Seymour Reader in Ancient History and Philosophy (EXPIRED)

Ormond College at the University of Melbourne, in conjunction with the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne, is seeking to appoint a stipendiary fellow in classical philosophy known as the Seymour Reader in Ancient History – a post established through a bequest by Percy and Beatrice Seymour for ‘instruction in Ancient History and Philosophy’.

 Criteria for appointment

According to the terms of trust ‘The person appointed to the Seymour Readership (‘the Reader’) shall be a person suitably qualified in the ancient Greek and Latin languages and of proven ability to teach ancient Greek and Latin classical literature particularly the writings of Thucydides, Plato and Aristotle’.

 The reader will contribute to the teaching at Ormond College and at the University of Melbourne, School of Historical Studies

For the College, the Reader will teach the equivalent of a one-semester course in ethics and its application today and a weekly tutorial or forum in ancient history and philosophy. Preference will be given to candidates who also have a broader interest in moral philosophy or the application of ancient philosophy to today’s ethical issues.

 For the University, the Reader will teach two courses in the University’s School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, one of which will be in Greek philosophy, and the other to be negotiated with the School. Capacity to teach Ancient Greek or Latin languages (preferably at the intermediate level) will be viewed favourably. They will also participate in the academic life of the School.

 The Reader will also be encouraged to pursue his/her own program of research.

 Ormond College

Ormond College is a College within the University of Melbourne that has resident and non-resident students undertaking the University’s full range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Currently it has over 600 members.

 The College provides a range of learning programs for its students to support academic excellence and to equip them to be ethical leaders who will make a disproportionate difference in the world. The College provides tutorials and academic support for the courses that students are undertaking on campus as well as vibrant student community life and pastoral support. In addition, there are a range of academic enrichment programs including ethics, problem solving, speakers program, Associate of Ormond College (AOC) and service learning. The College also support students in attending overseas courses and opportunities.

 Key Responsibilities

Within the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies the Reader will:

• Teach two semester length courses a year. One of the courses will be in Greek Philosophy and the other course will be negotiated with the School. 
• Have capacity in Ancient Greek or Latin languages, preferably at the intermediate level, will be viewed favourably
• Participate in the weekly philosophy seminar in the School
• Be expected to work from the School one day a week.

 Within the College, the Reader will be responsible for:

• Contributing to the ethics program for undergraduates eg. ‘Ethical Reasoning and Critical Thinking for the Modern Workplace’ within the AOC program
• Undertaking their own program of research and updating the Master of the College on the progress of their research annually
• Providing a yearly seminar to Ormond students on research undertaken
• Providing at least one tutorial/forum per week to support students
• Participating in the Tutor Meetings (2 per year) which focus on sharing and improving teaching practice
• Being on-site during semester and being available for student consultation for at least 6 hours a week
• Interviewing prospective students, undertaking planning and projects (Outside the university teaching weeks)
• Referring students to appropriate sources of support as needed e.g. Ormond’s Academic Advisors, Community Counsellors or Director of Communities. 

Community

• Be a positive and active member of the Senior Common Room, including attending social events and formal meetings
• Attend formal dinner in Hall with the Master and SCR at least once per week during the teaching semesters
• Attend ceremonial dinners of the College (7 per year) and other key community events
• Model the values of the College, and foster a learning and community life based on integrity and respect for all its members

Other requirements

The Reader would warmly welcome and prefer the Reader to live in College.(accommodation costs would be negotiated and would be separate from the stipend). The Reader is expected to interact with students and members of the Senior Common Room in informal and formal forums. A Reader who does not live in the College will be provided with office space when working in the College. The Reader will also be provided with a working space in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies.

 Term of appointment

Three years, preferably beginning on 1 July 2018, but subject to negotiation.

Applications should also include a CV and list of referees. Applications should be addressed to The Acting Master, Ormond College via email: [email protected] with Seymour Readership as the subject or via mail: 49 College Crescent Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia. Applications are due by 18th May 2018. Applicants will be shortlisted and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in person or via Skype in June 2018.