Description
The Department of Art and Art History invites applications for Sessional Instructors to teach the following courses in the Winter 2026.
The Winter 2026 term runs from January 5 to April 30, 2026, Individual course dates are noted below; please see the academic schedule for additional important dates and deadlines.
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING COURSE OFFERINGS ARE TENTATIVE, PENDING FUNDING AND SUFFICIENT ENROLMENTS.
NOTE: THERE MAY BE CANDIDATES WITH THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL (TUCFA Collective Agreement 23.12).
ARHI 203: Introduction to Art History II - Two sections Available
Section 1
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 - 10:45
Section 2
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 - 13:45
Course description: An examination of art and architecture after 1400 in relation to significant historical and cultural events.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- A PhD in Art History or related field is required.
- Applicants should have a record of teaching within the field of art history, and ideally experience teaching large, introductory surveys of global art history.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of art history.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ARHI 333 Contemporary Art and Architecture
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Monday and Wednesday 9:00 - 10:15
Course description: An introduction to the socio-political approaches and critical theories that have informed art-making in the contemporary period. Examines artworks and their production, circulation, and reception through a variety of positions including gender, race, sexuality, and post-coloniality.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- A PhD in Art History or related field is required.
- Applicants should have a record of teaching within the field of art history, and ideally experience teaching large surveys focusing on contemporary art history.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of art history.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ARHI 425 Architecture in the Western World Since 1900
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 - 10:45
Course description: A survey of significant examples of modern architecture, defining their stylistic character in light of developments in technology, the history of ideas, and social and historical factors.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- A PhD in Art History or related field is required.
- Applicants should have a record of teaching within the field of art history experience courses that focus on architecture.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of art history.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities
ART 241 Introduction to Drawing
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays 11:15 -13:45
Course description: Introductory course in observational and representational drawing. Creative exploration includes mark-making, hand-eye co-ordination, proportions, perspective, line, texture, figure-ground relationships and pictorial composition. Approaches may include pencil, conté, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink. These will be addressed in the context of research, problem-solving, visual fluency and conceptual development.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level, especially drawing courses.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 311.27 Topics in Art (Engaging in Art)
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays 15:30 - 16:45
Course description: This course explores contemporary art practice that is engaged with issues of social justice, equity, and political mobilization.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 320 Digital Painting
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 - 11:00
Course description: Introduces students to raster-based image creation techniques, their historical context, and terminology. The course may cover the creation of representational imagery, photo manipulation and retouching, or other bitmap-based practices.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 342 Art Education Across the Lifespan I
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesday and Thursday 14:00 - 16:30
Course description: An exploration of the cognitive, emotional, and social development of infants, children and adolescents learning art. Students will engage in experiential learning in formal and informal settings.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- A terminal degree in Art (MA or MFA in Studio Art acceptable, but a studio-based PhD is preferred for Art courses).
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level, especially in the area of art education in both schools and community settings.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course(s).
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 343 Drawing: Construction of Pictoral Space
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Monday and Wednesday 8:30 - 11:00
Course description: Extends the range of concepts and practices in drawing to include pictorial space.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level, especially in drawing courses.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course(s).
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 346 Drawing: Media and Process
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Monday and Wednesday 11:15 - 13:45
Course description: Developing observational and representational skills through figure drawing and exploration of the contemporary field. Approaches will include a more developed understanding of colour, research, problem solving, visual fluency and conceptual development.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level, especially in drawing courses.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course(s).
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 365.8 Topics in Studio Research and Technique (Mixed Media Techniques)
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:15 - 13:45
Course description: Studio-based introduction to contemporary and emerging creative practices. Topics may include: installation art, performance art, slip casting, or hybrid art forms.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Ability to foster the development of imagery and concepts, promoting technical competence and artistic vision.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 374 Printmaking: Relief
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Monday and Wednesday 8:30 - 11:00
Course description: Exploring the creative potential of relief printmaking. Working with relief techniques, materials, and processes, students will develop imagery and concepts, promoting technical competence and artistic vision.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Demonstrated experience working in and teaching in relief processes such as woodcut, and linocut.
- Strong understanding of safe studio practices in relief.
- Ability to foster the development of imagery and concepts, promoting technical competence and artistic vision.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in printmaking.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 381: Sculpture Materials and Process
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Monday and Wednesday 11:15 - 13:45
Course Description: Technical and conceptual exploration of sculpture through materials and processes. This may include a range of methods such as mold-making, casting, assemblage, carving, welding, forging, riveting, time-based media, installation, or digital media.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level, especially sculpture courses. Applicants should specify the type of sculpture/material their course will focus on, and their experience teaching in that medium.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of Art and the focus of the course(s).
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
ART 402 Professional Development II
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Friday 8:30 - 11:15
Course description: Continued professional development associated with working as an artist. Course content is supported by lectures from arts and culture professionals. Content may include art documentation, applications, finances, and art communities.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- MFA in Art. Other relevant graduate-level credentials (MA or studio-based PhD) will also be considered.
- Outstanding professional achievement, professional development, or substantial training and experience in the field of Art.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level.
- Demonstrated experience evaluating written work.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
MHST 433: Management and Planning in Museum and Heritage Institutions
Course dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Fridays 14:00 - 16:45
Course description: Examines theoretical and practical issues relating to the management of museum and heritage resources. Topics may include: exhibition planning, human resources, ethics and social responsibility, fundraising, collections, and audience development etc.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Applicants should have a graduate degree in Heritage Management or a related field (Museum Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, etc.); and relevant professional experience and previous teaching experience in this field is an asset.
- Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience at the university level.
- Outstanding professional achievement or substantial training in the field of museum and heritage studies.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities.
Desirable Skills and Abilities for all Postings:
- Energy, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in teaching.
- The willingness to work with students having a wide range of skills, varying abilities, motivations, and academic or vocational goals.
- The ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others in a team environment.
- The ability to use instructional strategies designed for diverse learning styles and academic goals.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current literature on art.
- Demonstrated respectful engagement with Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonizing, anti-racist, and inclusive frameworks.
Application Process:
To apply to the above teaching opportunities, please submit your application documents (in pdf form) to the U of C Careers site, using the "Apply Now" link.
In support of your application, please provide the following:
1. Current CV (if the Department does not already have one on file)
2. Names and contact information for 3 potential referees; and
3. Teaching evaluations (if available)
If you have any questions, please contact Charles Tepperman, Interim Department Head by email at daahhead@ucalgary.ca
Application Deadline: June 12, 2025
Additional Information
For salary information, please refer to TUCFA's Collective Agreement, Schedule B. As per the Collective Agreement, the Faculty of Arts adheres to the right of first refusal terms (Section 23.12.1 and 23.12.2) for Sessional Appointments.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments(equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)
For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, click here.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
