Teaching Assistantships

Anthropology Department Expectations 

Lower Division Teaching: 

At some point in your graduate career, you will be a Teaching Assistant for one or more lower division Anthropology courses. Anthropology 1 (Intro to Biological Anthropology), Anthropology 2 (Intro to Cultural Anthropology), and Anthropology 3 (Intro to Archaeology) all have multiple discussion sections run by TAs. 

We strongly encourage students in the graduate program in cultural anthropology to act as TAs in all three basic introductory courses. Many, if not most, of our graduates who pursue teaching careers can expect to find employment in anthropology programs which emphasize the “four field” approach to anthropology. Background as a Teaching Assistant for courses in archeology and biological/physical anthropology is an excellent foundation for working in this context, as well as for participating in interdisciplinary seminars here at UCSC. 

The Division of Social Sciences provides a set number of TAships for the entire year. 

Employment Information

The Graduate Program Coordinator will solicit TA requests at the end of Spring Quarter for TAships within the department. 

First, second, and third year students will receive priority for TA assignments within the department. However, we expect all students to apply for any TA opportunities outside the department to maximize available support. 

Students fill out employment paperwork provided by Social Sciences Academic Human Resources at the beginning of the first quarter in which they teach. 

TAs in the UC System are represented by the ASE/UAW. Please consult with your union rep about your rights as a bargaining unit member.

Writing 

Undergraduate courses in Anthropology emphasize writing rather than standardized tests, and much of the pedagogical work of both instructors and Teaching Assistants involves coaching students in their writing skills.

Training 

The department takes teaching seriously. We offer new TAs a comprehensive workshop on TA administrative matters, a peer mentorship program throughout the first year, and, frequently, a graduate course in pedagogy (ANTH 290T) sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). We encourage ongoing consultation about pedagogy, practical matters, and ethics with your advisor and other faculty members, and/or with the Graduate Director. Our TA training is conducted by a faculty member with the cooperation of experienced graduate students who act as mentors, while our pedagogy course is taught by an experienced peer, trained by TLC. Furthermore, Graduate Division has developed a campus-wide online TA course in conjunction with TLC, Teaching as Ethical Practice, which is accessed by Canvas and mandatory for first-time TAs. All Teaching Assistants are strongly encouraged to participate in these sessions. Students are also encouraged to take seminars offered on campus on the teaching of writing skills.

Workload

Teaching Assistants are expected to work closely with course instructors over the quarter, to attend all lectures, hold regular office hours, and to meet weekly with instructors. 

TAs in the introductory courses hold two to three discussion sections per week to review materials presented in lecture and readings. 

TAs read exams (normally essays) and other work submitted by students in their sections, and assist the faculty member in grading coursework and exams and in preparation of coursework materials. They are expected to hold regular office hours (~ 2 hours) each week during the quarter for individual consultations with students. 

The Anthropology Department and the Graduate Division expect Teaching Assistants to work an average of 20 hours a week. TAs who find themselves working more than this average should discuss this matter with the instructor and/or with the Graduate Director.

TA Pay 

Please consult the current salary scales (https://apo.ucsc.edu/docs/scales-crnt.pdf) for TA salaries. 

If you are employed as a TA for the full academic year, your first paycheck will be issued on November 1, and on the first of the month thereafter. The final Spring quarter check is issued on July 1. When you sign your employment papers, you will fill out a payroll check disposition form to let Payroll know where to send your check. The Payroll Calendar may be viewed here: https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/Payroll_Schedules_Calendars.aspx