Visiting Assistant Professor

Position Description Summary:

The University Honors Program (UHP) at the George Washington University (GW) seeks a one (1) semester Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) to teach three (3) sections of the first-year seminar, “Origins and Evolution of Modern Thought,” in Fall 2024. Applicants will have broad training in the history of Philosophy and experience with both Western and Eastern intellectual traditions. This is a one-semester appointment, without the possibility of reappointment.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be required to teach three (3) sections of HONR 1015: “Origins and Evolution of Modern Thought.” This is a 4-credit course for first-year UHP students. Each section is capped at 16 students. The course immerses students in an exploration of significant exemplars, milestones, and developments of human thought, studying foundational ideas and texts of the ancient world in the Fall (moving to modernity in the Spring). There is much flexibility within the specific topic of each section, provided the course engages students in critical thinking by discussing and debating fundamental and enduring questions of the human condition. Course descriptions from previous semesters can be found on this website (under “Past Course Descriptions”). The seminar is discussion-based, not lecture-based.  It serves as UHP students’ first-year writing course and thus incorporates writing instruction, drafting, and peer review. The exact teaching schedule will be fairly flexible, based on program needs and instructor preference. The seminar meets twice a week for 75 minutes plus one additional 50-minute "writing lab." All sections are taught on GW’s Mount Vernon Campus in Washington, DC. Instructors are expected to challenge our excellent students while also providing a supportive and caring environment in which every member of our diverse student body feels welcome. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or be near completion of a Ph.D. (ABD) in History, Philosophy, Political Science or another related field. 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, please complete an online faculty application at https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/108579 and upload a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a CV, and recent teaching evaluations (or other evidence of teaching excellence). Please also provide the names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin March 22, 2024 continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the search should be directed to Bethany Cobb Kung ([email protected]), Director of the University Honors Program.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.