Education/Teaching

[Please click right here for a pdf of my complete teaching Curriculum Vitae.]

EDUCATION:

PhD in Communication and Culture – York University and Ryerson University (2015)
Dissertation: Confess the Gay Away: Media, Religion and the Political Economy of Ex-gay Therapy
* Successfully defended dissertation on February 24th, 2015
Comprehensive Exams:
1. Major General: Subjectivity and Ethics in Communication and Culture
2. Major Specific: Subjectivity and History of Technological Change in Film Production
3. Focused Minor: The Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting
* Finalist, York Three Minute Thesis Contest (2013)
* Recipient of three York Graduate Scholarships (Fall 2007, Winter 2008, Summer 2008)

MFA in Screenwriting – York University (2007)
Thesis: Rocket Man: Being an Assassination of William Shatner (Feature Screenplay)
* Thesis nominated for York Thesis Prize
* Recipient of York Graduate Scholarship (Fall 2004)

BFA in Film & Video Production – York University (2000)
* Graduated Summa Cum Laude * Recipient of two Continuing Student Scholarships (1997, 1998), Temple Harris Book prize (1998), and Dean’s Prize for Excellence (1998)

Hons BA in English and Religious Studies – McMaster University (1995)
* Graduated Summa Cum Laude * Recipient of Chancellor’s Scholarship (1991), Gilmour Memorial Prize (1994), and Religious Studies Prize (1995)

TEACHING:

Course Directorships:
1. NPF564: Contemporary World Cinema – Ryerson University (Winter 2017)
2. CMST 3H03: Creating Ceremonies – McMaster University (Winter 2017)
3. SOC707: Religion, Meaning and Power – Ryerson University (Fall 2016)
4. MDST 1010: Introduction to Media Studies I – Lakehead University (Orillia Campus) (Fall 2016)
5. CMST 3H03: Creating Ceremonies – McMaster University (Winter 2016)
6. MPF605: Film Theory II – Ryerson University (Winter 2016)
7. MDST 4650: Writing Narratives for Media – Lakehead University (Orillia Campus) (Winter 2016)
8. RE220 BR: Religion and Popular Culture – Laurier University (Brantford Campus) (Fall 2015)
9. MPF505: Film Theory I – Ryerson University (Fall 2015)                                                         10. SMC305H: Christianity and Popular Culture – U of T, St. Michael’s College (Winter 2014)
11. MEDA 14857G: Understanding Canadian Television – Sheridan College (2008-09)

Guest Lectures:
1. SSCI 2830U: Justice Theory and Policy – UOIT (Oct 15, 2014)
• Lectured on utilitarian political philosophies of Bentham and Mill
2. AP/SOSC 1140: Self, Culture and Society – York University (Dec 5, 2011)
• Lectured on historically changing role of psychoanalysis in disciplines of psychology and psychiatry
3. FA/FILM 2401: Film, Television and Society – York University (Mar 22, 2006)
• Lectured on LGBTQ stereotypes both subverted and reinforced in British television series Queer as Folk

Screenwriting Workshop:
1. Write a Feature Film in Six Months Worshop – Vitality Media (Apr-Oct 2007)
• Two-day intensive workshop with six month follow-up story editing • Successfully introducted participants to script development process, from outline, to treatment, to full screenplay

Additional Teaching Experience:
University Teaching Assistantships:
1. AP/COMN 1000: Introduction to Communications – York University (2013-14)
2. AP/SOSC 1140: Self, Culture and Society – York University (2011-12; 2012-13)
3. NPF 566: History of Animation – Ryerson University (Jan – April 2013)
4. AP/COMN 2310: Media, Culture and Society – York University (Summer 2012)
5. NPF 188: Masterpieces of Literature on Film – Ryerson University (2011-12)
6. AP/COMN 1310: Introduction to Communications – York University (2009-11)
7. AK/SOSC 2410: Intro to Communication Studies – York University (Summer 2009)
8. AS/SOSC 2840: Film and Society – York University (2006-07; 2007-08; 2008-09)
9. FA/FILM 2401: Film, Television and Society – York University (2005-06)

Teaching Credentials:
1. Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning Certificate – Sheridan College (2008)
2. Teaching Foundations Courses Workshop Participant – York University (2006)
3. T.A. Day Learning Workshops Participant – York University (2005 and 2006)