Overview: The Smith College Museum of Art invites proposals from Smith faculty in any discipline to engage the resources of the Smith College Museum of Art in their teaching. Faculty developing or significantly revising courses receive a stipend as well as supplemental funding to reimburse for expenses such as supplies or guest lecturers needed to teach the course. Supplemental funding for course materials is available to faculty wishing to repeat prior museum-based courses.
Types of funding available:
Stipends are provided for the planning of a museum-based course, which is to be completed during the summer prior to the academic year when the class will be taught. The amount of the stipend is commensurate to the depth and degree to which the museum will be incorporated into the course, up to a maximum of $3500. Supplemental funds of up to $750 are available to purchase materials, take field trips, or bring guest speakers to Smith, etc.
Procedures for applying:
Prior to applying, faculty must consult with museum staff to be sure the museum’s collection can support the proposed topic. Please contact Ann Musser at amusser@smith.edu (x. 3109) to obtain an application and set up an appointment. Applicants must be available in the summer prior to the academic year when the course will be taught in order to meet with museum staff and develop specific plans for the course. Joint proposals involving collaborative teaching by two faculty members or a faculty member and a member of the art museum staff are welcome.
Review Process and Deadlines:
Proposals will be reviewed by a committee twice a year. Funding and resources are limited for this popular program, and the Museum cannot guarantee that funding for the 2009-2010 academic year will still be available by the spring deadline; faculty are encouraged to submit their proposals for review in the fall whenever possible.
