| Project Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant - Modern Literature and Culture (MLC) Research Centre |
Project Description:
The Modern Literature and Culture (MLC) Research Centre is dedicated to socially informed research within the fields of modern arts, literature, and culture, with a specific focus on modernism, women’s cultural heritage, and themes of upheaval, reconstruction, and resilience. Our mission is to advance knowledge in these areas and disseminate our findings to both scholars and the broader public through various mediums, including publications, exhibitions, online events, and social media platforms. The undergraduate Work Study research and editorial assistant will play a pivotal role in being involved in our ongoing projects. This includes contributing to “Telling COVID-19 Stories,” an initiative that explores the artistic and cultural responses to the pandemic (see our MLC’s Pandemic webinar series https://bit.ly/mlcpandemic), with a focus on non-medical approaches to the pandemic. Additionally, the assistant will be involved in our “Repatriating Canadian War Quilts” project focused on Canadian World War II quilts crafted by women volunteers (https://shorturl.at/ksCGV). Throughout, we place emphasis on the perspectives of marginalized groups, including women, as well as Black, Indigenous, and recent newcomer communities. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage directly with primary source materials, assist in research tasks, contribute to editorial processes, participate in workshops and events, and collaborate with faculty and other team members to advance the Centre’s objectives. This position offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in academic research and public engagement within the vibrant interdisciplinary environment of the MLC Research Centre. For more information on the MLC, its work, and key research themes, please visit https://mlc.torontomu.ca/. |
RA Position Duties and Resposibilities
(Include Interaction with Research Team Members, Supervisory Arrangements):
Depending on interests and skills, the RA will assist with a combination of tasks, including research, writing, fact-checking, and other content creation. The student may also be involved in events planning. The RA will be working with a team of other students and scholars in a supportive learning environment. Training will be provided by the supervisor (the Centre’s director), as well peers, postdoctoral fellows, and the research coordinator. Lastly, there will be opportunities to attend workshops and discuss career building as well as deepen scholarly, editorial, and professional skills. |
| How Many Students Are Currently Under Your Supervision: Undergraduate:
3
Masters: 6
Doctoral: 4
|
| Animals Will Be Used In Research:
No
|
| Human Subjects Involved:
No
|
| Hazardous Materials, Equipment, or Processes Will Be Involved
in the Research:
No
|
Research Experience and Opportunites Offered RA:
The RA will assist in research, writing, communications, and other tasks at the MLC, offering a unique opportunity to gain experiential knowledge and skills in the study of modern art, literature, and culture. The RA will be supervised by Dr. Irene Gammel, a researcher with over twenty years of experience in international research. Moreover, the RA will interact with the MLC Team consisting of BA, MA, and PhD students, as well as postdoctoral fellows. The RA will be able to hone skills in research, professional and scholarly writing, editing, as well as digital communications, deepening research and editing skills at professional levels. The RA will also be encouraged to forge professional connections by taking advantage of the MLC’s activities within communities established through Toronto Metropolitan University, the GTA, and beyond while participating and assisting with university- and community-wide events. |
Specific Skills / Knowledge / Experience Required
(Include Any Required Courses, Computer Programs, etc.):
Students should document excellent written and oral communication skills, strengths in organization and time management, and a strong interest in exploring arts and culture. Candidates enrolled in Professional Communication, English, History, Arts and Contemporary Studies, Creative Industries, Journalism, Women’s Studies, Politics and Governance, or Public Relations stand to excel in this position. |