NYU's Los Angeles Program is seeking a local, part-time instructor to teach an undergraduate course focused on the historical and critical understanding of the intersections between place (and the place's context) and music for undergraduate students. The course will be under the sponsorship of NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

The course, titled Today was a Good Day - LA Music from Central Avenue to the Hollywood Bowl, is expected to be taught in the Fall 2023 semester (September - December) and will take place in the academic center in the Fairfax/La Brea area of Los Angeles. 

The instructor should use the city of LA and its particular resources and strengths (in person if feasible and safe, COVID-wise), inviting students to write about an excursion, bringing a guest speaker to class, etc. Course content is expected to be intellectually rigorous (at least 100pp of reading), in alignment with the Interdisciplinary Seminars offered at the Gallatin School at the NYC campus. Rigorous student assessment is required.

Course Description

How does music – as product, artifact relationship, emotion, and human experience -- reflect and create a place, a time, and a people? In a digitally connected world, how does proximity, community, and culture intersect with innovation and connecting in music?

This course will be an investigation into today's music scene(s) and communities in LA -- and how they evolved historically through the early 1900s to today. We'll be working with secondary AND primary sources, engaging with documents, perspectives, and modern conversations. We'll also explore possible futures of music in LA and its role in an intertwined and changing local and global music ecosystem.

Historically, Los Angeles is rich and deep. From the Chicano legacy built into Ritchie Valens' La Bamba to the influential sound of NWA to Kendrick Lamar, and the rich histories of 60s and 70s pop music and later to California punk and beyond, the musical genres and styles will be treated as cultural signifiers and ways to access histories of migration, labor, civil rights and the marketplace.

Currently, Los Angeles is growing from this complexity and is uniquely poised to grow from strength and challenges. We'll explore why, who, and how these systems interrelate with LA's challenges and bricolages.

About NYU and NYU Los Angeles:

Founded in 1831, New York University is the largest private university in the United States. The University has degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai and operates 11 global academic centers and research programs in more than 25 countries. NYU Los Angeles is one of NYU's 12 study away programs where students can participate to study away while earning credits towards their degree. If you would like to learn more about the program, please visit the NYU Los Angeles program website.

A strong candidate will have a Ph.D., MFA, or equivalent training in a relevant field, as well as experience teaching courses at the undergraduate level within a degree-granting program. Industry experience in film, TV, music, cable, social media, and/or music would be a plus factor for qualified candidates.

All applications must be made online through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/122908. If you are new to using Interfolio Faculty Search you may find the following guide useful: Job Applicant's Guide to Interfolio Faculty Search. 

Applications must include (1) a cover letter, (2) an updated CV, (3) list of references, (4) Syllabus materials (500 word max, including some of the reading and filmic materials to be covered), and (5) course evaluation summaries (if available). In the cover letter, please highlight any relevant experience you have in teaching and describe your teaching philosophy.

Since this position will require the instructor to critically evaluate the established syllabus and bring their own unique perspective to the course, candidates are strongly encouraged to arrive at the interview prepared to discuss potential syllabus ideas. Candidates are also welcome to submit sample draft syllabi during the application process.

Consideration for applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed jointly by senior NYU LA leadership and colleagues in The Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Terms and conditions will be discussed with the successful applicant.

Please direct any questions to la.program.academics@nyu.edu.

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About New York University

Founded in 1831, New York University is now one of the largest private universities in the United States. Of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in America, New York University is one of only 60 member institutions of the distinguished Association of American Universities.

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