How to Apply
Applicants should submit one PDF (500kb size limit) containing a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references.
Summary
Taubman College is seeking an instructor to develop and teach one undergraduate studio course focused on strategic design, currently titled "Strategic Design and Urban Systems." The course is planned to proceed during the Fall 2024 semester (August-December 2024) for approximately 25 students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Technology.
Taubman College's four-year Urban Technology program combines urbanism, technology, and design to help students build the know how and determination to create digital services that improve urban life for all. The goal of our curriculum is to empower students who are conscientious citizens of the world, possess the knowledge needed to work on grand urban challenges, and recognize their own agency despite and amid the uncertainties of the contemporary world. Cities will be their domain, technology will be an essential skill set, and design will be their practice.
While this position is for Fall term 2024, there is a potential for future teaching opportunities as the program grows.
Course Description
This course will challenge students to select an urban system of their choosing and develop an intervention to create social, environmental, and/or cultural change over a multi-year timeline, working in groups to imagine different possible urban futures. Building on skills they have gained in previous studios, students will learn the fundamentals of strategic design, foresight, scenario planning, and design fiction to deploy in their projects. Their work will explore the policy, economic, and ethical dimensions of urban technologies.
You will lead this studio as its primary instructor, introducing students to the methods of strategic design and guiding the development of students' projects.
Responsibilities*
- Develop the syllabus during April-July 2024 in collaboration with the Director of Urban Technology and the other instructor
- Teach the course, August - December 2024 (In Person or primarily in person)
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree or undergraduate degree and professional experience in strategic design, service design, human centered design, scenario planning, or a related field
- Experience designing, improving, and implementing services in an urban context and for urban audiences, whether in the public or private sector
- Experience with foresight, futures, and/or design fiction
- Familiarity with video-based storytelling is a plus
- Engagement with one or more of the following: gender-based, race-based, ability-based understanding of urban experiences and design, and the ways acts of design can mitigate against marginalization, exclusion, and injustice
- Ability to design and conduct energetic, active, collaborative, hands-on learning experiences
Additional Information
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Learn more about U-M benefits .
Please note: The salary for this position is distributed from September - December.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Taubman College values a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and administrators that includes people of different race and ethnicity, national origin, gender and gender expression, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religious commitment, age, and disability status. We aim to create a community of mutual respect and trust where everyone's backgrounds, identities, and views are represented without any threat of bias, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. Learn more about our DEI efforts and the shared values we have for our community .
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.