Sessional Lecturer -GLA2090HS- Real-Time Data and AI for Global Intelligence 1

Date Posted: 09/05/2025
Req ID: 44840
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Munk Sch Global Affairs & Public Policy
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Course number and title: GLA2090HS Real-Time Data and AI for Global Intelligence 

Course description: 

This graduate seminar explores the potential of new digital datasets and advances in artificial intelligence for understanding critical global challenges. 

Traditional data are our information anchors but have downsides: they lag reality, can be scarce, withheld, undermined, or manipulated, or don’t capture complex modern economies and societies. By contrast, each day, scanners, smartphones, and online platforms capture text, images, location, payments, searches, and other real-time, detailed data. This data explosion, combined with increased computing power, is fueling major advances in AI. 

This course explores how leaders can use the abundant, real-time, and multi-dimensional digital data now available, in combination with new advances in AI, to spot and respond to problems as they emerge. For example, more readily available satellite images can enable leaders to monitor changes in poverty or climate change more accurately and in near real-time. New AI tools trained on massive text and image datasets can locate previously unknown critical minerals, track sanctions evasion, or better identify disease risks at scale globally. General-purpose AI tools can now collect and categorize billions of data points across multiple indicators and languages to produce detailed inflation or trade metrics.

The course is not technical; the goal is to expose students to these developments and their implications for global affairs intelligence. Through guest speakers, discussions, and assignments, students will learn about and experiment with non-traditional data and evolving AI tools to better understand world events or challenges. These activities will also require students to confront the challenges and risks these developments present. Since this topic is dynamic, there may also be opportunities to explore emerging AI developments and what they mean for global affairs intelligence and for global affairs more generally.

Estimated course enrolment: 25

Estimated TA support: N/A

Class schedule: Friday Noon-2pm

*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 - $9,820.70

Sessional Lecturer I – Long Term -$10,510.04

Sessional Lecturer II - $10,510.04

Sessional Lecturer II – Long Term - $10,760.28

Sessional Lecturer III - $10,760.28

Sessional Lecturer III – Long Term - $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: Gradudate degree in International Relations.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience teaching in the area is preferred. 

Description of duties: Developing the syllabus, teaching one 2-hour lecture per week at the graduate level, providing weekly office hours for academic counseling of students, preparing and delivering course material; preparing and delivering assignments and tests; marking student work and submitting grades.

Application Procedure: All individuals interested in this position must submit an updated Curriculum Vitae and the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form to mga@utoronto.ca. 

Closing Date: 09/30/2025, 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.