VISA 1501: Introduction to Visual Culture (HTA) — Content Expert/Curriculum Developer

Application Restrictions
Job Type
Open Learning Curriculum Development
Closing Application Date
6/2/2026
Applications will be reviewed commencing the closing application date and may continue until the position is filled.
Anticipated completion of all project phases
2/6/2026
Project Type
New Course
DUTIES

Brief description of the project:

Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) is looking for a qualified content expert/curriculum developer to complete a major revision of VISA 1501: Introduction to Visual Culture (HTA). 

 

Course Description:

Students undertake an interdisciplinary exploration of the visual components of our cultural environment. Students engage in a critical survey of early Western technological developments and how ways of seeing underscore late twentieth and twenty-first century forms of visual communication such as advertising, television, film, video, gaming, computer generated imagery, data visualization, post-photographic imaging, and other sources of image-making. We analyze the power of image-based media to entertain, influence, and condition, researching who crates it and purposes it serves. Students develop a critical framework for deconstructing images, applying visual theories and methodologies to real-world examples, reflecting upon the visual ecology that conditions their own perspectives.

 

Course Development Process:

The course developer will work under the guidance of the Instructional Designer responsible for the course development project, and in collaboration with the course development team will:

• Participate in brainstorming and planning sessions.
• Develop a detailed course planning document for the course which includes relevant learning outcomes, learning activities, and assessments appropriate for an online continuous entry course.
• Revise and/or develop content, including learning activities and authentic assessments, to ensure that they are relevant and appropriate for an online continuous entry course.
• Create multimedia or other active learning activities to ensure student engagement through experiential learning.
• Choose effective and appropriate resources, ideally digital, and prioritize low-cost and accessible options, such as Open Educational Resources (OERs), TRU’s e-Library collection and article databases, and other accessible material and media.
• Accurately cite sources and identify third-party material that may require copyright clearance as TRU respects intellectual property laws.
• Follow the guidance of the Instructional Designer on the inclusion of any AI-generated content.

 

TRU-OL uses a collaborative approach to course development that involves interactive planning meetings and review sessions as needed. 

 

Expectations:

• Meet the deliverables according to the agreed-upon timeline.
• Respond to project-related communication and meeting requests in a timely manner (within 48 hours).
• All team members will provide feedback that is
  • constructive and relevant, and
  • centered on course content and learning activities.
• Participate in post-development contract evaluation.
• Communicate in a professional and respectful way in accordance with TRU Policy Number BRD 17-0:  RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION (tru.ca)  

QUALIFICATIONS

Criteria for assignment of work:

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

•  A terminal degree, such as an MFA or PhD, in Visual Arts, History and Theory of Art, or a related discipline.
• Demonstration of current and ongoing engagement in the course subject matter through research and/or the scholarship of teaching, including the dissemination of outcomes in appropriate academic venues. 
• Proven course development skills in a face-to-face or distance environment.
• Demonstrated ability to write in a clear and consistent style with grammatical accuracy.
• The ability to meet deadlines.
• The ability to work in a collaborative and consultative manner.
• Experience or education in online course development or online facilitation is an asset.

 

Please submit a cover letter detailing how you meet the selection criteria, CV/resume, copies of transcripts*, and a writing sample^ via the online application system; please combine these components as one file in your attachment.  Response to this notification signifies that you are willing and able to comply with the aforementioned terms and conditions of the project work.

  *Copies of transcripts are not required if you are currently working, or have in the recent past worked, for TRU or TRU-Open Learning

  ^A writing sample could include a lesson outline, learning activity, element of evaluation, etc., or indicate the name(s) of any TRU Open Learning or BCOU courses that you have written

Pay Band
Location
CA (Primary)
# of Hires Needed
1
Organizational Unit
Thompson Rivers University -> Open Learning -> Curriculum Services, OL
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment:
Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.