ASSISTANT TEACHING PROFESSOR of Film and Media Studies / UMKC School of Humanities & Social Sciences / Media, Art, & Design

Hiring Department

UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

SCHOOL of HUMANITIES and SOCIAL SCIENCES

Department of Media, Art and Design

With our vast selection of courses spanning the arts, humanities and sciences, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a diverse educational experience. Analyzing ideas and human experiences from a wide variety of perspectives prepares students for careers in government, law, education, communications, political organizations, and more.

The Department of Media, Art and Design programs provide students with tools to develop creative and critical thinking skills, visual and verbal communication abilities, and versatility in professional and personal situations. We offer BA degrees in Studio Art, Film and Media Arts, Art History, and Media, Art and Design, with 180 total undergraduate majors across our four degrees. We serve a variety of students including non-majors and non-traditional students. Our faculty includes actively publishing art historians and film scholars, and nationally exhibiting artists and filmmakers. The department's own UMKC Gallery of Art, which hosts visiting artists, scholars, and gallery exhibitions, supplements coursework and provides unique interactive learning opportunities outside of the classroom. We engage students in high-impact learning trips, such as to local artists' studios, film festivals, and active art hubs across the country. As an urban university, our physical proximity and professional connections to museums, studios, and organizations in Kansas City offer students additional opportunities for internships, access to visiting artists, and enrichment programs to enhance their education. Additional i nformation about the Media, Art and Design Department can be found on the department's website: https://shss.umkc.edu/areas-of-study/media-art-and-design/index.html .

Job Description

The Department of Media, Art and Design at the University of Missouri-Kansas City seeks applicants for a full-time, non-tenure track teaching position in Film and Media Studies beginning in August 2025. The successful candidate will teach introductory-level undergraduate courses in Film Studies, Film Theory, and World Cinema, with latitude to reconceptualize these courses using their own approaches to content and pedagogy. The successful candidate will also be asked to develop new courses in their area of specialization. Candidates with a research area in film spectatorship, diverse modes of film display, or film festival history are of particular interest. We also encourage applicants with film festival programming and film curatorial experience.

The Department of Media, Art and Design at UMKC offers two undergraduate degrees that would be supported by this position - a B.A. in Film and Media Arts, a rigorous course of study in film and video production, incorporating courses in film studies and art, and a B.A. in Media, Art and Design, a flexible course of study appealing to students in Digital Media, Visual Studies, and Graphic Design. In our film and video production courses, we teach a small-crew, independent-artist approach. Our students create short films in narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental modes, building a portfolio of original work. Film history and film aesthetics are a key element of the filmmaking education we offer. In addition to our World Cinema courses, our department offers numerous courses with a global emphasis. While our department's current focus in film and media is in production, our department seeks to foster opportunities for undergraduate research in film and media studies as well.

This is a 9-month full-time, ranked, non-tenure track faculty teaching position with benefits. The position provides opportunity for ranked promotion. Our academic workloads and schedules provide for a positive work/life balance.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Film Studies or a related field by August 1, 2025 is required. Three years of experience teaching film and media studies at the college level is an attribute.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience, scholastic achievement, and credentials.

Application Materials

For consideration, you must apply online at https://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions/ , click Academic Positions, then navigate to Job Opening ID [53229].

Please complete the online application form and provide:

• a cover letter

• a current CV with three current contact information for references

• a statement of teaching philosophy

• three sample course syllabi

Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as your resume attachment. Limit document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu .

• For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu and include the Job Identification numberand name of the position.

• Reasonable accommodations may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at 816-235-1323.

• We will contact references and request educational transcripts for applicants who progress to the finalist stage.

• A successful Criminal Background Check is required for hire.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on 10/28/24 and continue until the position is filled.

Community Information

UMKC is a public, urban, research university with more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. It is part of the larger University of Missouri System. Our university is committed to being a model urban university that is recognized for our partnerships with diverse communities to effectively foster a healthy, safe, more economically secure quality of life.

A City on the Rise - Big City Life and Midwest Charm, Kansas City offers the best of both worlds - a vibrant, urban community with midwestern appeal and an affordable cost of living. The university is in one of the most entrepreneurial cities in America, and the metropolitan area has a population of more than 2.4 million. Our UMKC campuses are centered in the hubs of business activity, cultural arts, and health science research engagement. Our community boasts championship professional athletic teams, NASCAR racing, ethnic and local cuisine (some great BBQ!), and a rich history of music and performing arts. Our beautiful state provides rivers, lakes, biking/hiking trails, and mountains for outdoor enthusiasts, all within an easy drive. https://www.visitkc.com/#sm.00137o3cv13knf6n10pu3xe9yy7k2

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits .

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.