Sessional Lecturer - CAS490H1S: Special Topics in Contemporary Asian Studies

Date Posted: 06/06/2025
Req ID: 43189
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Asian Institute
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Course number and title: CAS490H1S - Special Topics in Contemporary Asian Studies 

Course description: This course is designed for senior undergraduate students who wish to enhance their knowledge of Asia’s adoption of the Internet and digital tools, and how these tools and systems are reshaping Asian societies, including their politics, culture, and social movements. We will study how governments in the region regulate information flows online and experiment on new technologies that have the potential to either curtail or encourage public participation. This course will also examine the private sector’s outsized role in our digital economy and its consequences for human rights and good governance. Finally, we will shed light on the role of the Internet as a site of contestation, where representation, dissent, and resistance are developed and negotiated. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify and distinguish the range of actors, institutions, and policies that constitute our global network society, and understand Asia’s impact on the future of technology. There are no exams in this course. Coursework includes a quiz, a presentation, discussion board posts, essays, and class participation. Assignments in the course are designed to help students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, and learn how to write to different audiences 

Estimated course enrolment: 35 students

Estimated TA support: NA

Class schedule: Mondays: 11:00-13:00

*Please note, the delivery method for this course is currently in-person. Please note that, in keeping with current circumstances, the course delivery method may change as determined by the Faculty or the Department.

Sessional dates of appointment: January 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026

Salary: Sessional Lecturer I (SL I): $9,820.70; Sessional Lecturer I - Long Term (SL I -LT): $10,510.04; Sessional Lecturer II (SL II): $10,510.04; Sessional Lecturer II – Long Term (SL II -LT): $10,760.28; Sessional Lecturer III (SL III): $10,760.28; Sessional Lecturer III – Long Term (SL III – LT): $11,030.36. 

Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail. 

Minimum qualifications: Completed PhD in the disciplines of Political Science, Anthropology, History, Sociology, Asian Studies, Geography, or related fields is required. A strong scholarly background in disciplines relevant to the course is required. Applicants should have a strong commitment to teaching.  

Preferred qualifications: Demonstrated evidence of excellence in undergraduate teaching and mastery of the subject area is preferred. Previous experience in teaching a similar course is preferred.  

Description of duties:

• Preparation of course syllabus and course marking scheme 

• Planning and teaching weekly lectures 

• Setting and marking assignments/tests/exams and course administration in accordance with University regulations as described in the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Handbook for Instructors 

• Create and maintain Quercus site for the course 

• Submission of grades 

• Available for office hours for academic counselling of students 

• Dealing with student enquiries, appeals and petitions 

• Supervising and training TA 

Application Procedure: 

All individuals interested in this position must submit an updated Curriculum Vitae and the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form. Prior syllabi and teaching evaluations, if available, may be submitted as part of the application package. Please submit materials to: 

Program Administrator and Communications Officer, Contemporary Asian Studies Program 

Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto 

Email: ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca    

Closing Date: 06/27/2025, 11:59PM EDT
**

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. 

 It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.  

Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.