The St. Augustine Fellows is a new initiative of Villanova University to foster scholarship with the Augustinian Tradition. Villanova University is an Augustinian Catholic university founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine—and from its very outset has sought to promote the study of Saint Augustine, both within the university and beyond. Villanova University’s curriculum is shaped by an Augustinian vision characterized by the University’s core values as articulated in the distinctive Augustinian themes of the Seal of the University: Veritas, Unitas, Caritas. Villanova University furthers its academic commitment to the Augustinian tradition in a variety of ways: it publishes the journal Augustinian Studies, a premier journal with international recognition; through a variety of curricular initiatives it seeks to imbue the curriculum with a distinctive Augustinian character; through The Augustinian Institute various lectures, conferences, discussion groups, etc. seek to bring the Augustinian tradition into serious dialogue with the wider academic world.

The St. Augustine Fellows initiative is an attempt to broaden the Augustinian conversation at Villanova (and beyond) by inviting outstanding junior scholars (within 6 years of completing a Ph.D.) to come to Villanova for a semester. A St. Augustine Fellow will teach an “Augustine course” (presumably shaped by their own area of interest and research), present a seminar session on their research project while at Villanova, and participate in sponsored lectures and conversations.

Application:
Applicants to become a St. Augustine Fellow will submit, along with a current c.v., a 3-page essay describing the research project to be pursued while at Villanova and a description of the course they would propose to teach. Two letters of recommendation should also be submitted separately to the Selection Committee. The application process will be completed on-line and all applications must be received by April 1st 2009.

Stipend and Accommodations:
The semester stipend for a St. Augustine Fellow will be $30,000. Housing will be provided by Villanova University.

Selection Process:
All applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee which will weigh the quality of the proposal as well as the merits of the proposed course.