Students learn elements of classic forms, such as essay, profile, news article, and op-ed, and they explore magazines, institutional publications, literary journals, blogs, speeches, and even museum exhibit text. The course covers the differing goals of various forms and how they might be used in multimedia, social networks, and other digital communication.
491.719 - Technology Tools, Multimedia and Digital Publications for Science Writers
An elective course that explores the tools and theories of multimedia storytelling, with examples from cutting-edge digital media, guest lectures by science communicators, and a lot of hands-on practice. Students critique pieces from the real world to learn how multimedia is being used today. They become familiar with tools to create stories using photos, illustrations, audio, video, animation, and data visualization, and they learn about platforms where this content can find an audience.
491.673 - Science-Medical Writing Workshop
In a writing workshop, students receive professional guidance in translating complex scientific, medical, or technological knowledge and research into graceful, lucid prose. Students submit individual essays or articles, or parts of a larger work in progress. Writing submissions are critiqued by peers as well as by the instructor, then revised.
Minimum Qualifications:
An advanced degree in Science Writing or in a relevant field, such as Journalism, English, Creative Writing, or a scientific field, with a master's degree at minimum
1-3 years teaching experience in Nonfiction Writing, Creative Writing, or Journalism
1-3 publications (electronic or print) of original nonfiction in books, journals, magazines or newspapers
Preferred Qualifications:
A terminal degree in Science Writing, Nonfiction Writing or in a relevant field, such as Journalism, English, Creative Writing, or a scientific field
1-3 years of graduate level experience teaching Journalism, Nonfiction Writing, or Creative Writing
Online teaching experience
The position will remain open until it is filled. Candidates must submit the following:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Teaching evaluations for the most recent two semesters
Official Transcript
The selected candidate will undergo a background check and provide three references.
Job Type: Part Time Johns Hopkins University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Consistent with the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will assess the comprehensive qualifications of each applicant.