DESCRIPTION: With the medieval city of Orvieto as the backdrop for our explorations, this course will consider the shape of Medieval and early Renaissance worship and monastic devotion as modes of spiritual formation. The music and art of the period will inform our consideration of the spirituality of the era. Through visits to key historical sites, lectures, readings, discussions, viewing of local art, and engagement in local liturgies, students will become familiar with the patterns of prayer that shaped the era's devotion and continue to provide expression for contemporary people of faith. Topics to be explored include the shape of the Roman Mass and its theology, the practice of praying the monastic hours, the place of preaching within worship, the development of monastic chant and Renaissance sacred music, and Medieval and Renaissance sculpture and painting. In addition to exploring the sacred sites within Orvieto and its environs, students will also visit the city of Assisi, monastic home of Francis and Clare. Working with the instructor will be guest artist and teacher Christopher Slatoff.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students will (1) grow in their understanding of the Renaissance era and its spiritual practices, (2) become familiarized with the music, art, and spirituality of the period and engage in the practice of these arts on a basic level, and (3) increase in awareness of how Renaissance spiritual practices can inform and enrich spiritual life today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Christian spiritual practices are critical to the exercise of faith. Learning the practices of a rich period in Christian history and experiencing them firsthand will both enrich a person's own spiritual practice and provide a basis for discussing and teaching such practices in settings of Christian ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for five days in Orvieto, Italy, for lecture, reading discussion, and visits to museums, churches, and historic sites. Following the onsite portion, the course will conclude with a five-week online component which will lead students into the exploration of additional reading and viewing materials, threaded online discussions, written assignments, and preparation for a final written or artistic project.

REQUIRED READING:

Cunningham, Lawrence S. Francis of Assisi: Performing the Gospel Life. Eerdmans, 2004 (150 pp.).

Jensen, Robin M. The Substance of Things Seen: Art, Faith, and Christian Community. Eerdmans, 2004 (150 pp.).

Lubbock, J. Story Telling in Christian Art from Giotto to Donatello. Yale University Press, 2006 (300 pp.).

Okholm, Dennis. Monk Habits for Everyday People: Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants. Brazos, 2007 (135 pp.).

Course Reader (covering topics of chant; Renaissance polyphony, preaching, art, and sculpture; the monastic hours; and the shape of the Roman liturgy) (200 pp.).