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Instructional Assistant Positions for 2024/25

Subject to final budgetary approval and/or availability of positions, the Department of Political Science invites applications for IAs during the 2024/25 academic year. The exact number of positions will be determined when final enrolment numbers are available (early August). The number of winter term contracts issued depends upon a combination of the enrolment levels in the winter term and the performance of the IAs in the fall term.

Position Overview

IAs will be required to undertake some of the following tasks:

  • Prepare for and run weekly tutorials/labs;
  • Mark assignments, tests and exams in a timely manner and as instructed;
  • Attend meetings with the instructors;
  • Hold office hours; and
  • Respond to emails from students in their tutorials.

The total weekly commitment is likely to be from eight to 10 hours, with the exact number depending on the tasks assigned to the IA. Applicants should note that there will be approximately four to five peak periods throughout each term for marking assignments and/or exams, during which the required number of hours to be worked will increase. IA contracts most typically cover a minimum of 50 hours and a maximum of 120 hours per term - hours depend upon the tasks required and assigned by the instructor.

In addition to the above commitments, IAs must attend training sessions which will be scheduled during Orientation Week and possibly again throughout the term.

Courses Available

Note: The courses available are subject to change.

  • PO101(1) Politics Within Borders
  • PO102(2) Politics Beyond Borders
  • PO217(1) Asking Questions in Political Science: An Introduction to Research 
  • PO218(2) Answering Questions in Political Science: Research in Practice 
  • PO237A(2) and PO237B(2) Pathways to Modern Politics
  • and possibly more 200-level Political Science courses which may include:
    PO210(1) Introduction to Law,
    PO220(1) Poverty and Inequality in the Global South,
    PO227(1) US Government: Polarization and Dysfunction,
    PO231(1) Politics in an Insecure World
    PO232(2): Markets, Money and International Politics
    PO263(1) Politics and Government in Canada

Position Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must be fourth-year students - preference is given to Honours Political Science or Honours Political Science with Research Specialization students as of September, 2024 whose current Political Science and overall GPAs are, ideally, no less than 9.50 each. Preference is also given to IAs who have completed the course to which they are assigned with a grade of no less than an A-.

(Please note - other majors are considered as well as those who have not completed the course they are assigned to.)

Other Qualifications

Applicants should:

  • Possess exemplary communications skills (clear, articulate speakers), with strong interpersonal skills (friendly, approachable, able to create a positive rapport with students, etc.);
  • Possess strong time management skills, and be able to handle their own academic workload and the additional IA tasks;
  • Possess discerning, critical reading skills;
  • Be able to write clearly and argumentatively, with a solid understanding of the basics of syntax, punctuation and grammar;
  • Be capable of unbiased evaluation;
  • Exhibit a high level of professionalism, exercising discretion and the utmost confidentiality.

IA Compensation

Year 4 - $27/hr - Political Science majors preferred, but other majors will be considered

Applications and Due Dates

Applicants should send a cover letter, including a statement about their suitability for the position and what they can bring to the course, a resume, and the names and email addresses of two academic references. Note that references from faculty members who can speak to your writing ability and participation in class would be preferred.

Applicants should apply for more than one course. Please list at least 3 courses for which you wish to be considered.

Official transcripts are not required as the department has access to, and will refer to, academic records.

Complete applications should be e-mailed to Lauren Price at polisci@wlu.ca

The deadline for receipt of applications is July 1 2024. Applications are reviewed past this date, until courses are filled, but apply early to avoid disappointment!