Sessional Lecturer - ENG281H1S - Writing About Literature

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 11,000 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Toronto in Toronto is seeking Sessional Lecturers to teach undergraduate courses in English for the January–April 2027 term. The role requires a PhD in literature or a related field and demonstrated ability to instruct undergraduate students in literary analysis and argument.

Duties include course outline development, seminars, grading, and student counselling. Posting notes indicate rates under the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement; rates vary by rank (Lecturer I–III) and

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Teaching

Literary analysis

Argumentation

Education

PhD in literature or related field

Job description

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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 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 - Long term: $10,669.21

Sessional Lecturer II- Long term: $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.

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

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.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building aculture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectivelyaddress and serve the interests of our global community. Westrongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples,Black and racialized persons, women, persons withdisabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities.We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment toequity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverseperspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential tostrengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail] .

The University of Toronto has implemented a process to substantiate Indigenous Membership/Citizenship/Enrolment for candidates who identify as Indigenous. For more information about this process, please refer to the Indigenous Substantiation Website .