Sessional Instructors, Spring and Summer 2024, Department of Art and Art History

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Position Description

The Department of Art and Art History invites applications for Sessional Instructors to teach the following courses in the Spring and Summer 2024 terms.

Lectures for the spring 2024 term run from May 6 to June 17, and lectures for the summer 2024 term run from June 24 to August 6. Individual course dates are noted below; please see the academic schedule for additional important dates and deadlines.

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING COURSE OFFERINGS ARE TENTATIVE, PENDING SUFFICIENT ENROLMENTS. 

SPRING 2024

ARHI 201:  Introduction to Art History I

• Course dates: May 6 – June 17, 2024
• Dates: Tuesday and Thursday 09:00-11:45
• Description: An examination of art and architecture before 1400 in relation to significant historical and cultural events.
  • There may be ROFR candidates for this course.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A PhD in Art History or related field is required.
• Applicants should have a record of teaching within the field of art history, and ideally experience teaching large, introductory surveys of global art history.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level. 
• Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of art history.
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities. 

ARHI 331 Modern Art and Architecture

• Course dates: May 6 – June 17, 2024
• Dates: Tuesday and Thursday 13:00-15:45
• Description:  A critical exploration of the development of and discussions about different art movements in relation to Modern Art and the avant-garde, addressing the historical circumstances that enabled the creation of selected art movements, which may include Impressionism, the Arts and Crafts Movement, Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, Fluxus, and Situationist.
  • There may be ROFR candidates for this course.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A PhD in Art History or related field is required.
• Applicants should have a record of teaching within the field of art history, and ideally experience teaching large surveys of global art history.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level. 
• Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of art history.
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.

ART 241:  Drawing I

• Course dates: May 6 – June 17, 2024
• Dates: Monday and Wednesday 09:00 -11:45 and 13:00-15:45
• Description: Introductory course in observational and representational drawing. Creative exploration includes mark-making, hand-eye co-ordination, proportions, perspective, line, texture, figure-ground relationships and pictorial composition. Approaches may include pencil, conté, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink. These will be addressed in the context of research, problem-solving, visual fluency and conceptual development.
  • There may be ROFR candidates for this course.

Qualifications/Requirements: 

• A terminal degree in Art (MA or MFA, but a studio-based PhD is preferred for Art courses).
• Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level, especially drawing courses. 
• Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course(s).
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.

ART 381:  Sculpture Materials and Process

• Course dates: May 6 – June 17, 2024
• Dates: Tuesday and Thursday 09:00 -11:45 and 13:00-15:45
• Description: Technical and conceptual exploration of sculpture through materials and processes. This may include a range of methods such as mold-making, casting, assemblage, carving, welding, forging, riveting, time-based media, installation, or digital media.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• BFA or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience with the investment method of lost-wax bronze casting.
• Foundry and gas kiln operation expertise.
• Experience with patination methods and materials.
• Awareness of safety issues involved with art foundry work in an educational setting.
• Ability to plan, present, direct and assist with all aspects of the casting process.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful experience working with post-secondary students and curriculum. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.

SUMMER 2024

ARHI 203:  Introduction to Art History II

• Course dates: June 24 – August 6, 2024
• Dates: Tuesday and Thursday 09:00-11:45
• Description: An examination of art and architecture after 1400 in relation to significant historical and cultural events.
  • There may be ROFR candidates for this course.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A PhD in Art History or related field is required.
• Applicants should have a record of teaching within the field of art history, and ideally experience teaching large, introductory surveys of global art history.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level. 
• Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of art history.
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.  

ARHI 365:  Survey Far Eastern Art: Japan

• Course dates: June 24 – August 6, 2024
• Dates: Tuesday and Thursday 13:00-15:45
• Description: An examination of the art and architecture of dynastic Japan, with special emphasis on Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
  • There may be ROFR candidates for this course.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A PhD in Art History or related field is required.
• Applicants should have a record of teaching within the field of art history, and ideally experience teaching courses that focus on Japanese Art.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level. 
• Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of art history.
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.  

Desirable Skills and Abilities:

• Energy, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in teaching. 
• The willingness to work with students having a wide range of skills, varying abilities, motivations, and academic or vocational goals. 
• The ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others in a team environment. 
• The ability to use instructional strategies designed for diverse learning styles and academic goals. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of current literature on art.  

Application Process:

To apply to the above teaching opportunities, please submit your application documents (in pdf form) to the UofC Careers site , using the “Apply Now” link. Please note that the application process allows for only four attachments, which may require you to merge documents. 

In support of your application, please provide the following:

If you have any questions, please contact Joelle Welling, Interim Department Head by email at [email protected]

Application deadline: January 16, 2024

For salary information, please refer to TUCFA's Collective Agreement , Schedule B. As per the Collective Agreement, the Faculty of Arts adheres to the right of first refusal terms (Section 23.12.1 and 23.12.2) for Sessional Appointments.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy  committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website . For more information visit Careers in the Faculty of Arts .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups . Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .
About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.