TEP329H1 F Science Fiction for Engineers

Course number and title: TEP329H1 F Science Fiction for Engineers

Course description: The curriculum will showcase how creative writing connects to, and enhances, critical thinking in engineering. We will cover major concepts in science fiction (e.g., biomedical breakthroughs, artificial intelligence, terraforming planets) to study the ways its stories have explored, questioned, predicted, and even inspired elements from various engineering disciplines. We will seek to gain an understanding of how science fiction allows us to reflect on engineering practice and ethics, projecting the societal and environmental impacts of untested technologies. We will develop critical reading and academic writing skills to explain the importance of imagining what we intend to build as a prerequisite to building.

Posting end date: July 17, 2026

Number of Positions: 1

Estimated TA support: TBD

Estimated course enrolment: 120 students.

Class schedule: Students attend three 1-hour lectures per week (Schedule TBA).

Dates of appointment: September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Hours: 1 HCE (up to a maximum of 230 hrs)

Salary: CUPE minimum salary rates for a half course (HCE), inclusive of vacation pay, are: Sessional Lecturer 1 - $9,997.47; Sessional Lecturer 1 Long Term - $10,699.22; Sessional Lecturer 2 - $10,699.22; Sessional Lecturer 2 Long Term - $10,953.96; Sessional Lecturer 3 - $10,953.96 and Sessional Lecturer 3 Long Term - $11,212.15. Should rates stipulated in the Collective Agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the Collective Agreement shall prevail.

Minimum Qualifications: Include at least a Master’s degree in English, Leadership, Engineering, Applied Linguistics or Second Language Education with strong written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of science fiction and narrative theory, experience with curriculum development and language assessment, a demonstrated ability to teach communication and to work as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications: A PhD in an appropriate discipline (as above), familiarity teaching communication to engineering students. Ability to connect communication to scientific and/or engineering concepts in a way that demonstrates sociotechnical awareness is an asset.

Description of duties:

• Preparing course readings, reading guides as applicable, assignments and rubrics

• Coordinating distribution and scheduling of assignments, marks and feedback

• Preparing and delivering weekly lecture material and activities

• Designing and marking assignments in collaboration with other instructors and/or TAs

• Providing feedback and critique of student work in a timely way

• Meeting with students for consultation on request

• Having the ability to convert to online duties if required

• Preparation and grading of a deferred examination may also be required
  

Application Procedure: Applicants should submit:

• Unit 3 application form

• Application documents must be submitted via the link found in the application form in one (1) file.

If during the application and/or selection process you require accommodation due to a disability, please contact Chanelle Small-Reid at istep.academic@utoronto.ca .

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.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities. and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.