Sessional Instructional Assistant - ENGA01H3 - What Is Literature?

Course Code and Title: ENGA01H3 What Is Literature?

Course Description: This course introduces the fundamentals of studying English at the university level, and builds the skills needed to successfully navigate English degree programs as well as a liberal arts education more broadly. Students will learn how to read texts closely and think critically; they will practice presenting their ideas in a clear, supported way; they will be exposed to a variety of texts in different forms and genres; and they will gain a working familiarity with in-discipline terminology and methodologies. Moreover, the course is an opportunity to explore the power exercised by literature on all levels of society, from the individual and personal to the political and global.

Course Enrollment (est.): 500 total. 25 students per tutorial section.

Number of Positions (est.): 1

Qualifications: PhD in English or related field. Teaching assistant experience at the University of Toronto is an asset.

Duties: Grading assignments and tests, discussion board administration, additional responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Estimated TA Support (Hours):  N/A

Link to timetable for class schedule:

Sessional dates of appointment: November 1 - December 31, 2026.
Note: all positions involve completion of any course grading not finished by December 31 , 2026 for Fall courses.

In accordance with the current CUPE 3902 collective agreement, the rate of pay applicable for Sessional Instructional Assistants is $55.25 per hour plus 4% vacation pay. Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Application Instructions: Applications must be submitted with a cover letter outlining qualifications and a current curriculum vitae, addressed to Professor Karina Vernon, Chair of the Department of English, University of Toronto Scarborough using the online application system found at

Please do not submit an application on any other platform as it will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.  

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Indigenous Substantiation
The University of Toronto has implemented a process to substantiate Indigenous Membership/Citizenship/Enrolment for those candidates who identify as Indigenous. For more information regarding the University's Indigenous Substantiation Process, please refer to: Indigenous Substantiation Website .

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening 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 .

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 View email address on jobs.utoronto.ca .