Sociology Instructor

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

FACULTY POSITION TITLE: Sociology Instructor – Competition ID: 3371
POSITION TYPE: QUALIFIED FACULTY LIST for Non-Regular, Type 1 (contract) instructors
POSITION START: Varies

KPU proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.  

FACULTY OVERVIEW:

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is the fourth largest university in the province of British Columbia and serves communities in the South Fraser region and beyond.  A leader in innovative, interdisciplinary education with a teaching-focused mandate, KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve the highest standards of academic performance. Our many programs of study provide applied learning and broad-based university education. 

Within KPU, the Faculty of Arts has over 6000 full-time students and over 300 faculty members from across the Humanities and Social Sciences. The Faculty of Arts includes 19 departments and 21 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Faculty is also home to two Canada Research Chairs: the first in Lifespan Cognition, and the second in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies. Many of our programs offer opportunities for experiential education through practicums, co-ops, international field-schools and exchanges, service learning, community engagement, and research collaborations. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, please visit our website at: 

The Department of Sociology is home to award-winning educators, excellent scholars, and some of the university’s top students. It is home to thirteen permanent faculty with a range of expertise and experience, and to three undergraduate programs in Sociology: Associate of Arts (AA), Bachelor of Arts (BA) Minor, and Bachelor of Arts Major. The majority of our 38 courses are offered on the Surrey campus, with some offered at Richmond and Langley campuses as well. Class sizes are small, ranging from 25-35 students, which allows for active and engaged learning. Our faculty have a passion for teaching, a commitment to social and environmental justice, and are dedicated to student success. Our faculty also engage in research, pedagogical development projects, and community work. We have a commitment to developing an anti-racist, inclusive, and social justice-oriented environment that addresses systemic barriers in post-secondary education. The Department seeks to include decolonizing, Indigenizing, and accessibility discourses and practices in all we do. Recruiting Indigenous, racialized, and marginalized scholars and teachers is a priority of the Department. KPU has opportunities for regularization of contract faculty.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Department of Sociology seeks to establish a list of faculty who are qualified to teach in the program and who will be eligible for future course contracts on a per-semester basis. Applications are invited from individuals with expertise related to the courses offered in our programs. Courses may be offered during the day or evening as well as online or in-person at any of KPU’s campuses. 

For more information about the Sociology Department’s courses and programs, please see  

More information concerning the working conditions for a faculty member are outlined in Article 12 of the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to applicants who:

1. Have an MA in Sociology or equivalent, PhD preferred in Sociology or related discipline
2. Have formal or informal teaching experience and can demonstrate a commitment to inclusive/transformative pedagogy
3. Have expertise, community engagement, or work experience that is relevant to teaching Sociology
4. Are available to teach both daytime and evening classes, Monday to Saturday potentially across our three campuses. 

Community-based and/or professional experience rooted in racialized communities, experience with Indigenous knowledges and traditions, and participation in struggles for decolonization and resurgence will be considered assets. Community-based and/or professional experience with people with disabilities, expertise in inclusive pedagogies, and participation in struggles for accessibility will also be considered assets. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Only complete applications will be considered, and will include the following: 

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Statement of teaching philosophy
4. Evidence of undergraduate teaching success or potential
5. Sample sociology course syllabi/outlines for:
   • SOCI 1125: Introduction to Society
6. A list of three professional references able to comment on your teaching ability or potential and your academic accomplishments.

SALARY INFORMATION: 

Placement on the   will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience. Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.

This competition is for a maximum FTE of % (Regular or NR2). When possible, priority will be given to the candidate(s) who can maximize the FTE either individually, or collectively, as such please indicate on your application your preferred workload percentage. This competition could also be used to add candidates to our Qualified Faculty List, therefore also please indicate on your application if you are interested in being added to this list.

Why Join KPU? 

• Recognized as one of B.C.'s Top Employers   
• KPU is committed to actively fostering an equitable and inclusive working environment
• Hybrid environment 
  Defined Benefit Pension Plan – College Pension Plan 
• Extended Medical, Dental, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Emergency Travel Assistance, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Teledoc 
• Vacation, Professional Development and Accountable Time  
• Maternity and parental leave top-up 
• Campus work environment, outdoor sitting areas and nearby walking trails 
• Campus athletic and fitness centers with a variety of instructor-led classes 
• Tuition waiver program – eligible to waive tuition costs of courses at KPU equivalent to 3 credits per semester 
• Inhouse training and development 
• Networking and social events such as KPU Day, Holiday Social etc. 
• Intercampus shuttle 
• Access to automotive, horticulture, brewery and other programs’ services 
• Clubs: Jeopardy, E-sports, Ted Talks etc. 
• Library and Bookstore (discounts)   

Note to Applicants: 
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity-deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. 

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.