Compensation Range: $3,300 (Non-Terminal Degree) to $4,000 (Terminal Degree)
The Washington Center is seeking a part-time instructor to teach Political Psychology. This course introduces students to the intersection of psychology and politics, exploring how citizens form political beliefs, make decisions, and engage with political systems. The instructor will provide a comprehensive understanding of psychological concepts applied to political behavior through research, discussions, and interactive assignments.
The Washington Center is a hybrid organization with most employees working on average one day per week in TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility, conveniently located near Union Station and public transportation in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC. Given the nature of the role at The Washington Center, the individual in this role is expected to reside in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area and likely will be in the office during programs more than one day per week.
This position is contracted for a single semester term. Summer term is 10 weeks. The Fall and Spring term is 14 weeks.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Prepare and deliver engaging lectures and discussions in line with the syllabus and institutional guidelines.
- Facilitate student-led presentations and discussions on relevant forensic psychology topics.
- Assign and grade coursework, including writing assignments, exams, a mock trial and a final research paper.
- Provide timely feedback to students and support the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Lead mock trial preparations and facilitate in-class participation for the mock trial session.
- Ensure students understand foundational forensic psychology concepts and research.
- Encourage participation and engagement in class through both in-person and virtual sessions.
Course Overview
The Political Psychology course introduces students to the psychological foundations of political behavior. The instructor will cover key topics such as:
- Personality and political orientation
- Human cognition and decision-making
- Ideological development and political identity
- The role of emotions in politics
- Media influence on political behavior
- Racial and ethnic politics in the U.S.
- Social identity theory and intergroup dynamics
Course Format
This course includes in-person. Students will participate in lectures, discussions, case studies and hands-on activities.
Required Education and Experience
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered:
- A minimum of a Master’s degree in Psychology, Political Science, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred)
- Demonstrated experience in research or practical applications of political psychology
- Prior teaching or instructional experience is preferred
- Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
Preferred Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Psychology, Political Science or a related field
- 1-3 years of Prior teaching or instructional experience
- Experience designing curriculum on Canvas (or similar) and measuring student performance
Competencies Required to Perform the Job Successfully
- Communication/Interpersonal Skills
- Customer Satisfaction
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Initiative
- Self-awareness
- Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Critical to the successful performance of the job. These may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with the position:
- Understanding of trends pertaining to one or more of the following: workforce readiness, college to career pipelines, the future of work or experiential education.
- The ability to own the full scope of a program and contribute from program design to administration.
- Skilled team player with the ability to collaborate with colleagues to achieve program goals.
- Ability to manage and oversee multiple programs simultaneously while meeting program goals, timelines and budgetary constraints.
- An understanding of the basic tenets of, and a commitment to, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the ability to demonstrate DEI in future work.
Supervisory Responsibility
- This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Equipment Used to Perform the Job
May be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:
- Cloud-based technologies
- Standard office equipment including a computer
- Job-related software and printer
Physical Abilities
Commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform described essential functions of this job. These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision to work on a computer.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use repetitive wrist, hand, and/or finger movement, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
- The employee may be required to stand and walk.
Application Instructions
To apply to this position, please do so via our online application form.
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This job description no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.
Certain job functions described herein may be subjected to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.