Full-Time Faculty, Dept. of Contemporary Practices, SAIC

Full-Time Faculty Position in the Department of Contemporary Practices
The Department of Contemporary Practices at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for full-time, tenured, or tenure-track faculty positions, beginning August 2018. Rank and salary are competitive with peer institutions and are commensurate with quality of practice, scholarship, extent of teaching experience, current academic research, and professional standing. The department seeks candidates who have a critically recognized practice and are committed to contemporary art and design education for undergraduate students—particularly first-year and undergraduate transfer students.

Program Profile
The Department of Contemporary Practices provides an intensive introduction to contemporary art and design practices, and is part of the required curriculum for freshmen and undergraduate transfer students. The department’s curriculum develops critical thinking, studio skills, collaborative learning strategies, and a broad understanding of contemporary art and design across diverse media. Students are introduced to a wide range of materials, skills, and concepts as well as a range of possible art and design practices. Faculty work with students in transitioning into SAIC and preparing for their future studies at the School. The Department of Contemporary Practices has evolved from a more traditional foundations program and is continually evaluating and assessing what a truly contemporary first-year required curriculum in the arts should be. The department has over 850 students and 75 faculty, including 11 full-time faculty. Further information about the department can be found at the Department’s website.

Responsibilities
Full-time faculty in the Department of Contemporary Practices teach and advise undergraduate students within the context of an interdisciplinary art and design school. Contemporary Practices faculty teach at least four courses within the department and may teach up to two courses in other departments. They must engage with work across a wide range of disciplines. All Contemporary Practices faculty participate in new student orientation, co-teach in the Core Studio courses, and partner with academic advisors in the Research Studio I course. Full-time faculty must maintain an active professional practice, provide vision and direction in administrative roles on a rotating basis, and participate in the SAIC community through ongoing curricular development and departmental and school governance.

Qualifications
An MFA or a terminal degree in a relevant field of study is preferred. Significant teaching experience is required, particularly at the undergraduate level. Applicants should have experience teaching courses related to art, design, and/or digital technology in relation to contemporary art and design. The candidate’s prior experience should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with others to build strong and innovative programs and initiatives. All candidates should demonstrate a commitment to foundational and or introductory level arts education. The ideal candidate will contribute to the diversity of the School by bringing a perspective, way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that expand the intellectual conversations in art and design.

Priority will be given to candidates whose practice and/or pedagogy are in the following areas:

Design—This includes, but is not limited to: various design disciplines (architecture, fashion, graphic design, product design), speculative design, design theory, design-art hybrids, design-as-performance.

New/Digital Media—Practices and pedagogical approaches that include skills and concepts that focus on, or are inclusive of, new media, digital media, art and technology, and other emerging creative practices.

Diversity— Individuals whose work, teaching and/or curriculum development demonstrate a commitment to developing inclusion and diversity with provocative and forward-thinking practices in areas such as the following: globalism, identity politics, ecology, postcolonialism, social justice and human rights.

Application Procedures
On or before January 5, 2018 please submit application materials via SAIC Slideroom. You will be asked to create an account; after which time, you may complete the application comprised of fill-in fields and uploaded documents. SAIC will underwrite the application fees; you will not be charged to apply for the position. You are encouraged to begin the application well before the deadline. No applications may be submitted beyond the deadline for any reason.

Complete the fields for: educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.

Please convert all word documents into PDFs before uploading. Required files to upload include: cover letter stating your interests and qualifications; résumé or curriculum vitae; statement of research and practice; statement of teaching philosophy (please include your thoughts on teaching to a diverse student body and creating an inclusive learning environment); documentation of professional work; and two examples of course syllabi, including at least two project assignments.

Questions
Questions regarding the School and its open positions, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult our website for information on the School and its programs, or visit Jobs at SAIC for open positions and application procedures.