DESCRIPTION: With the countryside and cityscapes of Ireland and Northern
Ireland as the backdrop for our explorations, this course will consider Celtic
expressions of faith along with medieval worship and monastic devotion as modes
of spiritual formation. From the book of Kells to Celtic cemeteries and ruins
to Catholic and Protestant churches, the music and art of the Irish people will
inform our consideration of their spirituality. 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 have shaped Celtic and medieval 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 similarities and differences
between it and Protestant expressions of sacramental theology and piety; the
practice of praying the hours; the place of preaching within worship; the
development of monastic chant and Celtic sacred music; Celtic sculpture,
architecture, and illustration; and the influence of St. Patrick on both
Protestant and Catholic piety in Ireland. The course will be set in two
locations: Glencree Center for Peace and Reconciliation (near Dublin) and
Lakeside Manor (near Belfast).
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christian spiritual practices are critical
to the exercise of faith. Learning about and experiencing the practices of a
key period in Christian history and of one culture's faith expressions will
both enrich a person's own spiritual practice and provide a basis for
discussing and teaching such practices in settings of Christian ministry.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students will (1) grow in their
understanding of the medieval era and its spiritual practices, as well as
Protestant and Catholic expressions of Celtic piety, (2) experience firsthand
Celtic music, art, and spirituality and engage in the practice of these arts on
a basic level, and (3) increase in awareness of how medieval and Celtic
spiritual practices can inform and enrich spiritual life today.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for ten days in Ireland for lecture,
reading discussion, and visits to museums, churches, cemeteries, and historic
sites. Following the onsite portion, the course will conclude with a five-week
Moodle component that 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: