The Experimental College at Tufts University seeks Visiting Lecturers from a range of backgrounds and professions for the Spring 2026 semester. Our goal is to bring new topics and perspectives to Tufts. Applicants are asked to design and - if selected - teach small, discussion-based courses that promote active learning and that engage Tufts undergraduates in an exploration of ideas and experiences shaping the world today. We are looking for out-of-the-ordinary courses that also have broad appeal.
Up to fifteen courses will be chosen from a very competitive pool. ExCollege courses are three-credit, letter-graded electives. Classes meet in the evening, once a week, for a total of 2.5 contact hours per week, over thirteen teaching weeks. Courses are taught in a classroom setting at the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus. Selected applicants may be asked to adjust their proposed syllabi as necessary to meet ExCollege and university guidelines.
NOTE: To avoid overlap, we recommend that you check course listings in Tufts departments related to your topic to make sure your course doesn’t overlap with one already taught at Tufts.
Stipend: $5,500.00 for the semester, whether taught individually or team-taught.
The semester will begin on January 14, 2026. The last day of classes is April 27, 2026.
Qualifications
Anyone who has some special expertise to offer Tufts undergraduates and has the ability to share that expertise effectively may apply.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted via Interfolio.
http://apply.interfolio.com/168436
You will be asked to upload four documents: a teaching statement, a course proposal (with course description and bio), a syllabus, and a CV or resume. Please upload the four documents as outlined below to Interfolio.
You will also be asked to include a separate 200-word version of your course description and bio, which will be used to market your course to students.
If you are proposing a co-taught course, each applicant should complete the steps on Interfolio individually. The same set of documents that includes both applicants’ bios and CVs should be uploaded.
The deadline to apply is Monday, August 11, 2025.
We encourage all applicants to visit: https://excollege.tufts.edu/teach-tufts/visiting-lecturers
For more information call 617-627-3384, or email excollege@tufts.edu.
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Document 1 - Teaching Statement
Teaching Statement (one page or less): Please state your current position, any relevant teaching and/or professional experience, and your educational background. Include also your teaching philosophy and the role you plan to play in the classroom.
Document 2 - Proposal
Course Description and Bio: In a paragraph, highlight the key elements that will be covered in your course. A question or two at the beginning of your description can help add to its appeal. Please see our Past Courses page of our website for examples. At the end of your course description, you should include a professional bio that highlights your expertise and relevant experience (job titles, previous positions, etc).
You will also be asked for a shortened version (up to 200 words) of this description and bio in the Visiting Lecturer Application Form section of Interfolio. This version is used to market the course to students who are looking for new, innovative electives.
Please note that titles, course descriptions, and bios may be edited at the discretion of the ExCollege.
Document 3 - Syllabus
Syllabus and Bibliography: Please upload a syllabus that is structured to cover your proposed subject in a 13-week semester. You should incorporate, in as comprehensive a manner as possible:
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A week-by-week outline of topics or questions you plan to cover
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A statement of expected learning outcomes for the course (for example, what you hope students will learn, create, analyze, etc. by the end of the semester)
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Anticipated class readings, viewings, assignments, and activities
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Bibliography of key sources
Please Note: Given the multidisciplinary nature of our courses, we strongly urge you to find course materials from a variety of sources rather than a single textbook.
Document 4 - Resume
Up-to-date resume or curriculum vita.
