Part-time Faculty, Theory and History of Art and Design

The Department of Theory and History of Art and Design ( THAD ) at Rhode Island School of Design ( RISD ), invites applications for part-time faculty members to teach in the spring semester, 2027. Applications for fall 2027 will also be considered. RISD recognizes principles of social equity, inclusion, and diversity as fundamental to its mission as an art and design school.

These principles require sustained attention to a multiplicity of differences and call for an expansion of the forms of knowledge that shape our curricula and pedagogy. RISD is committed to the collective work of institutional transformation and values applicants whose teaching, pedagogical and professional experiences have prepared them to foster and sustain equitable learning environments. We especially welcome faculty whose pedagogy engages diverse perspectives, expands forms of knowledge, and helps foster a culture of belonging where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive.

THAD seeks art historians to teach required and elective courses to RISD undergraduate students. Opportunities include teaching sections of THAD’s first-year introductory courses (H101/102: Introduction to Theory and History of Art and Design I/II) and teaching elective courses on topics in the candidate’s area of expertise. The department is particularly interested in adding elective courses focused on the early modern period, South Asia, and contemporary design.

Title Part-time Faculty, Theory and History of Art and Design Department Theory and History of Art and Design Division Liberal Arts

Employment Type

Part-Time Critical Review Track (similar to tenure track) No

• Ph.D. or ABD in the history of art or an allied field.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible undergraduate learning environments through culturally responsive pedagogy that support the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs of students.

• Record of successful teaching
• Experience teaching students of art and design

Rhode Island School of Design ( RISD ) is a nonprofit college and museum of art and design founded in 1877 in the city of Providence, RI. Today 2,606 students from 62 countries engage in more than 40 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, supported by a committed faculty and worldwide network of more than 33,000 alumni. By cultivating expansive and elastic thinking, RISD equips artists, designers and scholars to generate and challenge the ideas that shape our world.
The Department of Theory and History of Art and Design offers courses focusing on a wide range of media, embracing diverse methodologies and critical perspectives, and spanning global geography and periods from ancient to contemporary. The department offers an undergraduate (24 credits) as well as a graduate concentration (15 credits) in Theory and History of Art and Design to students across all departments at RISD .

Faculty Responsibilities Union Salary Information For information about base pay for this position, please refer to Article IX “Salary” (p. 19) in the Part-Time Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Contract . The contract indicates the minimum base salary for each rank. Faculty teaching at least two (2) courses totaling at least two (2) teaching units in any academic year are included in the unit membership.

Minimum salary rates are the same for unit and non unit faculty.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Two College Street - Providence, RI 02903