Catholic Studies Semester
Catholic Studies Semester
The Department of Catholic Studies offers a semester or year-long program in Rome for Catholic Studies majors and minors. Program information and applications are available at the Center for Catholic Studies, Sitzmann Hall, 2055 Summit Ave., (651) 962-5700.
Eligibility
How to Apply
Courses
Calendar
Costs and Financial Aid
Housing, Program Site and Facilities
Faculty Directors and Program Staff
Excursions and Weekend Retreats
Insurance
Italian Visa Information
Passport
Grades and Transcripts
Transportation to Rome
Volunteer Opportunities
Dates and Deadlines
- Catholic Studies major or minor
- Sophomore, junior or senior standing at time of participation
- Minimum 2.5 GPA (on 4.0 scale)
- Good disciplinary standing
Application and Selection Process
Student applications will be reviewed and students notified of acceptance or denial within two weeks following the deadline. Students must confirm their acceptance and make a $450 confirming deposit within three weeks of notification of acceptance.
Submit complete application with a non-refundable $25 application fee to the International Education Center, University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., Mail#44C-1, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105. The International Education Center is located at 44 No. Cleveland Ave.
Request an application from the Center for Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas, tel. (651) 962-5700 or email Don Briel.
Courses
Fall 2009
TE 2375 Spiritual Theology, Fr. Paul Murray, O.P.
The invitation to spiritual communion with God as presented in the First Letter of St. John. Study of selected tests from the Christian spiritual tradition (eg. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Romans, St. Augustine, Confessions) with special emphasis on the following themes: God’s saving mercy, prayer, the ascetical life, growth in holiness and contemporary spirituality. Bibliography: Ample bibliography will be suggested during the lectures.
TE 2543 Introduction to Patristic Teaching, Fr. Edmond Ditton, O.P.
A historical and doctrinal survey of the patristic era concentrating on key individuals who helped to shape the Church as we know it today. The emphasis will be on the reading of primary texts.
Or
FE 1022 History of Modern Philosophy, TBA
1. General introduction 2. Descartes and the rationalism of Spinoza, Malebranche and Leibniz. 3. Empiricism in Locke, Berkeley and Hume. 4. Kant Bibliography. F. Copleston, A History of Philosophy, vv. 4-6 New York, 1994; E. Gilson and t. Langdon, Modern Philosophy, New York 1963; R. Scruton, A Short History of Modern Philosophy, London, 1985; G. Reale e D. Antiseri, Il pensiero occidentale dalle origini ad oggi, v. 2 Brescia 1983.
CS 1010 Christian Art and Architecture, Dr. Liz Lev
This class proposes to look at the evolution of Christian art in the city of Rome from its earliest manifestations and justifications to its highest pinnacle of expression, the Italian Renaissance. As pilgrimage center par excellence and home to the See of Peter, the transformations in art in the Eternal City form a special lens through which we can understand the history, developments and ideals of the Christian faith. Through art and architecture we will see both the aesthetic changes wrought by the vicissitudes in Roman society; for instance the legalization and progressive Christianization of Rome, iconoclasm and the struggles with the Holy Roman emperors, as well as an inherent sense of continuity and identity. As part of our studies, we will learn artistic techniques from the well known arts of fresco, mosaic and sculpture, to lesser known types such as Cosmatesque pavement and various kinds of inlay. Students will also examine the changing emphasis on ornamental or narrative compositions in light of the intended effect on the varied and heterogeneous body of viewers. Close analysis of questions regarding topographical significance, liturgical function and private vs. public patronage will round out our formal analysis of the works of art. Finally, we will also touch on the rudiments of iconography, studying the meaning of images and how the representations adapt and transform over the centuries as the pastoral needs of the faithful change.
Europe and the Church, 1789 to the Present, Fr. Michael J. Keating
It is hard to overestimate the impact of the striking changes that have occurred in the world during the last two hundred years, changes that have had their focal point in European civilization. These have also been years of great moment for the Catholic Church. This course aims both at dealing with key people, events and developments in the Church in its relation to Europe since the French Revolution, and at the same time investigating what it means to do history and to do history as Catholics. We will pay particular attention to the historical vision of Christopher Dawson, and will read mostly from primary sources. During our Rome semester we will also take advantage of our location to examine in some detail the important question of Italian unification and its impact on the Papal States
Conversational Italian (non credit, pass/fail)
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16 credits plus the Italian language sessions are required; you have the option of taking an additional elective for a total of 20 credits. If you wish to do so, please consult with Dr. Briel
Spring 2010
SP 2733 Poets and Mystics of the 20th Century, Fr. Paul Murray, O.P.
Apart from reflecting, in general, on the relationship between poetry and mysticism, the course will focus attention on certain remarkable contemplatives of the 20th century, authors such as T.S. Eliot, Rabindranath Tagore, Simone Weil, R.S. Thomas, Charles Péguy and Thomas Merton.
Church, Culture and the Biomedical Revolution, Dr. Paul Wojda
What difference does Catholic faith make to the asking and answering of the questions—moral, philosophical, political—raised by contemporary research in the life sciences and medical practice? This course will identify and evaluate the origins, development, and contemporary state of Catholic contributions—both Magisterial and theological—to the current global debate over such topics as embryo research, artificial reproductive technologies, cloning, genetic therapy and enhancement, organ replacement, life-prolonging technologies, euthanasia, and physician assisted suicide. Of primary concern will be the interpretation of official Catholic interventions in contemporary bioethical debate, both as a means for considering specific questions related to the relationship between faith and reason as well as more general questions regarding the nature of the Church’s engagement with culture. Students will be introduced to the various curial departments (e.g., Pontifical Academies of Life and Science) and to individuals directing and/or involved in the Church’s involvement in bioethical debate.
TE 1368 Fundamental Moral Theology, Fr. Wojciech Giertych, O.P.
An introduction to the basic principles of Moral Theology, following the Ia-Iiae of the Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas and the encyclical Veritatis splendor of John Paul II.
Or
FE 2016 History of Medieval Philosophy, Fr. Walter Senner, O.P.
1. General introduction 2. Descartes and the rationalism of Spinoza, Malebranche and Leibniz. 3. Empiricism in Locke, Berkeley and Hume. 4. Kant Bibliography. F. Copleston, A History of Philosophy, vv. 4-6 New York, 1994; E. Gilson and t. Langdon, Modern Philosophy, New York 1963; R. Scruton, A Short History of Modern Philosophy, London, 1985; G. Reale e D. Antiseri, Il pensiero occidentale dalle origini ad oggi, v. 2 Brescia 1983.
CS 1010 Christian Art and Architecture, Dr. Liz Lev
This class proposes to look at the evolution of Christian art in the city of Rome from its earliest manifestations and justifications to its highest pinnacle of expression, the Italian Renaissance. As pilgrimage center par excellence and home to the See of Peter, the transformations in art in the Eternal City form a special lens through which we can understand the history, developments and ideals of the Christian faith. Through art and architecture we will see both the aesthetic changes wrought by the vicissitudes in Roman society; for instance the legalization and progressive Christianization of Rome, iconoclasm and the struggles with the Holy Roman emperors, as well as an inherent sense of continuity and identity. As part of our studies, we will learn artistic techniques from the well known arts of fresco, mosaic and sculpture, to lesser known types such as Cosmatesque pavement and various kinds of inlay. Students will also examine the changing emphasis on ornamental or narrative compositions in light of the intended effect on the varied and heterogeneous body of viewers. Close analysis of questions regarding topographical significance, liturgical function and private vs. public patronage will round out our formal analysis of the works of art. Finally, we will also touch on the rudiments of iconography, studying the meaning of images and how the representations adapt and transform over the centuries as the pastoral needs of the faithful change.
Conversational Italian (non credit, pass/fail)
********
16 credits plus the Italian language sessions are required; you have the option of taking an additional elective for a total of 20 credits. If you wish to do so, please consult with Dr. Briel
Calendar 2009-2010
FALL SEMESTER
Thursday, Oct. 1 - Departure from U.S.
Friday, Oct. 2 - Arrival in Rome. Official Bernardi move-in date
Student Life Orientation - Mass
Saturday, Oct. 3 - Student Life Orientation continues
Sunday, Oct. 4
• Mass at St.Peter’s
• Chaplaincy orientation
• “Welcome to Rome Kick off Dinner”
Monday, Oct. 5 - Saturday, Oct. 10
• Angelicum orientation and registration
• Italian, Art & Architecture classes begin
Monday, Oct. 12 - Angelicum classes officially begin
Saturday, Dec. 19 - Christmas break begins
Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 - Classes resume
Friday, January 29, 2010 - Departure Date
Monday, February 1, 2010 - Spring semester classes begin on St. Paul campus
SPRING SEMESTER
Friday, Feb. 5 - Departure from U.S.
Saturday, Feb. 6 - Official Bernardi move-in date - Student Life Orientation - Mass
Sunday, Feb. 7 - Student Life Orientation continues
• Mass at St. Peter’s
• Chaplaincy orientation
• “Welcome to Rome Kick off Dinner”
Monday, Feb, 8 - Saturday, Feb. 13
• Angelicum orientation and registration
• Italian, Art & Architecture classes begin
Monday, Feb. 15 - Angelicum classes officially begin
Saturday, March 27 - Easter break begins
Monday, April 12 - Classes resume
Wednesday, June 2 - Departure Date
(Italian holiday)
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Costs
2009-2010 Program Fee Information
2009-2010 Program Budget Information
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Financing Your Semester in Rome
Studying abroad typically costs a bit more than studying in St. Paul. The exchange rate of the dollar to the Euro is very low, and you will have to cover additional expenses such as airfare, passport, and weekend travel. Be certain to check with your financial aid counselor about your individual situation before you commit to the program by making your $450 deposit. You will have information on the program costs prior the deadline by which you must make your deposit to hold your place in the program.
Financial Aid
If you have any financial aid or will seek financial aid to study abroad, you must make an appointment with your personal financial aid counselor in Student Financial Services within 10 days of receiving your 2008-09 Notification of Financial Aid Award. Susan Brady is available for students who do not have a regular counselor in Financial Aid. Schedule all appointments via the Visit Line at 651.962.6634.
Scholarships
Some scholarships are targeted for students studying abroad. International Education lists scholarships available for study abroad, and the department of Catholic Studies has scholarships available for students with financial need who are participating in the Catholic Studies/Angelicum program in Rome. Information about these scholarships is available on the Catholic Studies web site.
Housing, Program Site and Facilities
Housing is provided at the St. Thomas Bernardi Rome Center at Lungotevere delle Armi 16, on the Tiber River. Located in the Prati section of Rome, directly across from the Borghese Gardens, it is a 20-minute walk to the Vatican and a 30-to 40-minute walk to the Angelicum.
The recently renovated residence has preserved a uniquely Italian sensibility with its 20-foot ceilings with carved moldings, shuttered windows, granite and marble floors, wrought-iron fence and gates and its charming, 50-seat chapel. The Luisa and Dante Seghiere Chapel provides students a quiet place for meditation and prayer, and mass is offered regularly.
The residence also features a modern dining room, where breakfast and evening meals are served, a computer room with internet connection to the St. Thomas system, a student lounge with television, and public sitting rooms. Laundry facilities are available in the residence.
Gardens surround the building and cap it, too: A rooftop garden overlooks the city and provides a 360-degree view of the Rome skyline, from the mountains to the northeast to St. Peter's Basilica in the southwest. The ground-level garden includes lemon and lime trees to harvest.
Student Rooms
Two corridors of student rooms provide housing for men and women. Rooms are primarily doubles, with some triples and singles available. A bed, desk and chair, desk lamp, and wardrobe is provided for each student. Each room has a telephone with a voice mailbox, and a clock radio. Weekly linen service is provided. Students share bathrooms on the corridor, with typically no more than two rooms to each bath.
Meal Plan
Students receive breakfast daily, including cereal, rolls, fruit, yogurt, juice, coffee and tea. Students have dinner at the residence 2 nights a week, and receive vouchers for dinners for 3 more nights -- for a total of 5 dinners.
Mail
Students' mail may be sent airmail to this address:
Student Name
c/o Catholic Studies Program
University of St. Thomas: Rome Campus
Lungotevere delle Armi, 16
00195 Rome
ITALY
Faculty Directors and Program Staff
- Dr. Don Briel, Catholic Studies/Angelicum Program Director
- Fr. Charles Morerod, O.P., Catholic Studies/Angelicum Director, Rome, Dean, Faculty of Philosophy
- Thanos Zyngas, Bernardi Campus Director
St. Thomas Faculty Directors for 2008-2009:
- Fall Semester: Dr. William Cavanaugh, UST Theology Faculty
- Spring Semester: Fr. Jan-Michael Joncas, UST Theology Faculty
Chaplain: Father Joseph Carola, S.J. serves as chaplain for the program. He offers mass regularly in the residence chapel, leads the semester retreat, is available for confession and can arrange for spiritual direction.
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Excursions and Weekend Retreats
Included as part of the program are study tours to Bologna in the fall and Ravenna in the spring. Most of the courses will also include site visits. Each semester, there will be planned trips to Siena and Assisi in which students may elect to participate at their own cost.
Each semester a weekend retreat is planned at Casa Divin Maestro in the quiet woods on Lake Albano in the Alban Hills outside of Rome. The Casa offers respite from the activity of Rome. Students will have time for quiet prayer and reflection as well as community life and activities.
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Insurance
All students participating in St. Thomas study abroad programs are required to verify that they hold health and hospitalization insurance that will cover them while abroad.
Once in Rome you are required by the Italian government to hold the I.N.A. Assitalia, the Italian national hospitalization insurance. This insurance is included in the program fee and is obtained during the orientation in Rome.
As a participant in this program, you will also receive the International Student ID card, which provides supplementary health insurance including medical evacuation and repatriation insurance.
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Italian Visa Information
U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa if their stay in Italy will exceed 90 days. St. Thomas will assist all students on the program in obtaining a visa (which is actually a stamp in your passport granting permission to remain in the country for a specified period of time). Upon acceptance to the program, St. Thomas will provide you with a visa application and the instructions to complete it properly.
Students must submit their completed visa application to St. Thomas by June 1st for fall or by November 1st for spring; St. Thomas will submit the application to the Italian Consulate on the student's behalf and the passport with visa will be returned to the IEC. The cost of the student visa is covered in the program fee.
Students are advised NOT to arrange any international travel plans during the period 90-days prior to departure for Rome since your passport needs to be submitted with your visa application. Any international travel plans (including January Term courses prior to a Spring Semester in Rome) may jeopardize your ability to obtain an Italian visa, and you will be required to apply for your visa without the help of St. Thomas.
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Grades and Transcripts
St. Thomas receives grade reports from the Angelicum and records the courses, credits and grades received for each student on the St. Thomas transcripts. Each course is worth four semester credits. A conversion is made for the Italian grades to U.S. letter grades.
Non-St. Thomas students may request that the transcript be forwarded to the Registrar on their home campus. One transcript is provided to each student at no cost.
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St. Thomas will offer a round-trip group flight from MSP each semester, but a minimum number of students is required to secure the rate. Information will be distributed to confirmed students during the semester prior to study in Rome. This group flight is the one designated for ground transportation to the Bernardi Residence upon arrival in Rome.
If students have different departure sites and dates, students make their own travel arrangements to Rome.
You will be provided with the arrival information and instruction on how to get from the airport or train station to the Bernardi Campus. You should check with your home campus International Office for suggestions on travel arrangers. Be sure to inquire about a student discount on airfare.
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Volunteer Opportunities
As Service is an essential part of Catholic life, all students are strongly encouraged to serve Rome's poor. You may chose to work with such communities as the Missionaries of Charity, the Little Sisters of the Poor, or the Saint Egidio Movement, providing ample opportunity for reflection on your life and vocation as a member of the larger Catholic community.
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Get an application! Pick up from the Center for Catholic Studies, on the corner of Summit and Cleveland, or call (651) 962-5700.
The program may fill at the January priority deadline for either/both semesters of the following year, but if spaces remain, applications will be accepted until the final deadline.
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Application Deadlines Spring Semester: Fall Semester: |
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Group Meetings for Spring students
Italian student visas, St. Thomas Forms, pre-departure requirements,program payments, registration, logistics. |
Tuesday, September 29; 11:45-1:00; Room 247 JRC |
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Pre-Departure Orientation (Required) |
Saturday, Nov 14th OEC |
| Visa Signing Session | Tuesday, October 27; 11:45-1:00; International Education Center |
