Ancient Cultures Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department
ISAC: Public Programs
About the Department
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind's progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world's leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is 'The University of Chicago.' The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.
Job Information
Job Summary:
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) is seeking a Temporary Continuing Education Instructor - Archaeology of West Asia/North Africa, to teach an online, non-degree continuing education class on the archaeology of West Asia and/or North Africa (including the Islamic period). ISAC's continuing education program offers non-degree classes to lifelong learners, focusing primarily on the ancient and medieval history of West Asia and North Africa. Classes are robust and in-depth, and should be structured at a level equivalent to an undergraduate or graduate university course.
Responsibilities:

• Teach one 8-week online class on the archaeology of West Asia/North Africa, beginning October 1, 2026, January 4, 2027, or March 15, 2027.
• Meet with students via Zoom for two hours per week over the 8-week session.
• Deliver class lectures, including PowerPoint presentations, appropriate to an undergraduate/graduate level of instruction.
• Develop a syllabus and post readings and course materials on CANVAS, the University of Chicago's online learning platform.
• Ensure sessions are recorded so that students unable to attend live can access the material.
• Provide adult learners with a foundational understanding of the course topic by the end of the class.

Competencies:

• Subject-matter expertise in the archaeology of West Asia and North Africa.
• Ability to build a coherent syllabus, select appropriate readings, and sequence course materials so that adult learners progress toward a foundational understanding of the topic over an 8-week course session.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Responsibilities
Education, Experience, or Certifications:
Education:

• Master's Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., archaeology, language, art history, or a related field pertaining to West Asia and/or North Africa) required.
• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (Ph.D) preferred.

Experience:

• Experience teaching online using Zoom and Canvas, required.
• Demonstrated expertise in archaeology of West Asia and/or North Africa, required.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Zoom, Box, and Google Suite (Drive, Sheets, Docs, and Forms).

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Letter of interest, describing the applicant's interest in teaching for ISAC and experience teaching online.
• Proposed class title & class description.
• Names & contact information for (2) references.

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Temporary Staff
Scheduled Weekly Hours
10
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Frequency
Hourly
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$35.00 - $45.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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