Sessional Lecturer - WRR319H1S: Rhetoric of Race

Course number and title: WRR319H1S: Rhetoric of Race

Course description: This course will introduce students to an array of thinkers who approach the history of rhetoric and communication from the standpoints of critical race studies. Over the last decade, scholars working in the field of rhetorical studies and critical race studies have dedicated a great deal of attention to the importance of race to critical interrogations of communication. Black and Indigenous scholars, in particular, have been at the forefront of thinking about communication through the lens of race. From persuasive oratory to recent calls for a rhetoric of sovereignty, the rhetoric of race takes up the intersections of communication, justice, and history. This course provides students with an opportunity to reflect on traditional rhetorical concerns about persuasion and influence in relation to colonialism, systemic racial prejudice, and conceptions of social justice.

Estimated TA support: 80 hours

Delivery method: Currently in-person (subject to change).

Sessional dates of appointment: January 1st, 2026 to April 30th, 2026

Qualifications:

• MA in rhetoric or related field
• At least 3 years of experience teaching at the university level
• At least 3 years of experience marking undergraduate writing in rhetoric, communications, or critical race studies

Preferred qualifications:

• Publication record in the field
• Demonstrated interest in pedagogy
• Familiarity with the range of writing ability of undergraduates

Description of duties: The Sessional Lecturer will teach the full course and prepare and submit all final marks. A Teaching Assistant will aid the Sessional Instructor in the grading. In addition, the Sessional Lecturer will hold office hours each week and answer student questions by email and/or appointment.

Application Deadline: Monday, June 9, 2025 at 11:59PM EDT

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.

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

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.

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 uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.