Professors of Journalism
Each year the Humanities Council invites distinguished writers and journalists to teach seminars on a variety of topics related to journalism and other kinds of non-fiction writing.
Roster of Professors 1964-2009
John McPhee, Pulitzer Prize-winning New Yorker writer and author of 27 books, has been Ferris Professor since 1974, teaching two semesters every three years. In 2008 he received a George Polk Career Award for his "indelible mark on American journalism during his nearly half-century career."
Evan Thomas, editor-at-large for Newsweek, is the inaugural Ferris Professor in Residence for a five-year term. Thomas, who spent a decade as Newsweek's Washington Bureau Chief, has written six books and over 100 cover stories on national and international news.
Selection of Professors for 2010-2011
Some writers live in Princeton for a semester, using this appointment as a leave for teaching, research, auditing courses, attending lectures, and participating in the university community.
Others commute to campus once a week for the 12 weeks of the term. In 2009-2010 the stipend for writers in residence will be $80,000 for one semester (September to December or February to May). The honorarium for commuting appointments will be $32,000.
Seminars
Seminars typically meet once a week for three hours, with enrollment limited to 16 students, chosen by the professor. Students are expected to devote about six hours a week outside of class to reading and writing. They submit pieces every week or two which are critiqued during individual conferences. Professors often invite guest speakers and arrange a class visit to their newspaper or magazine. In these seminars, we do not seek to duplicate courses in academic departments, but rather to offer the insights and experience that only practicing journalists can provide. The most successful seminars offer frequent, short, hands-on assignments and more writing than reading.
Proposals
Writers are invited to apply by submitting a résumé, a cover letter specifying whether they would prefer a residential or a commuting appointment, and a proposal for a seminar related to journalism or non-fiction writing. Many (but not all) courses fit under one of these broad rubrics:
The Literature of Fact
Investigative Journalism
The Media and Social Issues
International News
Journalism on the Screen
Writing about (Culture, Nature)
Proposals should include:
- a catalogue description (up to 75 words)
- a paragraph or two about the focus of the course
- a sentence or two about the specific topic for each of the twelve weeks
- a sample reading list of 6-8 titles (books, articles, chapters, periodicals)
- possible writing assignments (typically 5-8 short pieces, one of which might be developed into a longer article, submitted during reading period -- week #14)
Princeton University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Candidates who wish to specify their race or gender are welcome to include an Applicant Self-Identification Form.
Deadlines
Materials are due by October 30 for the fall and spring of the following academic year. The selection committee tries to complete its work by the end of December.
Applications should be sent to:
Humanities Council
Joseph Henry House
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ 08544
