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Casual Philosophy Instructor

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 1275
CLOSING DATE: JUNE 16, 2025 @ 11:59PM MST

 

 

FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

 

The Arts & Sciences Diploma Program is seeking a qualified candidate for a casual instructor position to teach three (3) philosophy courses in the 2025/2026 academic year (listed below).

 

Reporting to the Program Chair, the instructor will work alongside like-minded individuals dedicated to helping our students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to meet learning outcomes for transfer to Bachelor’s degree programs. The Faculty of Arts & Sciences is home to a passionate team of educators who strive to live our NorQuest values and honour the spirit of Treaty 6 both in and outside of the classroom. We are committed to anti-racism, decolonization, diversity, inclusion, and equity.

 

Applicants must have a minimum Master's Degree in Philosophy (in hand) and subject matter expertise aligned with the course descriptions below, with teaching experience in introductory (first-year university equivalent) courses strongly preferred. Please note that applicants should be available to teach all three courses as scheduled.

 

Instructors are responsible for delivering course content in the designated modality, student assessment, teaching preparation, and student assistance. Curriculum materials and LMS resources are available for all courses and instructors are welcome to make use of existing content and/or develop their own in accordance with the course outlines and learning outcomes.

 

Please note this is a casual position, commencing in mid-August in preparation for the Fall 2025 term. Classes begin September 2 and must be delivered in person at our downtown Edmonton campus.

 

PHIL 1001: Values & Society

 

Fall 2025 term (September - December, 2025): Wednesdays, 12:30-3:30pm

 

This course introduces students to philosophy through fundamental questions and concepts regarding moral (and other) values, the nature of justice, and living with others in society. Students will encounter works by philosophers throughout history, including Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and de Beauvoir, as well as contemporary philosophers from global perspectives. Students will examine key philosophical questions such as: What constitutes a good life? How should we live? What is the value of the philosophical life? Should we seek happiness or pleasure above truth or knowledge? What makes acts good or bad? How can we know what is the right thing to do? Is there such a thing as objectively right and wrong, or is it relative? Are humans naturally good or evil? What obligations do we have to ourselves and each other? What makes a society just? How should society be organized? Are humans better off with or without a ruler? Are inequalities among members of society inevitable? Through engaging with primary and supplementary philosophical texts and contexts, students will develop skills in argumentation, rhetorical analysis, and critical thinking, reading, and writing. 

 

PHIL 1002: Knowledge & Reality

Winter term (January - April, 2026): Mondays, 11:00am-2:00pm

 

This course is an introduction to central philosophical issues in metaphysics and epistemology. Students will consider the nature of reality and the nature of knowledge through close engagement with historical sources. Metaphysical topics may include dualism, idealism, materialism, free will, personal identity, and the existence of God. Epistemological topics may include rationalism, empiricism, skepticism, relativism, evidentialism, fideism, and pragmatism.

 

PHIL 2065: Philosophy of Technology & Computing

Winter term (January - April, 2026): Thursdays, 2:00pm-5:00pm

 

This course is an introduction to the philosophy of technology, particularly as it relates to computational and informational technology. Students will systematically investigate questions related to the use, value, influence, and ethics of technological innovations. The course will engage students in discussions of current issues related to advances in information technology, such as the possible threat information technology may pose to personal privacy, as well as examinations of ethics, morality, and social inequalities in relation to advancements in information technology. 

 

 

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

 

  • Prepare and deliver instructional material for in-person courses
  • Engage students in the co-creation of knowledge and facilitate students’ learning through materials and instructional practices that are in alignment with universal design principles and NorQuest College values of anti-racism, decolonization, and inclusivity
  • Evaluate student performance, progress, learning outcomes, and experiences through authentic and relevant assessment practices
  • Maintain student and program records in accordance with College requirements
  • Communicate with other instructional team members
  • Use applicable educational technology such as Moodle (misiwe) and PeopleSoft

 

 

WHAT YOU BRING:

 

  • Master’s degree (minimum) in Philosophy
  • Subject matter expertise, including research and/or teaching experience, in applicable topics, such as: epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, technology/computing/AI, etc.
  • Teaching experience at the first-year university/undergraduate level
  • Experience using Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle

 

 

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?

As a difference maker, you bring:

 

  • Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning
  • Dedication to anti-racism, Indigenization, decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusiveness (EDI) initiatives, and anti-oppressive teaching practices
  • Understanding of and respect for students’ diverse academic and cultural backgrounds
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with students

 

SALARY:  Reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. Plus an additional 11.2% in lieu of benefits and vacation. This is a Faculty role therefore the pay range is quite large, the Faculty Association agreement outlines how pay is determined.

 

 

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

 

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

 

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

  • International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
  • World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

 

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

 

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

 

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

 

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.

Apply now »