Sessional Lecturer, MSL2308H - Special Topics in Museum Studies

University of Toronto
Faculty of Information

Sessional Lecturer

Summer Term 2026 – Session F (May – June)

MSL2308H  – Special Topics in Museum Studies: Critical Philanthropy Studies in Cultural Institutions  

Course Description: This course centers philanthropy as a core institutional practice in cultural institutions. Philanthropy, which includes different forms of sponsorship and gift giving, impacts all other areas in cultural institutions, including curation, programming, community engagement, and collecting. Guided by literature from the fields of critical philanthropy studies, marketing, arts management, and museum studies, this course will explore the relationship between philanthropy and the culture sector from a variety of perspectives, including those of donors, cultural professionals, activists, and those who benefit from philanthropy in cultural organizations. The course is designed to connect multi-disciplinary intellectual frameworks with the realities of funding cultural organizations in the increasingly complex philanthropic world. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the philanthropic challenges facing contemporary cultural institutions and the ways in which philanthropic activity shapes other cultural practices. 

MSL2308H  – Special Topics in Museum Studies: Critical Philanthropy Studies in Cultural Institutions  

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

Salary: 
Sessional Lecturer I: $10,696
Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: $11,445
Sessional Lecturer II $11,445
Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: $11,713
Sessional Lecturer III: $11,713
Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: $11,986

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. 

Application Deadline: Feb. 9, 2026

Application Process: Applicants must submit a CV and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form  in one pdf file to the attention of:  

Nafiseh Yazdian, Administrative Coordinator
Faculty of Information, 140 St. George Street  University of Toronto
sessional.ischool@utoronto.ca

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.