Teaching Assistant Opportunity

ESC203: Engineering, Society and Critical Thinking

We are currently looking for Teaching Assistants for ESC203 (Engineering, Society and Critical Thinking). This course, which includes all year 2 Engineering Science students, will examine the interrelations of science, technology, society and the environment (STSE). Using topics in STSE as the context, students will consider established models of critical thinking and develop their own framework for analyzing socio-technical issues.

The class complement is approximately 190 students, with 8 tutorial sections of approximately 20-25 students each. Lectures and tutorials will run for 12
weeks, and take place at the following times:

Lecture: Mondays and Tuesdays 2-3
Tutorials: Fridays 9-11 and/or 12-2

TAs are expected to participate in at least one weekly tutorial, attend a 1 hour weekly team meeting (to be scheduled), and preferably attend the lectures.

There are 1-2 positions available, depending on candidate availability and schedules.

In tutorial, you will be engaging a group of ~ 25 students in discussion about weekly topics that will range from "engineers in politics" to
"sustainable development". These topics will also be highlighted through
the lectures and through assigned student readings. Grading will
take place during tutorials, as well as through the marking of student presentations and written reflection pieces.

* Qualifications *
We are looking for candidates who
...have a broad spectrum of technical and non-technical interests
...have an interest in the intersection of science, engineering & society
...can adapt and respond to unexpected classroom situations
...can express, argue, and defend their opinions to both students and instructors
... are strong communicators in oral and written forms

* Salary and Dates of Appointment *
The salary for this appointment is $38.76 per hour for graduate students, in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Collective Agreement. Upper-year undergraduate students may also be considered. All appointments begin on September 14th and end on December 14, 2009.

* Applications *
If you are interested in applying for one of these positions, please contact Lisa Romkey (romkey@ecf.utoronto.ca). Applicants are encouraged to include a resume and examples of their relevant experiences with their contact message. Candidates will be contacted for an interview.

This posting closes on August 31, 2009.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 Collective Agreement. The hiring policy is available in the Engineering Science
Divisional Office and at the CUPE Local 3902 office.

Lisa Romkey
Division of Engineering Science
University of Toronto
416.946.3514