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Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor in Visual Culture Studies, Critical Curatorial Studies, and Documentary Media-Making

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Position description

The UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance is conducting an Assistant/Associate Professor search for a scholar-practitioner working in one of the following areas: Visual Culture Studies, Critical Curatorial Studies, and Documentary Media-Making. We seek a colleague who will strengthen our offerings in the arts of contemporary social movements and the politics of art production. Our program values arts-activism and we welcome applications from persons whose research foregrounds the perspectives of historically underrepresented communities. Ideal candidates will be conducting interdisciplinary research that takes the form of both scholarly and creative outputs. We hope to hire a scholar-practitioner whose work demonstrates how a mode of representation is shaped through collaborative research design and a practice of methodological ethics. Applications are sought from candidates who specialize in at least one of the following areas:

  1. Practices and discourses that consider diverse or underrepresented cultural perspectives in the field of Visual Culture Studies.
  2. Practices and approaches of Critical Curatorial Studies.
  3. Documentary media-making that embodies critical engagement with institutionalized practices of documentary representation. Fields of specialism may span ethnographic, observational, performative and poetic documentaries.

The Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance binds four degree programs: a BA in World Arts and Cultures, a PhD in Culture and Performance, a BA in Dance and MFA in Choreography. This position specifically will be committed to research, teaching, and service toward the former two degree programs. Within the World Arts and Cultures BA, coursework falls within three streams: Visual Cultures, Arts Activism, and Critical Research Practices. As a tenure-track position, we desire candidates with relevant teaching experience, the capacity to develop pedagogy and contribute in shaping curricula across the World Arts and Cultures BA and doctoral programs. Successful candidates will participate in doctoral recruitment, teaching, advising, as well as offer both undergraduate and graduate courses that draw from and contribute to multiple disciplines. Additionally, our department’s faculty maintain collaborative relationships with partners across campus, including the Fowler Museum, the Hammer Museum, and the Center for the Art of Performance. We especially welcome applications from candidates whose research bears potential to further these collaborative relationships.

UCLA’s Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance acknowledges the Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, South Channel Islands) and are grateful to have the opportunity to work for the taraaxatom (indigenous peoples) in this place. As a land grant institution, we pay our respects to Honuukvetam (Ancestors), Ahiihirom (Elders), and eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

We welcome candidates whose demonstrated experience in teaching, research, and community service prepares them to contribute to a campus climate that supports equality and diversity.

All candidates must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2020.

Candidates must submit a CV, Statement on Research and Teaching not exceeding three pages; a Statement of Contributions to Diversity not exceeding two pages; up to two examples of creative work (if applicable); one professional sample of writing not exceeding forty-five pages; and between three and four names of references (to be requested at a later date). Please apply via UC Recruit: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF04633, by September 30, 2019.

The School of the Arts and Architecture is committed to building a more diverse faculty, staff, and student body in response to the changing population and educational needs of the City of Los Angeles, State of California, and the nation. The Department of World Arts and Cultures/ Dance values intellectual, cultural, and creative inquiry. Qualities such as originality and initiative are important assets that will contribute to a successful application. Applicants who would make meaningful and unique contributions to the intellectual and social interchanges within the profession are especially encouraged to apply.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement on Research and Teaching - Not exceeding three pages.

  • Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our Sample Guidance for Candidates and related EDI Statement FAQ document. Not exceeding two pages.

  • Creative Work - Up to two examples of creative work (if applicable).
    (Optional)

  • Writing Sample - One professional sample of writing not exceeding forty-five pages.

Reference requirements
  • 3-4 required (contact information only)

Job location

Los Angeles, CA