The University of Southern Maine’s Art Department invites applicants for Part-time Faculty to teach various Art History courses for our Fall 2023 semester, beginning August 28, 2023, and Spring 2024 semester.

The successful candidate will teach two courses per semester, which will include introductory survey courses (ARH 111 and 112), as well as upper-level courses in the candidate’s area of scholarship. Preferred areas include pre-Modern periods as well as Non-Western topics. These courses will run concurrent with the University of Maine System academic schedule for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. Instructors are also expected to maintain weekly office hours.

We are seeking student-focused instructors who will have full responsibility for course delivery and grading.

Courses to be taught may include:

Prehistoric through Medieval (ARH 111)

Examination and discussion of the painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistoric cultures to the late Middle Ages. The course emphasizes the relationship of the visual arts to social, political, religious, and cultural trends, and introduces students to various methods of art-historical interpretation.

Renaissance to the Present (ARH 112)

Examination and discussion of the painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. The course emphasizes the relationship of the visual arts to social, political, religious, and cultural trends and introduces students to various methods of art-historical interpretation.

Cross-Cultural Perspectives (ARH 310)

The course covers global issues in art history. Major topic areas include a) how art conveys cultural values and biases, b) why foreign styles are adopted, c) why different values produce different forms.

Classical Art (ARH 321)

A survey of ancient art and architecture with special emphasis on the key monuments of Greek and Roman art and their influence on later artistic periods.

Medieval Art (ARH 322)

A survey of the various medieval styles from the Early Christian through the Gothic period with a special section on Islamic art. The relationship of culture to art will be examined for architecture, painting, and sculpture.

Renaissance Art (ARH 323)

An examination of the art and architecture of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries both north and south of the Alps. Emphasis will be given to the cultural traditions, historical events and theoretical foundations that contributed to the development of Renaissance art.

American Art (ARH 325)

Survey of North American painting, sculpture, and architecture from the sixteenth century to 1940. The art will be examined in the context of aesthetic and cultural ideals, historical events, and multiculturalism. Field trips to local museums and architectural sites.

Asian Art (ARH 329)

A survey of some major styles in Asian art (India, China, Japan). The course emphasizes the cultural and religious factors that influenced the art.

Seminar in Art History (ARH 410)

This course is a requirement for students concentrating in art history. Designed for the advanced student, the course probes different methodological and theoretical approaches to the study and interpretation of the visual arts. Students will examine the writings of pioneers in the field, long-standing art historical methods, and the “new” art history. This course is also a research seminar.

Topics in Art History (ARH 399 and ARH 412)

A seminar on a selected topic in art history that will be the focus of in-depth research and discussion.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience. In addition, USM employees can use their USM Card to access the library, Cigna Employee Assistance Plan, and fitness center(s). USM also offers part-time faculty the opportunity for development frequently through our Center for Collaboration and Development (CCD) and the chance to get an online teaching certification and training through CTEL, in addition to other developmental opportunities open to all staff throughout the year.

The University of Southern Maine is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. It embraces an inclusive campus community that values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. Our Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact supports the University of Southern Maine’s DEIA and Community Impact focused departments, committees, groups, projects, training, and events. USM encourages women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.

We live our USM Service Promise: Student Focused Every Day. We are looking for a team member who understands that promise and supports our core values: Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity and Responsiveness.

The University of Southern Maine (USM) is located in the intellectual, cultural, and economic heart of Maine. Over 60 languages are spoken within an hour’s drive of our three campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston. USM’s three environmentally friendly campuses are unique, yet all share the extensive resources of the university — and all are energized through strong community partnerships. Offering easy access to Boston, plus the ocean, mountains, and forests of coastal, inland, and northern Maine, USM is at the heart of Maine's most exciting metropolitan region. Our faculty are dedicated researchers and experts in their fields, including multiple recipients of national grants, awards, and fellowships and state, national, and global partnerships are steps from our campuses.

Want to know more about employment, benefits, and local resources? Our Employment webpage has additional information to help you become more familiar with developing a new career at USM as well as exploring everything the greater Southern Maine area has to offer.

• Preferred candidates should have a Ph.D. or ABD in art history.
• Two years college teaching experience beyond the TA level.
• Experience teaching art history online is welcome.
• MA in Art History with substantial college teaching experience also considered.

You will need to upload a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae, including a list of the names and contact information for three references. An interview will be required, either in person or via Zoom. Interviews will be scheduled after the job posting has ended.

We will examine candidate packages on an ongoing basis as they are submitted.

All required materials must be submitted by June 5, 2023.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Office of Equal Opportunity, Room 101, Boudreau Hall, Orono, ME 04469, (207) 581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)