Open-Rank Professor, American Civilization

The Program in American Civilization at the University of Austin (UATX) studies America as a distinct civilization and seeks to form citizens capable of sustaining it. The Program begins from the conviction that America is more than a political system or an institutional blueprint: it is a civilization constituted by ideals, sustained by institutions, and animated by a distinct culture.

For this reason, the Program approaches the study of America through three mutually reinforcing dimensions. Ideals encompass the principles at the heart of the American experiment, including liberty, equality, natural rights, freedom of religion, and government by consent. Institutions are the means by which abstract ideals acquire concrete social and political form, encompassing not only the Constitution, Congress, and the courts, but also families, churches, schools, and voluntary associations. Culture consists of the stories by which Americans develop an attachment to their national inheritance, as expressed in sermons, novels, poems, paintings, rhetoric, customs, music, films, and other traditions.

These dimensions are intentionally studied together. Students encounter history, politics, philosophy, religion, literature, and art not as isolated disciplines but as facets of a single national identity.

The Program contributes three courses to UATX's core curriculum: The American Founding, American Frontiers, and The American Century. Together, these courses introduce all undergraduates to the American experience, from the colonial period and Founding through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Students wishing to pursue a deeper study of America may continue into the Concentration in American Civilization, which offers interdisciplinary courses and advanced seminars in American history, politics, philosophy, religion, literature, and the arts.

The Center for Arts at the University of Austin helps young people entering the university develop the intellectual skills and historical awareness necessary to make informed, lasting, and important contributions to human flourishing. Students participate in debates about ideas, analyze and create works of art, and investigate the causes and effects of historical events. 

As part of the larger University, the Center aims to foster deep thinking, clear communication, and virtuous character. Students ask abiding questions about human nature and explore possible answers with seriousness of purpose and generosity of spirit.

All students at the University of Austin complete a core curriculum, Intellectual Foundations, that includes ten courses on Western civilization and three courses on American civilization, as well as courses on mathematics, science, and economics. 

For students interested in the humanities, the Center for Arts offers four optional Concentrations: Philosophy, History, Literature, and American Civilization. Combined with Intellectual Foundations, these Concentrations comprise a scaffolded curriculum where students advance historically from antiquity to the present and within a discipline from more basic to more challenging texts, ideas, and debates. 

Faculty will be appointed at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or full Professor, with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027. Part-time appointments will be considered; applicants interested in a part-time appointment should indicate this preference in their cover letter.

Compensation is competitive, commensurate with rank, and includes comprehensive benefits and a research stipend. Salaries for full-time Assistant Professors in Arts start at $90,000. 

UATX operates on a quarter schedule, with an annual teaching load of 18 quarter hours, equivalent to a 12 semester hour or 2/2 teaching load in a semester system. This structure supports excellence in undergraduate teaching while allowing faculty to maintain substantive research agendas.

UATX is committed to building a permanent faculty. Although the University does not operate under a traditional tenure system, these positions are designed as long-term academic appointments, supported by renewable five-year contracts. This model reflects UATX's commitment to institutional stability as well as high standards, building an enduring community of engaged teachers and active scholars.

Applicants should upload a CV and a cover letter via this website.

The cover letter should describe a candidate’s interest in the position, their relevant teaching and research experience, and their alignment with the distinctive mission of the University of Austin.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications submitted by January 4, 2027 will receive priority review. Applicants who are selected for further review may be asked to submit writing samples, a list of references, and/or a teaching portfolio. 

The University of Austin (UATX) is a non-partisan institution committed to the fearless pursuit of truth and the highest standards of scholarship and pedagogy. The university does not accept federal funding and does not charge its students tuition. 

Standardized testing is required for admission. The average student score on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and CLT is within the top 5% nationwide. The typical section size is 12 to 20 students.

The curriculum at UATX emphasizes the distinctive value of Western civilization and the unique prosperity of American civilization alongside fields such as computer science, applied engineering, business, and law. 

More information can be found on the university website: https://uaustin.org/.