Sessional Lecturer: POL492H1 S, Topics in Comparative Politics IV (Comp. Constitutionalism in

Date Posted: 05/27/2025
Req ID: 42945
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Political Science
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Course Number and Title:    POL492H1 S, Topics in Comparative Politics IV (Comparative Constitutionalism in the Developing World)

Course description:  This course provides a comprehensive examination of comparative constitutionalism in the developing world. It will help students explore the principles, practices, and challenges of constitutional governance, equip them with a deep understanding of the complexities of constitutionalism in the global south, and prepare them to analyze and engage with constitutional issues in a global context.  The course will focus on the historical, cultural, and political contexts that shape constitutional development in these regions, examining the impact of colonial legacies, democratization processes, and socio-economic factors on constitutional design and implementation. Key topics include constitutional making and accommodation, democratic governance, separation of powers, checks and balances, and constitutional oversight and watchdog bodies.  Students will analyze case studies from Afghanistan and other countries to understand the varying approaches to constitutionalism and the impact of legal traditions, institutional structures, and power dynamics on constitutional outcomes.  

Estimated course enrollment:   30 students
 

Estimated TA support:     None

Class schedule:    Monday 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

 * 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 (includes vacation Pay): 
            Sessional Lecturers I                                         - $9,820.70

            Sessional Lecturers I (Long Term)                  - $10,510.04

            Sessional Lecturers II                                       -  $10,510.04

            Sessional Lecturers II (Long Term)                 -  $10,760.28

            Sessional Lecturers III                                      - $10,760.28

            Sessional Lecturers 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: 

• PhD is required.
• Teaching experience at the university level is required.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated evidence of excellence in 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 the University regulations as described in the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Handbook for Instructors
• Submission of grades
• Available for office hours for academic counselling of students
• Dealing with student enquiries, appeals and petitions

Application Procedure:
Please see the Department’s website https://www.politics.utoronto.ca/about-us/employment-opportunities/sessional-lecturers  for the application process

All applicants for this position should submit the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form at https://uoft.me/CUPE-3902-Unit-3-Application-Form along with teaching evaluations if available, a current C.V., and the names and contact information for 3 references to:

                Elizabeth Jagdeo at undergrad.polsci@utoronto.ca

Closing Date: 06/16/2025, 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.