The Franciscan Institute
SUMMER COURSES 2012
June 25 -- July 27, 2012 (Five Weeks)
SFS 560: Introduction to Franciscan and Medieval Studies (Margaret Klotz, OSF)
This course provides a basic introduction and overview of Franciscan Studies as a content Discipline. It will also treat methods of finding, organizing and presenting materials in the research process.
(T-Th 8:30 – 11:20 a.m. / Wed 6:45 – 9:35 p.m.)
July 2 — 20, 2012 (Three Weeks)
SFS 546: Foundations of Franciscan Theology (Rev. Frank Lane)
This course will study Franciscan Theology as a distinct theological tradition arising out of the religious experience of Francis of Assisi. After describing the origins of the Franciscan School at Paris, Oxford, and Bologna, and Padua, the focus will be given to a study of the key founding figures of the school (Bonaventure, Scotus, Ockham) and the general contours of their thought, as well as the distinctive nature of this school as compared with that of Aquinas. The focus of the course will be given to a presentation of the Franciscan approach to select theological questions concerning God, Creation, the Human person, the Church, and Eschatology. The influence of the Franciscan tradition on contemporary theologians will be included in the discussion. (1:00 -- 3:50 p.m.)
SFS 557: The Franciscan Mystical Tradition (Diane Tomkinson, OSF)
The understanding of mysticism as an ―awareness of the direct or immediate presence of God‖ (Bernard McGinn) will be used as the starting point for a study of Franciscan mystical texts. The course will include a historical overview of acknowledged Franciscan mystics (from Giles of Assisi to Veronica Guiliani), in order to appreciate the contours of what might be described as the particular Franciscan experience of mysticism. Hermeneutical, methodological, philosophical and theological issues emerging from mystical texts will be examined. The texts of at least one representative figure from the tradition will be studied in depth. (8:30 -11:20 a.m.)
SFS 539: Formation in the Franciscan Tradition (David Couturier, OFM Cap.)
This course will present and analyze classical and contemporary theologies of Franciscan formation based upon nuanced responses to Francis of Assisi’s question: ― "Who are you, O Lord, and who am I?" (DBF IX, 37). The Franciscan formative experience will be presented as a process of socialization which requires clearly articulated values, the handing on of the Franciscan narrative, and appropriate structures. The goal of the course is for the students to develop and/or critique a formative process for their personal, provincial and cultural situations based upon the material analyzed. (1:00 – 3:50 p.m.)
SFS 559: The Spirituality of Bonaventure (Edward Coughlin, OFM)
Bonaventure's The Soul's Journey into God will be used to structure an investigation of his spirituality. The experience of creation, the human experience of the self, and the experience of God, will function as the links into the thought of Bonaventure and his Franciscan experience. Specific texts representative of Bonaventure's thought will be used to investigate his spirituality.
This course will be offered in a HYBRID Format. The first part of the course will be offered on-line beginning April 30, 2012. Registration will begin on March 19 and run through April 23, 2012. The course will also require participation in an intensive on-campus seminar the week of June 25-29.
June 25 — July 6, 2012 (Two Weeks)
SFS 520: Francis: His Life and Charism (2 credits) (Mary Meany, Ph.D.)
The course will provide an introduction to the life and times of Francis of Assisi. It will also examine his distinctive spiritual vision, as well as his impact on the medieval church through the vast movement of evangelical renewal initiated by him. Based on his writings and, early as well as significant modern biographies, this course is designed to meet the needs of the beginning student in Franciscan studies. (8:30 – 11:20 a.m.)
July 9 — July 27, 2012 (Three Weeks)
SFS 501: The Survey of Franciscan History (3 credits)(Dominic Monti, OFM)
This course examines the development of the evangelical movement initiated by Francis of Assisi. It will concentrate on the internal developments in the three Franciscan Orders as they attempted to respond to the changing situation of the church and society throughout history. It will end with a consideration of the major issues faced by the Franciscan movement today. (8:30 – 11:20 a.m.)
With the permission of the Dean, the successful completion of this course may substitute for SFS 507: Early Franciscan Movement.
SFS 507: Early Franciscan Movement (3 credits) See above SFS 520.
SFS 508: Early Franciscan Movement I (3 credits) See above SFS 501.
Formation Round Table
Four Evening Sessions, July 3 (Tues), 5 (Thurs), 10 (Tues), and 12 (Thurs)
7:00 — 8:30 PM Fr. Jack Rathschmidt, OFM Cap.
The Franciscan Formation Round Table is an extra-curricular series of conferences, guided readings and group reflection on foundations for life and prayer as a Franciscan person. It is designed for women and men in initial formation in the Franciscan Order. The Round Table will convene for four evening sessions during the last three weeks of the summer program. Registration is separate from course registration.
Moderator: Jack Rathschmidt, OFM Cap. Cost: $175 per person.
FRANCISCAN INSTITUTE MEDAL 2012
Maria Pia Alberzoni
Celebration July 14-15, 2012
Special Programs
On Learning to Love,
Bonaventure's Spiritual Theology for Everyday Living
On Learning to Love:
Bonaventure’s Theology of Spiritual Life for the 21st Century
June 25 — 29, 2012
Mon-Thurs. 9:00 – 12:00 AM and 2:30 – 4:00 PM, Fri. 9:00 – 12:00 AM
Master Teacher: Edward Coughlin, OFM
"On Learning to Love" is the subtitle of Bonaventure’s famous treatise entitled The Threefold Way. In a succinct and powerful way, it captures the essence of Bonaventure’s understanding of the spiritual journey. It provides the framework within which he offers both a vision of the journey into God for the friars, the sisters and laymen and women as well as an invitation to make the human-spiritual journey into love "to the extent one is able in the state of human wayfaring."
This intensive one-week program will focus on Bonaventure’s Theology of Spiritual Life as it is found principally in the prologue to the Second Book of the Sentence Commentary, The Major Legend of St. Francis, The Perfection of Life Addressed to the Poor Clares, and On Governing the Soul. The Major Legend of St. Francis can be found in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents II or in Such is the Power of Love (New City Press, 2000). All other texts can be found in The Works of St. Bonaventure: Writings Concerning the Spiritual Life, edited by Edward Coughlin, OFM (Franciscan Institute Publications, 2006).
This intensive seminar is also serving as the in-residence component of SFS 559: The Spirituality of St. Bonaventure, a hybrid Summer Session II course. The on-line portion of the course will involve an in-depth study of Bonaventure’s Spiritual Theology as found in the Itinerarium (The Journey of the Soul Into God) and the Threefold Way in particular.
The Evangelical Counsels in the Writings of Francis and Clare July 2 - 6, 2012 Mon. — Fri. 9:00 a.m. — 12:15 p.m.
Master Teacher: Richard Martignetti, OFM
The writings of Francis and Clare of Assisi reveal the heart of a man and a woman who were full of life in the Spirit of the Lord and resolute in their commitment to follow closely in the footprints of Jesus.
This short and intensive program will reflectively and critically invite participants to prayerfully study those writings for insight and a better understanding of what those writings reveal about a ―Franciscan‖ understanding of what it means to embrace the evangelical counsels as poor brothers and sisters.
Students who wish to participate in this intensive study week may apply to receive one graduate credit through Independent Study (SFS 563). Individuals who are participating in this intensive study program for credit do not pay the study week program fee.
The Challenge of Ethical Living in the 21st Century July 9 – 12, 2012 (arrive Monday PM and depart early Thursday AM) Monday 4:00 PM; Tues-Wed 9:00-12:00 and 2:30-4:00 PM
Master Teacher: Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ.
J. C. Chandler’s Margin Call (2011) has been described as providing an ―eye-opening window into the world inside‖ a fictional investment bank as the 2008 financial meltdown was unfolding. Described by one reviewer as a ―tale of greed, vanity, myopia and expediency,‖ the movie is a dark and powerful reminder that, on so many levels and in so many ways, ethical judgments are too easily compromised and moral judgments too often clouded in our contemporary world.
This intensive study program will seek to explore the rich resources of a Franciscan-Scotistic approach to ethical-moral thinking and decision making. Scotus’s model will be explored for the promise it holds to offer contemporary men and women a value-based approach to ethical living that is potentially formative of persons awakened to the possibilities of building a more just and loving world.
This program is being offered in collaboration with Clare College (St. Bonaventure University) and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities.
Creating a (Franciscan) Life July 12 - 15, 2012 Arrive Thursday afternoon, Departure early Sunday AM
Master Teachers: Darleen Pryds and Maria Pia Alberzoni
The Franciscan way of life is one that cherishes all of creation and embraces each step and every breath. From the time of Francis, lay people have taken up the Franciscan way as a spiritual path as they face particular challenges from distractions of responsibilities and daily tasks. This workshop uses experiential reflections and lessons from the rich legacy of lay people in the Franciscan tradition – such as Rose of Viterbo, Angela of Foligno, Robert and Sancia of Naples – to reconsider how to live and to provide opportunities for all participants to engage more deeply in a spiritual path that is Franciscan in tone. This workshop features some group discussion, some personal reflection, some experiential opportunities, and much prayer.
This program will also include two special lectures by Italian Franciscan scholar Maria Pia Alberzoni exploring the legacy of Clare of Assisi, The First Franciscan Woman.
Artistic Perspectives and Franciscan Spirituality
Master Teacher: David Haack, OFM
Can we imagine events in the life of Francis from a different point of view, perspective?
This practicum studio workshop will draw on research, reflection and pictorial artistic expressions using the art disciplines of 1, 2, and 3-point perspectives. It will also invite participants into an exploration of bird’s eye, worm’s eye, and atmospheric perspectives that may inspire new interpretations of the narrative episodes in the life of Francis and our own lives as contemplative Franciscans. They may take the shape of representational, abstract, or non-objective images that reveal diverse results for reflection. Due to time restrictions, several dry art mediums (pencil, charcoal, pastel, oil pastel, etc.) will be employed. Some art materials will be provided. No pre-requisites or prior experience in art are required.
IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION
HOUSING: During the summer session, Franciscan Institute members live in the townhouse apartments on the east end of campus. Each air-conditioned suite accommodates up to four students, providing common living room/dining room, kitchen with microwave, stove and refrigerator, bath and half bath, and a private bedroom for each. Laundry facilities are available in each apartment building. (Kitchenware: pots and pans, dishes, etc. are not provided). Wireless internet connection is available in the apartments.
PHONE: There are no phones in the townhouses, so students should plan on bringing their own cell phone.
MEALS: Given the facilities available in the townhouse apartments, many students prefer to purchase food locally and to perhaps take one or more prepared meals a day at the Hickey Dining in the heart of the campus.
Individual meals (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) may be purchased in the Hickey Dining when you enter. You may use Bona Bucks or pay in cash. All meals are self-serve and selected from available options.
"Bona Bucks" is a system that allows students to have ready access to deposited funds, much like a bank debit card, while on campus to purchase a meal in the Hickey Dining Hall or books in the bookstore.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Br. F. Edward Coughlin, OFM or Noel H. Riggs
Interim Dean/Director
Phone: 716-375-2148
Email:
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Noel H. Riggs
Executive Administrative Assistant
716-375-2105
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Also you can find more information at our website:
http://www.wbu.edu/franciscaninstitute.aspx?id=1752
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Bill Short, O.F.M. is a Franciscan Friar and the Academic Dean of the Franciscan School in Berkeley. He completed S.T.L. and S.T.D. degrees at the Gregorian University in Rome. Brother Bill dedicated his scholarly work to a retrieval of the Franciscan tradition of spirituality and theology. He is co-editor of the three-volume series of English translations of all the medieval documents written by and about St. Francis of Assisi. He has published extensively on the history of the Franciscan movement and its spirituality.
Mary Beth Ingham C.S.J. (Orange, CA) is an international expert on the thought of John Duns Scotus, and is a popular presenter at Franciscan gatherings. She received her Ph. D. from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, and has recently joined the faculty at FST after more than 20 years at Loyola Marymount University. Her publications include: Scotus for Dunces: An Introduction to the Subtle Doctor; The Harmony of Goodness: Mutuality and Moral Living according to John Duns Scotus; and Rejoicing in the Works of the Lord: Beauty in the Franciscan Tradition.
Keith Douglass Warner, O.F.M. is a leading scholar in efforts to retrieve a Franciscan care for creation. He received his M.A. from FST and a Ph.D. in environmental studies from UC Santa Cruz. He teaches about biodiversity ethics, spirituality and sustainability, and the relationship between science and social justice. He researches the role of ethics and values in environmental science and policy. He is the co-author of Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth.
