Philosophy

Candidate Information 2012-13

This page provides information for applicants for Seattle University's positions in Philosophy during 2012-13.

Seattle University invites applications for two one-year full-time Instructor positions, beginning September 2012.  Salary will be based on experience and qualifications.  AOS: Open. AOC: History of philosophy, including ancient, medieval, and modern.  We seek persons at the doctoral level who have an understanding of the task of teaching philosophy in an undergraduate liberal arts curriculum, and who are committed to the use of primary source materials. The department is particularly interested in a person excited about teaching required philosophy core courses: Intro to Phil., Phil. of the Person, and Ethics.

Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 48 acres on Seattle’s Capitol Hill.  More than 7,700 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools.  U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2012” ranks Seattle University among the top 10 universities in the West that offer a full range of masters and undergraduate programs.  Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants should submit materials online at https://jobs.seattleu.edu, including CV, contact information for two references, teaching materials (including evaluations) and a writing sample. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Applications received by May 25, 2012 will receive priority consideration, but the positions are open until filled.  Candidates are encouraged to visit the candidate information
Web site: http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/philosophy/  

Philosophy Department Information

All Seattle University students, regardless of major, are required to take three philosophy courses (15 credits, quarter system):

  • Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking. Introduces students to philosophical questions, methods, and texts with an emphasis on the Socratic dialogues of Plato and the elements of informal logic.
  • Philosophy of the Human Person. Considers questions pertaining to the nature, identity, and dignity of the human person, including topics of human freedom, personal identity, and sociality.
  • Ethics. A course combining a theoretical orientation to the field with case study. Students may substitute field-specific ethics sections, such as business ethics or health care ethics.
    The mission of the University and the Jesuit tradition in liberal education provide reasons for a strong presence of philosophy in the core curriculum. The Department's core responsibilities create a schedule for faculty that is heavily dedicated to service and teaching in the core program.

The Department also supports a Philosophy Major and Minor. The centerpiece of the major program is a required sequence in the history of philosophy. An emphasis on work with primary texts -- both historical and contemporary -- gives Seattle University students solid preparation for graduate study. Further information on the Department's, mission, curriculum, activities, and faculty is available
at the Philosophy Department Web Site

The College of Arts and Sciences

The section entitled "About the College" at the College of Arts and Sciences Web Site contains information on the College's mission and statements by its dean, David Powers.

Seattle University

See the section, "About Seattle University," on the University Web Site for information on the University's mission, history, and related topics. Note that the Office of Institutional Research maintains a wealth of factual information here.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact  James Risser, the chair of the search committee, or Kate Reynolds, the departmental administrative assistant.