Sessional Lecturer, MSL2326H - Artifact, audience, text: Writing in the museum

University of Toronto
Faculty of Information

Sessional Lecturer

Fall Term 2026 (September  – December)

 

MSL2326H - Artifact, audience, text: Writing in the museum

 

Course Description: 

This course will critically examine the role of text in museum professional practice. We will explore the practice of writing and its critical context together with the editorial process. Whether brick-and-mortar or virtual, large or small, art or historical or natural history, all museums use text to carry out their missions. Whether internal or public facing, text is a prominent feature of the museum work environment for staff through collections management, artifact cataloguing, research and exhibit development, exhibition catalogues, marketing, wayfinding, membership and development. Through their consumption of exhibit text, exhibit catalogues, interpretive material and websites, the written word is also a fundamental constituent of the visitor experience. For emerging professionals, the ability to communicate in writing is a foundational skill for a museum career irrespective of the specific area of practice in which students will eventually work.

Notes: Previously MSL2301H: Special Topics in Museum Studies: Artifact, Audience, Text: Writing in the Museum. It is regular course effective September 1, 2021.

 

Estimate of the course enrolment: 35

 

Estimate of TA Support: None anticipated. Estimate of 75 hours with enrollment of 36 or greater. Allocation of TA hours, if any, will be based on enrolment numbers. 

 

Class Schedule: TBD. You are required to be located in geographical proximity to the applicable University premises in order to attend and perform your duties on University premises as of the Starting Date.

 

Sessional dates of appointment: September 1, 2026 – Desember 31, 2026

Salary: 
Sessional Lecturer I: $10,889
Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: $11,652
Sessional Lecturer II $11,652
Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: $11,924
Sessional Lecturer III: $11,924
Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: $12,202

 

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.

 

Qualifications: Preferably candidates will have a completed, or nearly completed, PhD degree in an area related to the course or a Master’s degree plus extensive professional experience in an area related to the course. Teaching experience is preferred.

 

Brief description of duties: Preparing course materials; delivering course content (e.g., seminars, lectures, and labs); developing and administering course assignments, tests & exams; grading; holding regular office hours. 

 

Application Deadline: May. 28, 2026

 

Application Process: Applicants must submit a CV and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form in one pdf file to the attention of:  

 

Nafiseh Yazdian, Administrative Coordinator
Faculty of Information, 140 St. George Street  University of Toronto
  sessional.ischool@utoronto.ca

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II and Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12.