DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the spiritual understanding and practices of six key figures drawn from the Medieval and Catholic Reformation era studied in the context of medieval developments of liturgy and spirituality. These six figures are Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, and Teresa of Ávila. Offered in Orvieto, Italy, the course will include trips to Assisi and Siena as well as involvement in the Feast of Corpus Christi in Orvieto. Judy Peace will serve as a guest lecturer on the women mystics.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have (1) come to understand the core ideas concerning spirituality from six key figures in the Medieval and Catholic Reformation era; (2) explored various spiritual practices from these traditions; (3) visited Assisi, Siena, and Orvieto, Italy, and so developed a firsthand understanding of several of these traditions; and (4) learned how to lead others in various spiritual practices.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Given the current fascination with spirituality, there is renewed interest in exploring spiritual traditions other than one's own. The goal is not just to understand better such traditions but to engage in the spiritual practices of these traditions.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will include lecture and discussion of readings that seeks to give students a basic understanding of biblical, historical, and theological issues. Lectures will prepare students for visits to the Orvieto Cathedral, Siena, and Assisi, and for participation in the Corpus Christi celebrations (including the performance of mystery plays) in order to enable them to understand theological practice in the context of medieval thought. The course will be taught in Orvieto, Italy, June 15-24, 2006, though residence in Orvieto June 12-24 is encouraged to enable participation (by audit or registration) in TC 519 and all the joint activities. Students are responsible for arrangements for housing and travel and for consulting with the International Services Office (ISO) regarding Fuller Seminary requirements related to travel abroad.

REQUIRED READING: Read 1000 pages from the following books:

Aronis, Alex. Developing Intimacy with God: An Eight-Week Prayer Guide Based on "The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius." Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse, 2003.

Durka, Gloria. Praying with Hildegard of Bingen. Winona, MN: Saint Mary's Press, 1991.

Francis, St. Francis and Clare: The Complete Works. (The Classics of Western Spirituality.) New York: Paulist Press, 1982.

Mass, Robin, and Gabriel O'Donnell, eds. Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church. Nashville: Abingdon, 1990.

O'Driscoll, Mary, ed. Catherine of Siena--Passion for the Truth, Compassion for Humanity: Selected Spiritual Writings. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1993.

Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. Trans. E. A. Peers. New York: Image Books, Doubleday, 1991.

Course Reader.

1. Read 1000 pages from the reading list (30%). Certain reading is to be completed prior to the course.

2. A personal reflection paper (6 pp.) on the various experiences in this field-based course (20%).

3. A research paper (12-15 pp.) on one of the six major figures in the course (50%).