Sessional Lecturer - ENG281H1S - Writing About Literature

Date Posted: 11/06/2026
Req ID: 50928
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of English
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Course description: An introduction to the skills and contexts that underlie university-level writing about literature. Students will analyze the style and mechanics of literary criticism in a variety of fields, including published essays by Department faculty. Guest speakers and writing-intensive tutorials will help students begin to join the critical conversation.

Estimated TA support: 0 TA support

Estimated course enrollment: 40 students

Class schedule: Friday 10am to 1pm IN PERSON

Sessional dates of appointment: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027

Salary (Includes Vacation Pay):

Sessional Lecturer I: $9,997.47

Sessional Lecturer I - Long term: $10,669.21

Sessional Lecturer II: $10,669.21

Sessional Lecturer II- Long term: $10,953.96

Sessional Lecturer III: $10,953.96

Sessional Lecturer III- Long term: $11,228.90

Please note that the rates stipulated in the collective agreement should vary from the rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Minimum qualifications:

A background in literary theory/aesthetics at the graduate level with a PhD in the field is required. Demonstrated ability to teach literary analysis and argument at the undergraduate level is also required.

Description of duties:

All duties associated with teaching an Undergraduate Course:

• Preparation of course outline, course syllabus, and course marking scheme
• Planning seminar meetings, delivering seminar instructions, developing, marking and administering course assignments
• Setting and marking tests/exams and course administration in accordance with University of Toronto regulations as described in the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Handbook for Instructors
• Submission of grades
• Available and hold regular office hours for academic counselling of students
• Dealing with student enquiries, appeals and petitions
• Holding regular office hours and the supervision of any assigned TA support
  
  

Application Procedure:
Applicants should submit by email a detailed letter of application: an updated curriculum vitae, and the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form along with teaching evaluations if available, and the names and contact information of 3 references.

Please submit applications to:

Professor Thom Dancer

C/O Jessie Chen, Undergraduate Assistant

University of Toronto, Department of English

To Jessie Chen at [email protected]

Please use the following subject: Winter 2027 – Sessional Lecturer – ENG281H1S LEC0101– Writing About Literature

Closing Date: 11/13/2026, 11:59PM EDT
**

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement.

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.