Two Positions – P/T Instructor for Museums & Technology & P/T Curatorial Practicum Instructor – University of San Francisco
UPDATED: Deadlines are now November 8, 2019.
Position One:
Location: USF Hilltop Campus
Job Title: Adjunct Instructor – Museums and Technology Practicum, M.A. Program in Museum Studies, University of San Francisco, Spring 2020
Job Summary: The Museum Studies M.A. Program at the University of San Francisco (USF) invites applications for a part-time faculty position for the spring semester 2020. The successful candidate will be expected to teach one 4 unit class, MUSE 608: Museums and Technology Practicum. The class is scheduled to meet in a digital laboratory setting on the USF campus on Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm between January 23 and May 7, 2020.
Full Job Description: Class Description – In this graduate-level Museum Studies course, students will experience how media and technology are used to solve challenges and innovate methodologies in the museum field. The course combines examination of a variety of technology practices used in museums today and a “hands-on” practicum assignment of planning and designing a museum technology project of their choice. Projects could address current uses and effects of digitization, the Internet, wireless technologies, new media in exhibition design, environmental design, etc., in the museum setting. Field visits to San Francisco Bay Area museums are recommended to expose students to current, real world innovative technology projects.
The pay is approximately $7900 for teaching the course. Part-time instructors have access to library resources, gym facilities, are eligible for commuter benefits, and other resources. The course also receives a modest budget that can be used for guest speakers and site visits.
USF is a medium-sized liberal arts university with a strong social justice mission. Our small class sizes cap at 15 to allow for discussion and engagement in the classroom. Learn more here: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/graduate-programs/museum-studies
Minimum Qualifications: We are looking for an active professional with a track record of innovative technology projects in museums over the last 5 or more years, who is connected to the Bay Area museum community. Additional requirements include:
- MA/MFA/PhD degree in a related field recommended
- A strong record of teaching at the university level, graduate level preferred
- Ability to teach both theory and practice in a digital laboratory setting
- Experience teaching a diverse student body
- Ability and experience in teaching a student body with limited skills in technology and/or museum technology projects
- Experience working on a wide variety of museum technology projects
- Understanding of and commitment to support the mission of the University of San Francisco
- Ability to work within institutional and current budgeting structures of the University of San Francisco, in concert with the Academic Director of the Museum Studies M.A. Program
Applicants should submit one PDF file to museum@usfca.edu that includes a cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, evidence of teaching ability (e.g., sample syllabi, teaching evaluations), and the names of three references who will be contacted by USF (we are not requesting letters at this time). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Deadline: November 8, 2019. October 25, 2019.
Position Two:
Job Title: Adjunct Instructor – Curatorial Practicum, M.A. Program in Museum Studies, University of San Francisco, Fall 2020
Job Summary: The Museum Studies M.A. Program at the University of San Francisco (USF) invites applications for a part-time faculty position for the fall semester 2020. The successful candidate will be expected to teach one 4 unit class, MUSE 605: Curatorial Practicum. This appointment will also include a paid planning period during the spring 2020 semester (January 21-May 7, 2020) to prepare the exhibition. The class is scheduled to meet on Tuesdays from 8:45am-11:30am between August 18 and December 1, 2020.
Full Job Description: Class Description – This graduate-level Museum Studies Curatorial Practicum provides students a historical and theoretical basis for exploring the shifting and varied roles and responsibilities of professional museum curators today, as well as direct, “hands-on” professional practice in curating a major, professional exhibition of fine art in the University’s Thacher Gallery, opening the last week of November 2020. The course will explore evolving definitions of a curator, the objects of curatorial purview in museums, what constitutes an effective, well-justified exhibition and best practices related to curating in a wide variety of contexts. In consultation with Thacher Gallery, the instructor will conceive of the exhibition concept and select the participating artist(s) in Spring 2020, prior to the start of the Fall 2020 class.
The main responsibility of the class is collaboratively curating the exhibition. Student assignments include selecting, organizing, researching and interpreting works, creating an exhibition concept and plan, writing and producing didactic materials, guiding key design and exhibition layout choices, and developing key programming associated with the exhibition opening. The exhibition is organized in partnership with Thacher Gallery, its mission and staff.
The pay is approximately $7900 for teaching the Fall 2020 course; the amount of the stipend for the paid planning period is TBD. Part-time instructors have access to library resources, gym facilities, and other resources. The course also receives a modest budget that can be used for guest speakers and site visits.
USF is a medium-sized liberal arts university with a strong social justice mission. Our small class sizes cap at 15 to allow for discussion and engagement in the classroom. Learn more here: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/graduate-programs/museum-studies
Minimum Qualifications: We are looking for an active curator with a track record of art exhibitions over the last 5 or more years, who is connected to the Bay Area arts community. Additional requirements include:
- MA/MFA/PhD degree in a related field recommended
- A strong record of teaching at the university level, graduate level preferred
- Ability to teach theories and methodologies of curatorial practice
- Experience teaching a diverse student body
- Experience with collaborative curatorial models
- Experience curating in a university setting (preferred)
- Experience working on exhibits relating to themes of social justice (preferred)
- Understanding of and commitment to support the mission of the University of San Francisco
- Ability to stage a collaborative exhibition planned by instructor (with approval of Gallery Director)
- Ability to work within institutional and current budgeting structures of the University of San Francisco, in concert with Thacher Gallery and Gallery Director
Applicants should submit one PDF file to museum@usfca.edu that includes a cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, evidence of teaching ability (e.g., sample syllabi, teaching evaluations), and the names of three references who will be contacted by USF (we are not requesting letters at this time). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Deadline: November 8, 2019. October 25, 2019.
Full-Time/Part-Time: Part time
About:
The University of San Francisco — a premier Jesuit university — is a reflection of the inclusive, inspirational, innovative city that surrounds it. We provide students from all backgrounds an education that is intensely personal and intellectually demanding.
For us, reason, religion, science, and spirituality are complementary. Our students see the world with a sense of awe and wonder, and with a curiosity for answers to the world’s most complex questions.