The Faculty of Arts at the University of Prince Edward Island has an opening for a Sessional Instructor for the Summer 2026 semesters for the following course. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Please note: The course outlined below will be taught asynchronously online to a large cohort during two offerings in Summer 2026: May 11–June 18 and June 29–August 6.

ARTS-1050 Artificial Intelligence and Society

When answers arrive quicker than questions can be formed, how do we remain intentional participants in our own learning and decision-making? This course examines artificial intelligence (AI) within a longer history of tools and their relationship to how humans live, labour, and learn. At its core, the course advances the premise that human inquiry—asking better questions, not merely receiving faster answers—remains essential for engaging with transformative technologies. Rather than emphasizing technical proficiencies, the course treats

AI as a social-technical system that shapes how people frame questions, evaluate evidence, and distribute accountability. Students develop and apply the literacies needed to critically interpret what contemporary AI systems do and do not do, how they rely on data and prediction, and why their outputs create new challenges for individuals, communities, and institutions. Ethical, social, and environmental questions run throughout the course, including issues of labour, equity, energy use, and power, with sustained emphasis on agency and responsible practice across disciplines.

Qualifications:

The successful applicant should have:
•    a minimum of a master’s or doctoral degree in Philosophy, Media and Communications, Sociology, Education, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience
•    experience teaching courses with students drawn from multiple faculties
•    experience supervising teaching assistants (TAs)
•    demonstrated sensitivity to the demands of large-cohort, asynchronous instruction, including appropriate methods of delivery and assessment

Preference will be given to the qualified candidates with seniority on the UPEI Sessional Roster and full-time and term contract Faculty Members of the Academic unit.

Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit a letter of application, an updated C.V., the names of three references, and a sample course outline to:

Sharon Myers, PhD
Dean, Faculty of Arts
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
c/o artsadmin@upei.ca

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.

UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Closing date for applications is February 6, 2026.