Course Instructor – SMT3378H-“Holiness and Sainthood in Islamic Thought”
Top Benefits
About the role
Closes: August 18, 2025
Position: Course Instructor
Number of Positions Available: One (1)
Term when the course will be offered: 2026 Winter
Course Number & Course Title: SMT3378H-“Holiness and Sainthood in Islamic Thought”
Course Description
This seminar will introduce students to the origins of notions of holiness, spiritual charisma and sainthood in Islamic thought. Central figures that will be considered are the Prophet Muhammad, ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, and a selection of figures whose lives have given shape to Islamic spiritual tradition and specifically Sufism. Lectures include focused discussion on the person of Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and the historical role she has played in the shaping of Islamic tradition along with her spiritual likeness, Mary (Maryam), the mother of Jesus. We will also explore some comparative examples of Christian saints and mystics as an exercise in comparative biographies and the theology or beliefs that underlie them.
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: $9,997.28 (includes vacation pay)
Estimated Course Enrolment: 15
Estimated TA Support: N/A
Class Schedule: Mondays, 5 to 7 p.m.
Dates of the Appointment: January 5th to April 30, 2026
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.
.
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Department
Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology
About University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s top university with a long history of challenging the impossible and transforming society through the ingenuity and resolve of our faculty, students, alumni, and supporters.
We are proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, bringing together top minds from every conceivable background and discipline to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges. As a catalyst for discovery, innovation, and progress, we prepare our students for success through an outstanding global education and commitment to inclusive excellence.
The ideas, innovations, and actions of more than 660,000 graduates advance U of T’s impact on communities across the globe.
Course Instructor – SMT3378H-“Holiness and Sainthood in Islamic Thought”
Top Benefits
About the role
Closes: August 18, 2025
Position: Course Instructor
Number of Positions Available: One (1)
Term when the course will be offered: 2026 Winter
Course Number & Course Title: SMT3378H-“Holiness and Sainthood in Islamic Thought”
Course Description
This seminar will introduce students to the origins of notions of holiness, spiritual charisma and sainthood in Islamic thought. Central figures that will be considered are the Prophet Muhammad, ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, and a selection of figures whose lives have given shape to Islamic spiritual tradition and specifically Sufism. Lectures include focused discussion on the person of Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and the historical role she has played in the shaping of Islamic tradition along with her spiritual likeness, Mary (Maryam), the mother of Jesus. We will also explore some comparative examples of Christian saints and mystics as an exercise in comparative biographies and the theology or beliefs that underlie them.
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: $9,997.28 (includes vacation pay)
Estimated Course Enrolment: 15
Estimated TA Support: N/A
Class Schedule: Mondays, 5 to 7 p.m.
Dates of the Appointment: January 5th to April 30, 2026
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
About University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s top university with a long history of challenging the impossible and transforming society through the ingenuity and resolve of our faculty, students, alumni, and supporters.
We are proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, bringing together top minds from every conceivable background and discipline to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges. As a catalyst for discovery, innovation, and progress, we prepare our students for success through an outstanding global education and commitment to inclusive excellence.
The ideas, innovations, and actions of more than 660,000 graduates advance U of T’s impact on communities across the globe.