Sessional Lecturer - NMC271H1S - The Sufi Tradition in Islam

Date Posted: 10/01/2026
Req ID: 47867
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Near & Middle East.Civilizations
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description: The history of asceticism and mysticism in the Islamic tradition, with particular attention to the formative period as well as the breadth and diversity of Sufism across the Islamic world, from West Africa and Spain, to the Balkans and Central Asia, to China and Southeast Asia. We begin with the origins of the piety movement in early Islam, and the ways in which it responded to late antique Christian monasticism. We then examine the emergence of classical Sufism in the 9th century, its basic concepts and practices, the rise of saints, the formation of Sufi orders, the social and cultural context for key developments, as well as the reasons for the contested legacy of Sufism in the modern world. Major figures for discussion include Rabi'a, Junayd, Hallaj, Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, and Rumi.

Estimated Course Enrolment: 50

Estimated TA Support: N/A

Class Schedule: Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Class Format: In Person

Sessional Dates of Appointment: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027

Salary: (including vacation pay)

Sessional Lecturer I – $9,997.48

Sessional Lecturer I, Long Term – $10,699.22

Sessional Lecturer II – $10,699.22

Sessional Lecturer II, Long Term - $10,953.96

Sessional Lecturer III – $10,953.96

Sessional Lecturer III, Long Term - $11,228.90

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 in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations or related field or equivalent knowledge and experience. Evidence of knowledge in subject matter.

Description of Duties: Preparation and delivery of course content; development, administration and marking of assignments, tests and exams; holding regular office hours; calculation and submission of grades; and other teaching related duties and administrative tasks associated with an undergraduate course.

Application Instructions: Applications should be addressed to the Department Chair and include a Curriculum Vitae; CUPE Unit 3 application form; Cover Letter; and the names of two references and their contact information. Applications should be emailed to [email protected]

Closing Date: 10/15/2026, 11:59PM EDT
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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.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous. Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.

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.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous. Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.