Teaching Assistant (Ragona) - College of Fine Arts

The School of Art is seeking one Teaching Assistant to work 8 hours per week across two courses in Critical Theory and Art History, as well as engage in occasional research tasks for an Art History/Critical Theory professor in the School of Art.

Course Descriptions:

Art writer: Writing as Object, Criticism, and Experiment:

• ART WRITER will strive to bring together the intersecting discourses of artists’ use of writing as an object, exploring experiments by artists, poets, novelists and critics who use language and theory as invention. The idea of experiment implied here emphasizes the urgency that art writing move beyond its own history, beyond the received understanding of its proper practices in order to propose new modes of critical reflection. The form and material force of language will be explored through the conceptual and critical work of Ocean Vuong, Harryette Mullen, Fatimah Asghar, Jamaica Kincaid, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frances Stark, Kathy Acker, Samuel Delaney, Glenn Ligon, Brian Kim Stefans, Pajtim Statovci, Trisha Low, Tan Lin, Adam Pendleton, just to name a few. International projects of Art and Language, Fluxus, the Dark Room Collective, Los Contemporáneos, as well as more recent iterations will be investigated/researched. This is a writing intensive seminar with experimentation at its core. Members will workshop their writing: revise, rethink, perform, and publish.

Painting in the Expanded: Field: Theory and History:

• Painting has always been secretly (and not so secretly) unruly—sometimes unable to fit—morally, scale-wise, discipline-specific—into conventional salons, galleries, or museums. This seminar will follow the vast, stormy line from Courbet’s 22 ft. long, audacious, Burial at Ornans (1849-50) to Torkwase Dyson’s Indeterminacy #1 (Black Compositional Thought) (2022) which looms at architectural scale (crossing the divides between architecture, sculpture, painting) to the abject painting treatments (2010- present) of Leidy Churchman in which live human bodies lie under unhinged canvases upon which paint, syrup, powder, potato chips, and a whip (and other substitutes for paint/brushes) are wielded with equal force. We will excavate history, theory, and practice equally, but our focus will mainly be on artists working today. Other expanded painters (& possible guest speakers), just to name a few, include: Suki Seokyeong Kang, Wangechi Mutu, Tschabalala Self, Laurie Shapiro, Carrie Yamaoka, Amy Sillman, Tomashi Jackson, Genesis Tramaine, Kehinde Wiley, Maxwell Alexandre, Cy Gavin, Kerry James Marshall, Faith Ringgold, Glenn Lignon, Gelitin, Laura Owens, Kai Althoff, Rachel Rossin, Maxwell Alexandreand and Mickalene Thomas.

Based upon skill set and knowledge of course content, a teaching assistant would be responsible for the following tasks:

Responsibilities:

• Manage & Update Weekly Canvas Course Sites (for 2 seminars).

• Attend two classes per week: take attendance, keep track of student participation, presentations, and grades keep clear records of all of the above.

• Assist with grading papers across two courses.

• Occasionally preparing digital slides for course sessions.

• Small research tasks, i.e. library research, internet searches for seminar presentations.

• Downloading and running PowerPoint presentations prepared by both students and instructor (sent to you before class).

• Preparing classroom before class, helping to clean-up after presentations i.e. if furniture needs to be moved or chairs organized, or whiteboard erased, etc. (physical classroom readiness).

• Co-organize (with instructor) and Participate in final classroom CRITS, as well as helping organize final presentation receptions.

• Attend Special Class Events (TBA).

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Digital Filmmaking and related fields

• Prior TA or teaching experience preferred

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Experience in the complete digital filmmaking production cycle.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills

• Demonstrated analytical skills

• Interpersonal skills

Requirements:

• Successful Background Check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits, available to all full-time Carnegie Mellon University employees. Experience the full spectrum of advantages, from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to enticing retirement savings programs. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, and take well-deserved breaks with generous paid time off and holidays. Rest easy knowing you're covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits awaiting you, explore: https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role & responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique key skills and the different perspectives you bring. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment means we also account for geographic differentials. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it is about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Teaching Assistants, RA's/CA's

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Part time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: