Sessional Lecturer - FPSY 3900U STFP: Psychology of Evil - Summer 2026

Location of classes: Downtown Oshawa Campus Location
Course Start Date: June 29, 2026
Course End Date: August 28, 2026
Reporting to the Dean the Sessional Lecturer provides instruction to undergraduate students in the Forensic Psychology Program within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities.
Course Description:
This course explores the psychological foundations of what is commonly described as "evil," examining how individuals and groups come to engage in harmful or morally transgressive behavior. Students will analyze biological, personality, social, and cultural influences-focusing on processes such as obedience, conformity, dehumanization, and moral disengagement. Topics may include psychopathy and "dark" personality traits, interpersonal and collective violence, cults, terrorism, genocide, and representations of evil in media and popular culture. Through consideration of relevant research, case studies, and historical events, students will evaluate potential explanations of evil and reflect on strategies for reducing violence, promoting ethical behavior, and fostering more compassionate communities.
Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
The primary responsibility of the applicant is to (develop and) teach a theoretically, methodologically sophisticated and relevant course at the 3rd-year undergraduate university level within the parameters of the course description. In keeping with a technology-enhanced learning environment utilizing laptop computers and wireless connectivity, the Sessional Lecturer will deliver the course using a technology-enhanced learning approach that includes a variety of inclusive teaching and learning strategies and assessments. The Sessional Lecturer will prepare, deliver, and grade all course material and assignments and be available for consultation with students during and following completion of the course session. Duties may include the supervision of teaching assistant(s).
This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the University and PSAC. The collective agreement may be found on the Human Resources section of our website. Candidates will be required to certify that they are currently legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the contract.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellent teaching contributions with a proven aptitude for teaching at the undergraduate level.
Required Skills:
A proven commitment to providing innovative and inclusive teaching strategies.
Evidence of an ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Excellent communication skills with an ability to maintain effective relationships with a range of faculty, staff, and students.
Candidates will have demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate
students in a Psychology or Forensic Psychology program.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the Learning Management System, Canvas.
Proven experience managing large classes and diverse populations.
Experience coordinating and supervising Teaching Assistants as applicable.
Excellent organizational skills are needed to effectively manage course delivery, the marking of assignments and exams and the ability respond to student enquiries in a timely manner.
Education:
The candidate must have a PhD in Psychology/Forensic Psychology.
A PhD ABD (all but dissertation) will also be considered for the position (by June 15th, 2026).
Experience:
Teaching and/or research experience in the field of Forensic Psychology is required.
Priority will be given to an Internal Applicant who has taught any course for the University in three (3) different sessions in the past thirty-six (36) months, provided they meet the requirements for the position as outlined in the job posting.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.
Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.
If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university's Accessibility Policy.
The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.
Job Location:
Oshawa, ON, Canada