Full-Time Tenure-Track Position

The Seattle University Department of Philosophy invites applicants for a tenure-track assistant professor position, start date September 2010. AOS: Open, but the department has needs in the following areas, two or more of which the successful candidate will fill: African, American (including African American/Africana, Latin American, Native American), Ethics (particularly Health Care Ethics), Gender Studies, Medieval Philosophy. Strong background in the history of philosophy is necessary. Particular interest in a person excited about teaching required philosophy core courses: Intro to Phil., Phil. of the Person, and Ethics. Candidates must demonstrate teaching excellence, scholarly potential, some familiarity with the Catholic intellectual tradition, and the ability to engage with colleagues representing diverse philosophical traditions. Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 50 acres on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. More than 7,600 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools and colleges. U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2009” 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.

Application Process: Applicants should submit applications online at https://jobs.seattleu.edu, including cover letter, CV, 2 letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and evidence of successful teaching. Deadline: November 13, 2009. Only electronic applications will be accepted. If using a dossier or placement service please have the recommendations emailed to Kate Reynolds at reynoldk@seattleu.edu. Contact: Burt Hopkins, Ph.D., Chair, Dept. of Philosophy, Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122. 

Philosophy Department Information

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

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

Faculty are contracted to teach seven courses per year on the quarter system, but are typically released from one of these courses for service duties or research.

The Philosophy Department is very active in research and in conference organization. To support these activities the University maintains a sabbatical program, the University and College offer competitive research fellowships, and the Department has its own endowment for research support. The Department hosts annual conferences on campus and hosts prominent speakers throughout the year. It maintains a teaching seminar for faculty, supported by endowed funds.

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 Burt Hopkins, the department chair, or Kate Reynolds, the departmental administrative assistant.