Job Description

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Closes: August 18, 2025

Position:

Course Instructor

Number of Positions Available:

One (1)

Term when the course will be offered:

2025 Fall

Course Number & Course Title:

SMT3367H-"Devotional Prayer in the Islamic Tradition"

Course Description:

This seminar explores the historical, doctrinal, philosophical and mystical aspects of Islamic liturgical texts, namely supplications and devotions. Special emphasis will be placed on readings from The Psalms of Islam as known as Psalms of the Family of the Prophet (Zab?r ?l Mu?ammad/ ?a??fa al-Sajj?diyya) and various devotional elegies. Sections include comparisons to the Biblical Psalms, the Syriac prayer tradition and Hebrew prayers in the Jewish tradition. We will also explore the often-controversial role of pilgrimage and its perceived efficacy in Islamic traditions with a special focus on visitation of graves of saints while comparing similar practices in Christian traditions to understand the role that such practices occupy in both traditions. This will introduce key Islamic texts while engaging with Christian and Jewish approaches to prayer.

Qualifications:

The instructor of this course should have:


A well-recognized academic degree--preferably PhD--from a well-established educational institution or university. An educational background that includes the study of Islamic theology, traditions, history and literature as well as the diverse cultures of the Muslim community. An experience in teaching the Islamic faith and the Muslim traditions in the North American context.

Brief Description of Duties:

Preparation and delivery of course content; goals/outcomes; development, administration and marking of assignments, tests and exams; calculation and submission of grades; holding regular office hours; supervising TAs (if any) assigned to the course.

Salary:

$9,820.51 (includes vacation pay)

Estimated Course Enrolment:

15

Estimated TA Support:

N/A

Class Schedule:

Tuesdays, 5 PM to 7 PM

Dates of the Appointment:

September 8 to December 31, 2025

Application Process:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, an updated CV and names of three references via email to the Office of the Dean, Regis St. Michael's Faculty of Theology, rsm.dean@utoronto.ca. Please quote job posting number "20261-SMT3378H" on application.



This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 4 Collective Agreement.



Please note that this position is tentative, pending funding, final course determinations and enrolments.



We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.



The University of St. Michael's College is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, people who take a religiously informed view of human experience, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas.



All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.



If you require accessibility accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 416-926-1300 ext. 7191 or hr.stmikes@utoronto.ca.



If you are unable to teach at the scheduled time, this offer will be withdrawn.


Department Regis St. Michael's Faculty of Theology