We have two aims for the Thompson Writing Program Fellows at Duke:
- To build a top-flight faculty for our first-year course in Academic Writing; and
- To offer the individuals who join us as Fellows a strong set of opportunities to develop as both scholars and teachers of undergraduates.
Terms of Contract:
Fellows are initially appointed to a three-year contract, which can then be extended for two more years. (The Duke academic year runs nine months, from September through May.) Salary is competitive with a strong benefits package.
Reviews:
Fellows are required to submit materials each semester including student evaluations and course materials. These materials are reviewed by TWP Program Directors. During the second semester of your second year of teaching at Duke, your work in the program will be formally reviewed by the TWP Program Directors. (See Teaching Portfolio for a fuller description of the review process.) If your second-year review is positive, your contract will be extended for three years, if negative, for only one year.
Teaching:
Fellows design their own versions of Writing 120: Academic Writing and teach 5 sections of this course per year. Each section of the course is limited to 12 students. A number of other assignments may, from time to time, take the place of teaching one section of Writing 120. These might include teaching a writing-in-the-disciplines course or serving as an Associate Director of the TWP.
Summer Seminar in Teaching and Writing:
All new Fellows are required to participate in the Summer Seminar in Teaching Writing.
Professional Development:
The Thompson Writing Program sponsors a series of speakers and seminars on issues of professional interest to Fellows. The program's directors also work to connect Fellows to colleagues in their home departments at Duke and beyond.
Computer Support and Office Space:
Fellows are provided with a private office and a laptop computer (either Mac or PC). The computer provided is considered property of Duke University and must be returned at the end of the appointment. Access to faxes, laser printers, scanners, data projectors, CD-burners, and other types of computer software and equipment is also available.