Adjunct Professor of John H. Mitchell Business of Entertainment Programs – Artificial Intelligence in Business of Cinematic Arts

The John H. Mitchell Business of Entertainment Program is looking to hire an Adjunct Professor to teach a new course about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on media, cinematic arts, and business sector of the entertainment industry.

This course will delve into the philosophical, business, ethical, and creative effects of AI in the entertainment industry, including generative AI, machine learning, and the re-architecture of AI in the workplace.

The course will cover the following topics:

• How workers will migrate the transition to human-AI modalities
• How creators in the entertainment industry will develop projects with AI tools
• How businesses (studios, talent agencies, production companies, and creators) will monetize AI to their benefit, including evolved labor practices
• The ethical safeguards needed to protect humans and develop AI technology
• Help students to develop their own opinions on the integration of AI into entertainment, with a well-informed, knowledgebase of how AI works

Candidates will need to demonstrate expertise in teaching how AI will be implemented in business settings and how the entertainment industry will change. A working knowledge of AI technology is strongly preferred and the optimal candidate will be able to translate complex ideas into relatable course content suitable for a survey level course.

Candidates will also need to demonstrate proficiency in completing course administration, including interfacing with high profile guest speakers, technical/projection needs, navigating Brightspace (learning module system), course attendance, and other course administrative duties. Candidate will also grade papers and input grades.

Candidates will be able demonstrate proficiency in:

• Public speaking in classroom, learning settings
• Office management & course administration of a collegiate-level class
• Grading papers and inputting grades into university grading & roster system
• Navigating USC online systems, including Brightspace, USC email, Workday
• Previous assistant to professor or supervisor in the entertainment industry
• Basic technical knowledge of USC theater-classrooms and willingness to troubleshoot to resolve technical difficulties that may occur during lecture
• Delicate handling of high-profile VIP speakers who speak in class

This is an elective course, open to all currently enrolled USC undergraduate and graduate students, with an expected enrollment of 35.

Compensation:

The core salary range for this position is $30 - $45 per hour. This is an adjunct position. 

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.

Minimum Education:  

·     Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Experience:

·     Experience teaching or mentoring students in media & entertainment-focused courses

·     3+ years job experience in higher education and/or AI and entertainment fields

·     Good communication skills, project planning, and professional rigor and ethics

Preferred Education: 

·     Master's Degree, or PhD

Preferred Experience:

·     5+ years experience teaching or mentoring students in media & entertainment-focused courses

·     5+ years working with Artificial Intelligence in a professional capacity

·     Experience teaching graduate and undergraduate classes in media, AI, technology, or cinema