Socrates Project

Have you ever thought about becoming a teaching assistant (TA)? Are you interested in developing your leadership, critical thinking and research skills while simultaneously earning a competitive salary?

What is the Socrates Project?

The Socrates Project at UTSC provides an experiential learning opportunity in philosophy to senior undergraduate students. Selected advanced students are given the chance to become teaching assistants in introductory philosophy courses (namely PHLA10H3, PHLA11H3 or PHLB09) while simultaneously carrying out an intensive independent research project.

How does the program work?

Participants enroll in the full year Socrates Project Seminar (PHLD88 or PHLD89), which provides key support for both the teaching and research components of the project.

Roughly 75% of the seminar is devoted to in-depth study of the topics taken up in PHLA10H3 / PHLA11H3 / PHLB09 to prepare students for teaching tutorials and marking assignments. Students write a seminar paper on one of these topics under the supervision of a UTSC Philosophy faculty member working in a relevant area, and give an oral presentation of their research topic each semester.

The remaining 25% of the seminar is focused on the methods and challenges of teaching philosophy, benchmark grading, and grading generally.

In terms of TA duties, Socrates Project students:

• Lead two tutorial groups (one hour each per week) and related preparation and activities.
• Grade student work and related activities.
• Attend approximately half of the lectures.
• Meet with the Course Instructor/Socrates Project Facilitator as required.
• Attend TA training sessions in late August or early September.
• Offer reasonable student contact hours.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in the 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate philosophy minor, major, specialist or joint specialist program on the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.
• Good prior knowledge of the subject-matter of the course.
• Minimum A- average (80%) in philosophy courses preferred.

Application Procedure:

We are now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Socrates Project.

The 2024-2025 Socrates Project application form is available via the link below. Submit your application package (including completed application form, resume/CV and writing sample) to socratesproject@utsc.utoronto.ca

Applications must be received by April 29, 2024.

Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Department Administrator, Jason Ferreira (jason.ferreira@utoronto.ca)
 

Applicants must choose ONE of the following streams:

• Socrates Project
• Socrates Project for Applied Ethics