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Part-Time Academic (POLI 3378.03 - American Politics: Polarization and Crisis) - Winter 2026

Halifax, NS
Mid Level
part_time

About the role

Position Information

Position Title

Part-Time Academic (POLI 3378.03 - American Politics: Polarization and Crisis) - Winter 2026

Posting Number

PTAP3072P

Department/Unit

Political Science

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Job Summary & Key Responsibilities

This part-time academic will be required to teach POLI 3378, American Politics: Polarization and Crisis during Winter Term: January-April 2026, currently scheduled in-person on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:05 a.m.-11:25 a.m.

Course description: The purpose of this seminar course, for senior undergraduates, is to provide a thorough and critical understanding of the American national political process and its current crises and contradictions. It will examine the colonial displacement of First Peoples and founding of a colonial “settler” society, the slave-based economy, and the revolutionary route to independence. It examines the framing of the constitution and the novel institutions of separation of powers and federalism. It will consider the contemporary evolution of the presidential-congressional relationship which experiences periods of cooperation, contestation and gridlock, and the important Supreme Court role of judicial review. It will then examine the unique electoral system and political parties and the role of lobbyists and money in politics. Students will examine persistent divisions of class, race, ethnicity and gender which remain hotly contested in contemporary political discourses and practices. These themes will be set in the context of political economy in the world’s wealthiest, but increasingly unequal, society. Contemporary controversies in governance will be highlighted including the divisive culture of “values” politics. Classes will build around student-lead presentations and debates.

The part-time academic will be responsible for all aspects of teaching and administering the class, including lectures, test preparation, Teaching Assistant supervision, and evaluation. The position reports to the Chair of the Department.

Qualifications/Requirements of Position

Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD, or nearly completed PhD, in Political Science and a strong knowledge of the topic. Previous university-level teaching on this topic will be an asset.

Salary Range/Pay Rate

Per CUPE Collective Agreement

Additional Information

All offers of employment as a Part-Time Academic are conditional upon sufficient student enrolment in the course and approval by the University.

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

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted.

Posting Detail Information

Term of appointment

January-April 2026

Open Date

10/21/2025

Close Date

10/31/2025

Open Until Filled

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19548

About Dalhousie University

Higher Education
5001-10,000

One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.

Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.