VCUarts Qatar invites applications for an adjunct faculty position under Academic Affairs to teach Introduction to Contemporary Digital Culture , an undergraduate minor course exploring digital systems, platform culture, and the social, ethical, and cultural implications of digital dependency.
The course investigates how digital systems have become embedded in everyday life and how platforms, algorithms, interfaces, data collection, and digital technologies shape human behavior, communication, relationships, identity, and culture. Rather than treating digital tools as neutral or optional, Introduction to Contemporary Digital Culture asks students to critically examine the structures and power dynamics that influence digitally mediated environments.
Special attention is given to how digital dependency is experienced across different cultural, regional, and social contexts, including contexts where digital access, autonomy, and digital safety create distinct challenges and opportunities.
Course Focus
The selected adjunct instructor will guide students through critical analysis, ethnographic observation, and design-based inquiry. Students will examine their own and others’ digital practices, develop awareness of patterns of digital dependency and engagement, and explore the ethical, social, and psychological implications of contemporary digital life.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Develop critical awareness of how digital systems and platforms structure contemporary life and shape human behavior.
- Analyze digital practices through ethnographic observation and identify patterns of dependency and engagement.
- Examine the power structures, algorithms, and data flows that underlie digital systems.
- Understand how digital dependency and digital awareness are experienced differently across cultures, geographies, and communities.
- Articulate the ethical, social, and psychological implications of living in digitally mediated environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach Introduction to Contemporary Digital Culture in accordance with the approved course description, learning outcomes, and expectations of Academic Affairs.
- Develop and deliver course materials, readings, assignments, discussions, critiques, and assessments that support student learning.
- Facilitate critical reflection, ethnographic observation, and design-based inquiry related to digital systems, platform culture, and digitally mediated environments.
- Provide timely feedback and academic support to students.
- Maintain regular communication with students and Academic Affairs regarding course expectations, progress, and academic matters.
- Foster a respectful, civil, and intellectually engaging classroom environment.
- Comply with university policies, academic procedures, and applicable guidelines.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or closely related field, such as media studies, communication, digital culture, design studies, anthropology, sociology, science and technology studies, art/design history, or another related field.
- Demonstrated teaching experience at the university level or relevant professional experience in a field related to digital culture, media, technology, design, or critical studies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCUarts Qatar.
- Eligibility to work in Qatar or meet applicable immigration/employment requirements under Qatari law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Terminal degree, such as a PhD, MFA, or equivalent, in a relevant field.
- Experience teaching interdisciplinary courses, minors courses, general education, media studies, digital culture, design studies, or related subjects.
- Familiarity with ethnographic methods, design-based inquiry, critical theory, platform studies, algorithmic culture, digital ethics, or digital safety.
- Experience teaching in international or multicultural higher education environments.
- Evidence of innovative, student-centered, and discussion-based teaching practices.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following through the VCU Jobs website:
- A current CV.
- A letter of interest outlining relevant teaching experience, professional background, and approach to teaching Introduction to Contemporary Digital Culture.
- List of three current references including names, phone numbers, and email addresses (references will not be contacted prior to applicant’s approval).
Only applications submitted through the VCU Jobs website will be considered.
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