Academic Year Lecturer in Modern/Contemporary Dance

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Santa Clara University is seeking a one-year, non-tenure-track Lecturer and dance choreographer specializing in Modern/Contemporary dance. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in regional, place-based, spiritual, or culturally-specific dance forms originating outside of U.S. concert dance traditions like ballet and jazz. The role involves teaching courses from beginning to intermediate levels in dance technique, and Rehearsal and Performance for the creation of an original dance, preferably in hip hop or a non-Western dance form with a modern/contemporary fusion. Specific course assignments will depend on the candidate's qualifications and the department's needs. The successful candidate will teach the equivalent of 5 courses, with at least one course per quarter (fall, winter, spring) over a 10-week quarter system.

Requirements

Terminal degree (Ph.D./MFA) in Dance or a closely-related field. Applicants who are ABD or possess a Master’s degree, accompanied by commensurate academic experience in Dance or a closely-related field (5-7 years of college or professional teaching) will be considered.
Demonstrates excellence in teaching Dance at the college level.
Excellent communication skills.
Commitment to teaching theatre and dance within a liberal arts context.
Ability to carry out professional duties of position, working with department directors, designers, technical director and student dancers.
Must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in any regional, place-based, spiritual, or culturally-specific dance form that originates outside of U.S. concert dance forms of ballet and jazz.
Teaching experience at a four-year university environment within the liberal arts context yet with rigorous professional training.
Choreographic experience in a university environment.
Preferred prior experience choreographing in a non-Western style, i.e. Indian Classical or Contemporary, African, Middle-Eastern, Asian or Pacific-Islander at the university level or commensurate professional experience.
Ability to choreograph in Hip Hop or hybrid forms and fusion techniques are also of interest i.e. K-Pop, Bollywood.
Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that promote access and academic success for all students.
Experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

Teach a total of 5 courses: Rehearsal and Performance – Original choreography for Images Dance Concert (1 course load over two quarters), two courses of Dance for All (1 course load each), three Level I - I/II courses of Modern/Contemporary Dance technique (0.5 course load each); and Hip Hop (0.5 course load), according to approved syllabi.
Conduct and appear at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner, demonstrating command of the discipline and effective presentation skills.
Assign and evaluate assignments that align with course descriptions and learning outcomes, providing timely feedback to students.
Hold regular weekly office hours.
Submit student grades that are appropriate, accurate, and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline.
Administer numerical and narrative evaluations for all courses.
Where applicable, teach from an approved syllabus for University Core courses assigned.
Serve as an advisor to a reasonable number of students, commensurate with the full-time equivalency of the appointment, providing informed advice.
Create an original dance, preferably hip hop or a non-Western dance form including a modern/contemporary fusion form, on 10 or more Intermediate/Advanced dancers for Images 2027.
Participate in Images audition and conduct all assigned rehearsals.
Communicate with Images Director for all logistical needs and, after performance, assess and report student performance to the Images director.
Foster and advance the mission and goals of the department, the University, or the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship or creative work, such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, and community service performed in virtue of their professional expertise or association with the University.
Attend department meetings, serve on committees, advise student organizations and honor societies, take part in student recruitment/orientation efforts, and contribute to accreditation or program assessment.
Perform other minimal instructional or academic duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or the Chair of the Department.