The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) invites applications for Sessional Lecturers for the Winter 2025-2026 academic term. The following courses are open for application in Term 1 and/or Term 2 (September 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026).
PPGA 391: Human Rights in a Globalized World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practical Applications (3.0 credits) – This course will introduce students to analytical approaches related to the study and practice of human rights. The course will also expose students to a variety of disciplinary perspectives across three broad areas (creative arts and humanities, social science, and STEM). Drawing on approaches from a variety of disciplines (including history, philosophy, anthropology, political science, law, science and technology, and the fine arts) the course will enable students to understand the diverse and increasingly complex body of human rights work. The combination of interdisciplinary approaches and experience with a range of human rights cases will enable students to acquire knowledge in the application of human rights to their research as well as the practical skills needed to work with human rights organizations. Students will be expected to apply this knowledge to evaluate current and future human rights challenges in partnership with a community partner.
This course will have a direct relationship with the UBC Human Rights Collective (HRC) and the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the experiential component as much as possible based on the date of hire. As such, interested instructors will be asked to collaborate on the existing course design with the HRC and ORICE to incorporate experiential learning into the course delivery and assignments.
For further information about the Human Rights Collective please visit https://humanrightscollective.ubc.ca/ and for information about the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE) visit: https://orice.ubc.ca/.
In-person instruction
Winter Term 2 | Schedule TBD.
Application Deadline: October 23, 2025
PPGA 591T: Special Topics in Public Policy – Energy Economics (3.0 credits) – Driven by decarbonization, the energy sector is undergoing the deepest transformation of its history. The transformation is shaped by economics and engineering, as well as the institutional and legal framework that shape energy systems and markets. The goal of this course is to understand how energy in the form of electricity and heat is produced, transported, traded, and consumed. And how new technologies from solar photovoltaics to batteries to hydrogen are changing the economics of the sector as they replace coal, oil, and natural gas. With this economic foundation, coupled with perspectives from real-world applications, and perspectives from related disciplines, this course will enable students to sharpen their ability to understand, evaluate, and critique energy economics.
In-person instruction
Winter Term 2 | Mondays 9:30am – 12:30pm
Application Deadline: October 30, 2025
Course delivery may be flexible depending upon the candidate. Course scheduling will be finalized upon confirmation of courses taught, and will be scheduled between 9am and 8pm Mon-Fri.
Applicants will be asked to include the following in their application:
- Brief cover letter outlining your experience for the position,
- Curriculum vitae (CV),
- Recent evaluations or other evidence of teaching effectiveness,
- Names and contact information for three academic references.
All positions are subject to availability of funds and will be governed by UBC’s “Agreement on Conditions of Appointment for Sessional Lecturers.” The minimum salary (effective 2024W) will be $9,559.11 per 3-credit course.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
