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Job Description
Date Posted:
11/20/2025 The Writing Program at Soka University of America (SUA) invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, effective August 1, 2026. This position may be renewed for an additional year. Although applications from any field of writing studies, rhetoric, communication or composition are welcome, priority will be given to applicants whose scholarship or teaching intersects with the environmental studies, humanities, international studies, life sciences and/or social and behavioral sciences (the SUA liberal arts concentrations). The successful candidate will demonstrate their ability to excite and engage classes of 16 or fewer students, to develop a productive program of research and scholarship, and to engage in service. The position favors candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary teaching and research.
Responsibilities:
We seek a broadly trained expert in Rhetoric and Composition who is capable of teaching students from multiple disciplinary, ideological and national perspectives. As part of a five-course annual teaching load between August 1st and May 31st, the successful applicant will normally teach three to four courses in the Writing Program, mostly focusing on First-Year Writing (Writing 101), as well as one or two courses in our interdisciplinary general education program, which includes, Core I, Core II, Modes of Inquiry, Pacific Basin, American Experience, and/or Learning Cluster (see our Undergraduate Catalog). The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong background in teaching and scholarship as well as evidence of ongoing research activity. The successful candidate should describe a plan to maintain an active research program. SUA provides resources to support faculty research year-round through institutional research funds and with undergraduate student research assistantships.
Qualifications:
Applicants will hold or be near completing a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition, or another scholarly field with an emphasis on writing. Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially regarding socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university's mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of our interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.
Soka University of America:
Soka University of America (SUA), located in Aliso Viejo, California, is a private, non-sectarian liberal arts college founded on the values of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life. It offers a unique and global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degree with five Concentrations, and has a commitment to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding. SUA's small and multinational student body, approximately 450 undergraduates, ensures personalized attention and a close-knit academic community. The university's curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and incorporates a strong international perspective, requiring students to study abroad for a semester. Faculty members at SUA have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary teaching and research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to faculty development and academic freedom. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, serene environment, and a culture that values dialogue, diversity, and the holistic development of its students. Soka University is committed to a dynamic teaching pedagogy that prioritizes active learning through experiential projects, group discussions, and real-world applications. We place a strong emphasis on inclusive pedagogy, fostering a classroom environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel acknowledged, respected, and empowered. Our instructional approach aims to not only disseminate knowledge but also to cultivate critical thinkers and compassionate leaders.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) Letter of application addressing the required qualifications; (2) A Curriculum vitae; (3) A teaching statement that describes their teaching experience in relevant courses, specifically a philosophy that should reflect how the candidate would address teaching needs in a liberal arts environment and address diverse identities and viewpoints (maximum two pages, single-spaced); (4) Statement of research interests (maximum two pages, single-spaced); and (5) contact information for three references. Three letters of recommendation will be requested through the Interfolio platform prior to an interview. Review of applications will begin on February 1st and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application by February 1st. Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check. New employees must provide documents, on their first day, verifying identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. The list of acceptable documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.
Benefits and Salary:
SUA offers an excellent benefits package for (full-time) faculty that includes (list benefits depending on position). The salary range for this position is $74,000 - $80,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
