Sessional Instructor Summer 2025, Department of History

Job Summary

The Sessional Instructor (Summer 2025) in the Department of History at the University of Calgary is a specialized academic appointment focused on delivering HIST 202: An Introduction to Military History. Operating as a “Historical Strategist,” you are responsible for guiding undergraduate students through the evolution of warfare, its social impacts, and its technological shifts. This role requires the “wit” to synthesize vast historical narratives and the “grit” to lead intensive, high-energy lectures during the condensed summer term.

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Job Details

• Employer: University of Calgary (Department of History).

• Course: HIST 202 (Lecture 01).

• Term: Summer 2025 (June 30 – August 25, 2025).

• Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays (09:00 – 11:45 AM).

• Location: In-person, Main Campus, Calgary, AB.

• Salary: Refer to TUCFA Collective Agreement, Schedule B.

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Core Course Focus: HIST 202

As the instructor for an introductory military history course, you will likely cover the broad arcs of human conflict, including:

• The Evolution of Strategy: Analyzing how military thought transitioned from ancient formations to modern combined-arms operations.

• War and Society: Examining the relationship between military institutions and the political, social, and economic structures of the states that create them.

• Technological Revolutions: Tracing the impact of innovations—from gunpowder and steam to nuclear and cyber capabilities—on the conduct of war.

• Historiography: Introducing students to the “New Military History,” which emphasizes the experiences of common soldiers and the cultural context of conflict.

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Candidate Profile & Requirements

• The “Scholarly Practitioner”: A PhD in History or a relevant discipline is required.

• Experience Grit: Demonstrated success teaching undergraduate courses at the university level.

• Specialized Wit: Specific training or teaching experience in military history or a closely related field.

• Professional Standing: For returning instructors, the Right of First Refusal (Section 23.12.1) may apply.

• Equity Focus: Alignment with UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy to incorporate diverse perspectives into the curriculum.

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Technical Insights: Teaching Military History in a Modern Context

Teaching HIST 202 requires balancing traditional “drums and trumpets” history with modern critical analysis.

• Operational Analysis: You will help students understand the “Levels of War”—Tactical, Operational, and Strategic—and how they intersect during specific historical campaigns.

• The “Face of Battle”: Utilizing primary sources (letters, diaries, and memoirs) to provide a human-centric view of combat, moving beyond just maps and arrows.

• Global Perspectives: Ensuring the course covers non-Western military traditions and the global impact of major conflicts to provide a comprehensive historical foundation.

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Diversity and Representation at UCalgary

The University of Calgary is a leader in fostering a “culturally competent” campus, particularly through its commitment to Indigenous partnerships.

• Indigenous Strategy (ii’ taa’poh’to’p): The university works with a Circle of 18 Elders to ensure Indigenous perspectives are woven into the fabric of the institution. In a history context, this often involves acknowledging Indigenous military contributions and the history of conflict on traditional territories.

• Academic Community: UCalgary supports 36,000 students and is ranked among the top research universities of its age, providing a high-energy environment for sessional faculty.

• Calgary Context: Located in Canada’s most enterprising city, the university benefits from a community of leaders and a diverse urban population that enriches the classroom experience.

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Job Description

Do you believe that understanding the conflicts of the past is essential to navigating the peace of the future? The University of Calgary is seeking a Sessional Instructor to lead our summer session of Military History. We aren’t just looking for someone to recount dates and battles; we are looking for an educator who can spark critical thinking about the nature of power and human conflict. If you have the “grit” to manage a fast-paced summer lecture schedule and the “wit” to bring historical strategy to life, you belong in our Department of History.

In this role, you are an “Intellectual Guide.” You understand that for many students, HIST 202 is their first deep dive into the complexities of military history. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Instruction,” helping students see the threads that connect ancient phalanxes to modern geopolitical shifts. We look for “Integrity-first” academics who are passionate about teaching and ready to contribute to a vibrant, entrepreneurial campus community.

Joining UCalgary means joining a top-tier institution in one of the world’s most livable cities. We offer a professional environment where your expertise is valued and your teaching is supported by a robust collective agreement. If you are a historian with a commitment to “Academic Rigour and Inclusive Perspectives,” we invite you to submit your application by April 30, 2025, and help us shape the historical understanding of our students this summer.