Adjunct Instructor – Introduction to Contemporary Digital Culture

Course Overview

VCUarts Qatar is seeking an adjunct faculty member for an undergraduate minor course titled Introduction to Contemporary Digital Culture. This course explores the integration of digital systems into daily life, examining platform culture and the societal, ethical, and cultural effects of digital dependence. Students will study how digital platforms, algorithms, user interfaces, and data analytics influence behavior, communication, identity, and culture.

The course emphasizes critical thinking about digital tools beyond neutral usage, investigating structural power dynamics within digital ecosystems. Special focus is given to varied cultural, geographic, and social experiences of digital access, autonomy, and safety challenges.

Course Objectives

• Develop a critical understanding of how digital systems and platforms shape modern life and human behavior.
• Apply ethnographic observation to analyze digital practices, recognizing patterns of engagement and dependency.
• Explore underlying power mechanisms such as algorithms and data flows shaping digital environments.
• Understand diverse cultural and community perspectives on digital dependency and awareness.
• Discuss ethical, social, and psychological impacts of living in digitally mediated contexts.

Primary Duties

• Deliver the Introduction to Contemporary Digital Culture course aligning with academic standards and learning outcomes.
• Create and manage course materials, assignments, discussions, assessments, and related content to enhance student learning.
• Encourage critical reflection, ethnographic study, and design-based inquiry on digital culture topics.
• Offer prompt academic feedback and ongoing student support.
• Maintain consistent communication regarding course progress and academic expectations with students and administration.
• Promote an engaging, respectful, and professional classroom atmosphere.
• Adhere to university policies and academic guidelines.

Mandatory Requirements

• Master's degree in media studies, communication, digital culture, design studies, anthropology, sociology, science and technology studies, art/design history, or a related discipline.
• Proven university-level teaching or equivalent professional experience relevant to digital culture, media, technology, or critical studies.
• Proficient English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Commitment to fostering respect, professionalism, and inclusivity among diverse faculty, staff, and students.
• Legal eligibility to work in Qatar following applicable employment laws.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degrees such as PhD or MFA in relevant fields.
• Experience teaching interdisciplinary, minor, general education, media studies, digital culture, or design-related courses.
• Knowledge of ethnographic research, design inquiry, critical theory, platform studies, algorithmic culture, digital ethics, or safety.
• Background in international or multicultural higher education settings.
• Demonstrated use of innovative, student-focused, and discussion-based teaching methods.

Application Requirements

• Submit a current curriculum vitae.
• Provide a letter of interest detailing relevant teaching experience, professional background, and teaching philosophy regarding the course.
• Include contact information for three professional references (names, phone numbers, emails); references will only be contacted with applicant consent.

Additional Information

The position is part-time and requires onsite presence in Qatar. Applications that do not follow the specified submission channel will not be considered.