Part-Time Lecturer, Landscape Architecture History & Theory

Overview

The USC School of Architecture invites applicants for part-time faculty lecturer positions in landscape architecture for the academic year 2024‑2025. The School seeks a candidate with a strong interest in teaching a seminar in the contemporary history and theory of landscape architecture. This course follows the core history of landscape architecture course, engaging students in the global topics, theories, impacts and potential of the modern field.

The course synthesizes a wide range of perspectives on the representation, creation, synthesis and understanding of landscapes and their meaning. Weekly lectures and class discussions frame the meaning of landscape and place from the individual site to the territorial scale, as physical manifestation, framework, idea or memory. Students read and discuss canonical texts, more recent publications, and incorporate them into research projects to demonstrate critical thinking about how vernacular and formal landscapes have been and continue to be essential in our ecological, economic and political systems, as cultural palimpsests and expressions of social issues.

USC Master of Landscape Architecture + Urbanism Program

We believe that landscapes are the dynamic synthesis of natural systems, socio‑cultural forces and the physical material of the constructed world. Our program in Landscape Architecture + Urbanism prepares students to think creatively and expansively. Our curriculum is a synergy of coursework, active research, practice, and lived experience providing graduates with the tools and confidence to take on the challenges of climate change and environmental justice through the design and planning of landscapes across scales — from small sites to towns and cities, ultimately whole regions and our shared planet.

Whether we are exploring the history of indigenous people on Catalina Island or the lack of parks and urban canopy in South Los Angeles, we imagine a future where landscapes and natural systems shape urban spaces, cities, and infrastructures to create more resilient futures–socially and ecologically.

Candidates must submit a course outline that illustrates critical approaches to contemporary landscape architecture and urbanism theory and practice. This part‑time, 30% position includes teaching a seminar, leading discussions, grading, and contributing to curriculum development.

• A Bachelor or Master of Landscape Architecture degree is required, and a minimum of 5 years of combined professional and teaching experience is preferred.
• Preference is given to candidates with a proven track record of prior teaching experience in accredited landscape architecture programs.

• CV
• Cover letter
• 3-5 references with contact information
• Selected research and/or teaching samples (10 MB max)

The core salary range for this position is $48–$66.41 per hour. This is a part‑time, 30% position.