Continuing Education Instructor (SMCE3000 Foundations of Interfaith Communication and Dialogue)

This position is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 4 Collective Agreement and is tentative, pending funding, final course determinations, and enrolments.

About Us

The University of St. Michael’s College, federated with the University of Toronto, is a Catholic institution of higher learning committed to the pursuit of knowledge, meaning and truth. USMC is a dynamic center on the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto and boasts a large and dynamic undergraduate division, an acclaimed Faculty of Theology, an expanding Continuing Education Division, and one of the busiest and most important libraries on the University of Toronto campus.

The renewal and expansion of the Continuing Education Division of the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) began in the fall of 2023 and is continuing to build momentum. Building on the strong historical foundations of Continuing Education at St. Michael’s College, the Division is re-establishing the organizational structure supported by a small staff to strengthen existing programs and to develop and deliver new programs aligned with the strategic plan and mission of the university to meet the contemporary career progression needs and creative passions of students, alumni, the Catholic education community, and the broader community.

We currently offer professional programs in three areas: Social Responsibility & Sustainability, Interfaith Dialogue, and Ontario certified teacher qualifications, as well as a number of Creative Inquiry courses in areas relevant to the academic and intellectual traditions of our institution, including Celtic studies, book arts and printmaking, poetry and creative expression, faith formation, and children’s literature and social justice.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate instructor to teach the SMCE3000 W27 Foundations of Interfaith Communication and Dialogue course in our Interfaith Dialogue Diploma program during the Winter 2027 semester. This foundational course provides a practical introduction to interfaith dialogue, equipping learners with tools to engage in meaningful conversations across religious and cultural differences.

Learners will explore the four levels of dialogue: the dialogue of life, the dialogue of action, the dialogue of theological exchange, and the dialogue of religious experience. Emphasizing real-world applications, this course fosters skills in active listening and conflict transformation. By the end of the course, students will more confidently navigate interfaith conversations, fostering understanding and collaboration in their communities and professional settings. Interactive discussions, case-based learning, and reflection will be used to practice application of tools for effective interfaith dialogue.

This course is the mandatory core course for learners in the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue. The syllabus outline, curriculum, and assessment tasks for this course will be provided and includes the following modules:

• Introduction to Interfaith Dialogue
• Communication and Dialogue
• Dialogue of Deeds
• Dialogue of Life
• Dialogue of Religious Experience
• Dialogue of Theological Exchange

Instructors will deliver the course incorporating their own learning activities, readings, and cases in conjunction with these materials. The course will be scheduled on a weekday evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm online for six consecutive weeks in the Winter term. Efforts will be made to accommodate the instructor’s own schedule. This course is offered online.

Responsibilities

• Using core curriculum materials, develop and deliver engaging lectures and interactive sessions that explore different models for understanding religious diversity.
• Incorporate Diploma- and Course-Level Learning Objectives set by the Division of Continuing Education.
• Incorporate opportunities to strengthen skills in dialogue and communication through assignments, activities, and lecture content.
• Facilitate discussions and activities that encourage critical reflection on lived examples of interreligious dialogue and collaboration.
• Provide guidance and support to students as they cultivate greater personal openness to, and skills for, interreligious engagement.
• Assess student learning through a final reflection or assignment.

Qualifications

• A graduate degree in religious studies, theology, interfaith studies, or a related field.
• Experience teaching courses related to religious diversity, interfaith dialogue, or multiculturalism.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive environments and promoting social justice.
• Successful experience teaching online.
• Educational background that includes the study of comparative theology, interfaith dialogue, or similar topics.
• Experience teaching Interfaith Dialogue in the North American context.

Pay

$1,824.84 (12 hours @ $152.07/hour).

Schedule

Evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm online for 6 consecutive weeks within the Winter Semester (January to April, 2027).