Adjunct Professor –Cinema and New Media Arts

Reports to: Dean, College of Arts and Humanities

Job status: Exempt

Introducing Houston Christian University

At Houston Christian University, our Christian liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs have equipped students to lead, collaborate, and discover out of a deep sense of purpose for more than 60 years. We are driven forward by our central confession, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and defined by our “Ten Pillars” core convictions. From this foundation we guide students confidently into discerning discovery, preparing them to think biblically, critically, and holistically about how to engage the world. We aspire to care for every student by meeting their academic, spiritual, and social needs with mentorship and support. At HCU, we are cultivating a culture of excellence that will mold a new generation of leaders in their communities, standard-setters in their professions, and fruitful disciples in their churches.

The College of Arts & Humanities:

The Mission of the College of Arts & Humanities is to provide for all university students robust, cross-disciplinary curricula that cultivate intellectual, moral, and aesthetic virtues within a Christian community.

Position Summary

Houston Christian University seeks Adjunct Professors to join the Cinema & New Media Arts program with expertise in a variety of relevant content areas including cinematic theory, visual storytelling, narrative and non-narrative video production, multimedia post-production, and film history / media studies.

Candidates may be considered for the following courses:

• Cinematic Core Principles: An introductory cinematic theory course bridging traditional filmmaking and new media. Grounded in Andrey Tarkovsky’s approach to cinema and integrating theories from a variety of sources, from Eisenstein to Bazin, this course walks students through the building blocks of creating cinematic media.
• The Art of Cinema & New Media: This course challenges students to develop their own artistic voice. Includes an historical walkthrough of storytelling and art from Homer all the way to modern video games. Oral storytelling and media pitching are also central to this course.
• History of Cinema: A chronological survey of the cinematic medium, introducing students to the key artists and developments in the first century of filmmaking. Particular attention should be paid to connecting historical developments to current trends and approaches to new media.
• Video Production: An introduction to video production, with a particular focus on capturing live events and non-fiction content with polish and efficiency. Students in this course will work closely with The Collegian, HBU’s online news source. Multiple workflows and approaches are encouraged, with students introduced to ENG and DSLR cameras, as well as learning how to use mobile devices such as iPhones to greatest effect.
• Website & App Development: Introductory course(s) in interactive media. Could introduce students to the basics of web design, available web platforms such as WordPress and Squarespace, and / or basic app or game development. Special emphasis should be focused on theoretical concerns such as the aesthetics of design or the functionality of interfaces and interactive content, equipping students with timeless knowledge that can be applied in a variety of circumstances, rather than simply training students in a specific program or programs.

Job Responsibilities:

• Teach one or more on-campus classes, including overseeing all relevant student work and grading assignments.
• May require the development of a new syllabus for some courses in coordination with the director of the Cinema & New Media Arts program.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in a relevant media field or considerable professional experience in the media industry.
• Ability to clearly express how their Christian faith enriches, guides, and undergirds their understanding of the creation of cinema and art.

Additional Information

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts university dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. HCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Direct questions about this position to Joshua Sikora, director of the Cinema & New Media Arts program (jsikora@hc.edu)

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University, “Scripture and a Christian Worldview,” and the “Ten Pillars Core Convictions of HCU” set forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify as an essential function of their employment at the University. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, Houston Christian University also strives to build a faculty and staff team that provides role models who embody biblical orthodoxy and ethics for all our students, whatever their background or life experience.

As with all open positions at the University, a contract or employment offer will only be extended when the budget for the position has been confirmed.

**Disclaimer**

Background checks are performed for every new hire. If your application is selected to continue in our hiring process, you will be required to submit a background check form authorizing this screening. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application, you understand and accept this process.