Sessional Lecturer - VCC400H5 - Advanced Project

Description:

Course number and title: VCC400H5 - Advanced Project - DIY Moving Image Practices

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Moving Image Practices blends DIY film production while examining the discourse around DIY moving image production. DIY is a methodology that encourages individuals to become cultural producers as opposed to simply cultural consumers and as such placesagency on the individual, challenging contemporary consumer culture’s emphasis on relying on others to satisfy needs. The first part of the course we will examine various DIY approaches to moving image production; in particular, the course will focus on homemade and lowbudget modes of moving image production. The course will encourage film and video production using readily available technologies and materials. In addition, we will discuss software modding, circuit-bending and toy media. The second part of the course, we will study the discourse surrounding DIY moving image production. In particular, we will study the political significance of DIY movements and the role of public access television, artist-run centres and microcinemas in creating a space for DIY movements. We will also examine online participatory culture. Finally, the various critiques of democratized media will be explored. Throughout the course, DIY moving image production will act as a lens to examine several debates in the field of experimental film and video: What constitutes “art” when moving image production becomes democratized? What does handmade mean in the digital age? Does participatory culture simply imply free labour?

Estimated course enrolment: 20

Estimated TA support: 0

Class schedule:  Monday 11-1pm

Sessional dates of appointment:  Jan 11th - April 12th, 2027

Salary: 

$9,997.48 (Sessional Lecturer I)  
$10,699.22 (Sessional Lecturer I Long Term)  
$10,699.22 (Sessional Lecturer II) 
$10,953.96 (Sessional Lecturer II Long Term)  
$10,953.96 (Sessional Lecturer III) 
$11,228.90 (Sessional Lecturer III  Long Term 

Minimum qualifications: A Ph.D is essential. Demonstrated excellence in teaching this topic. Experience as a sole responsibility course instructor is an asset.

Description of duties: (May include but are not limited to): all normal duties related to the design and teaching of a university credit course, including preparation and delivery of course material, preparation and delivery of assignments, tests and/or exams, supervision of teaching assistants, marking of students’ work, submission of grades to university officials, and holding regular office hours.

Scheduling of guest speakers is limited to one week class session.

Application instructions: 

Please email your CV and a letter of application to:
Professor Brian Price, Chair, Department of Visual Studies at View email address on jobs.utoronto.ca
An individual application is required for each job posting.  Please do not apply for multiple positions in one email. Please include your last name and the course code in the email subject line. 

No late applications will be accepted .

Selections for positions are made by the Chair.  Questions regarding positions may be directed to Steph Sullivan by e-mail to View email address on jobs.utoronto.ca

Closing Date: 10/21/2026, 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.

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.