The University of Texas at Austin announced on Tuesday that it is launching two new programs focused on Jewish thought and Western civilization.
“Jewish ideas are central to the foundations of Western culture and the American constitutional order,” stated William Inboden, executive vice president and provost at the public research university. “Modern Israel is one of the world’s most remarkable nations—a singular story of political refuge, economic growth and strategic influence.”
The Ackerman Program on Jewish and Western Civilization includes courses such as “Jewish Thought and Western Philosophy,” “Israeli Grand Strategy and the Modern Middle East” and “The Roots of Modern Antisemitism.” The program will also include a study abroad opportunity in Israel, along with intensive study of modern Hebrew language, literature and culture, according to the university.
The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program will offer full-tuition scholarships to students interested in studying Jewish and Western civilization. The program includes a $7,000 per year living stipend and “a rigorous academic program in philosophy, history, literature, Jewish civilization, Zionism, political thought, economics, law and strategy.”
Rosenthal-Levy scholars will also be required to complete a set of courses within the Ackerman program.
Both programs, housed in the university’s School of Civic Leadership, will start in the fall of 2026, according to the university.
“These programs will expose our students to these themes in an era when they are as important as ever,” Inboden stated.
