DESCRIPTION: Spiritual practices emerge out of spiritual traditions which, in turn, often emerge from the life and experience of spiritual pioneers. In this course we will explore the lives of various key figures drawn from the medieval and Catholic Reformation era, four of whom are from Umbria, Italy. Their stories will be set in the context of the medieval understanding of liturgy and spirituality. In particular, the tension between church-based spirituality (the Eucharist) and experiential spirituality (mystical experience) will be examined. These figures include Benedict of Nursia, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, and Teresa of Ávila. Judy Peace will serve as guest lecturer focusing on the women mystics. Offered in Orvieto, Italy, the course will include trips to Assisi and Siena as well as exploration of the town of Orvieto, in particular its cathedral.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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 in such a way as to develop an understanding of the personal and communal value of these practices.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have (1) come to understand the core concepts of spirituality on the part of various key figures in the medieval and Catholic Reformation era set in their historical and theological contexts; (2) explored various spiritual practices from these individuals and the traditions they inspired (including praying the monastic hours); (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.

COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of lecture, discussion, small groups, engagement in spiritual practices, trips to various sites, and interactive dialogue. This course is taught in conjunction with TC519 Medieval Art and Theology, in which students must also be enrolled as either a credit student or an auditor.

REQUIRED READING: Read the following books:

Dreyer, E. A. Passionate Spirituality: Hildegard of Bingen and Hadewijch of Brahant. New York: Paulist Press, 2005 (read 100 pages). ISBN: 978-0809143047. Pub. Price $16.05.

Lonsdale, David. Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: An Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2000. 240 pages. ISBN: 978-1570753367. Pub. Price $22.00.

Maas, Robin, and Gabriel O'Donnell. Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church. Abingdon, 1990. (read 200 pages.) ISBN: 978-0687392339. Pub. Price $33.00.

O'Driscoll, Mary, ed. Catherine of Siena. Passion for Truth--Compassion for Humanity. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2005. 144 pages. ISBN: 978-1565482357. Pub. Price $13.95.

Short, William, OFM. Poverty and Joy: The Franciscan Tradition. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1999. 143 pages. ISBN: 978-1570752957. Pub. Price $18.00

Schmit, Clayton, and Lauralee Farrer, Praying the Hours in Ordinary Life. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2010, 194 pages. ISBN: 978-1608992782. Pub. Price $26.00.

Course Reader (articles will be posted online at Moodle.com).

1. Read the required books (1000 pp.) (25%). Read the Maas & O'Donnell material prior to coming to Orvieto as background to medieval spirituality.

2. Participate in all the various experiences in this field-based course and write a personal reflection paper on the experience in its various aspects (6 pages) (30%).

3. Write a research paper focusing on a particular spiritual tradition or spiritual pioneer and the implications of this view of spirituality for the postmodern church (10 pp.) (45%).