Sessional Lecturer, INF- Special Topics in Information

Sessional Lecturer, INF
2582H - Special Topics in Information

University of Toronto
Faculty of Information

Sessional Lecturer

Summer Term 2026 – Session F (May – June)

INF
2582H – Special Topics in Information:
Digital Diplomacy and Global Communication

Course

Description:

This course introduces students to the developing field of digital diplomacy and its connection to global communication. It examines how digital technologies, including social media and online platforms, are transforming the way states conduct diplomacy and engage with international audiences. Students will explore how governments, foreign ministries, and international organizations use these tools in their daily work. Through theory and case studies, the course shows how digital diplomacy strengthens communication while also posing challenges such as misinformation.

It analyzes how digital transformation influences traditional diplomacy, public diplomacy, negotiation, cyber issues, feminist foreign policy, and ethical concerns, helping students understand its impact on international relations.

Estimate of the course enrolment: 35

Estimate of TA Support: None anticipated. Estimate of 75 hours with enrollment of 36 or greater. Allocation of TA hours, if any, will be based on enrolment numbers.

Class

Schedule:

TBD. You are required to be located in geographical proximity to the applicable University premises in order to attend and perform your duties on University premises as of the Starting Date.

Sessional dates of appointment: May 1, 2026 – June 31, 2026

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.

Qualifications: Preferably candidates will have a completed, or nearly completed, PhD degree in an area related to the course or a Master’s degree plus extensive professional experience in an area related to the course. Teaching experience is preferred.

Brief description of duties: Preparing course materials; delivering course content (e.g., seminars, lectures, and labs); developing and administering course assignments, tests & exams; grading; holding regular office hours.

Nafiseh Yazdian, Administrative Coordinator
Faculty of Information, 140 St. George Street University of Toronto
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This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II and Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact