Principles of Critical Reasoning - Philosophy Instructor - UCLA Extension

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Course will focus on nature of arguments: how to analyze them and assess soundness of reasoning they represent. Common fallacies that often occur in arguments discussed in light of what counts as good deductive or inductive inference. Other topics include use of language in argumentation to arouse emotions as contrasted with conveying thoughts, logic of scientific experiments and hypothesis-testing in general, and some general ideas about probability and its application in making normative decisions (e.g., betting).

UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Division offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses, including post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit bearing general interest courses. Our courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who are passionate about teaching.

Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool, but interviews will only be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings.

Qualified applicants possessing current knowledge in the following topic area(s) - for adults -- are encouraged to apply. For a sense of the depth and breadth of our course offerings, visit https://www.uclaextension.edu/humanities-social-sciences.

* Complete annual and biannual University compliance trainings by the deadlines set by Human Resources.

* Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Portfolio Director.

* Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e. make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)

* Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning

* Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.

* Utilize Canvas as a course support platform in in-person courses, and as the delivery platform in online and hybrid courses.

* Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner, no later than 2 weeks after course end date.

* Respond to student questions and learning needs within 24 hours.

* Communicate with Portfolio Director and Program Staff in a timely manner.

* Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all new hire paperwork, submitting updated quarterly syllabus, posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website, accepting quarterly contract, submitting required textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs to the appropriate people.

* Participate in required orientations and instructor training programs.

* Assisting in occasional program activities such as competition/scholarship judging, guest lecturing, community events, script consultations (for additional compensation), etc.

* Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies and inclusive teaching strategies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.

* Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of instruction.

* Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.

* Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session.

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges.

Division: https://www.uclaextension.edu/humanities-social-sciences/humanities-social-sciences-general/course/principles-critical-reasoning

Instructor Resources: https://instructor.uclaextension.edu

* Graduate degree in Philosophy required; Ph.D. preferred.

* Commitment to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.

* Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.

* Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.

* Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.

* Proficiency in or willingness to learn the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools.

* College-level teaching experience preferred.

* Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance.

* Experience facilitating group discussions and activities.

* Participation in relevant professional organizations

* Demonstrated commitment to educating learners of diverse backgrounds and educational experience

* Familiarity with common tools of online instruction such as video conferencing software and LMS

References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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