Social Concerns Seminar:

Organizing, Power, and Hope

CSC 33965  / THEO 33965

This seminar will not be available in Winter 2014.

Location: Chicago, IL

Date: No date for 2014

Size: 10–12 students

Fee:  $175

APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED.

All Social Concerns Seminar placements will be posted on the following webpage when they have been confirmed. You will receive email notification when the site has been updated: Winter 2013 Application Status.

*Only those students who are in good academic standing with the University are eligible for participation. By submitting the application, you confirm that you are in good academic standing with the University.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance by email.

Students traveling abroad in Spring 2013: 

As a winter seminar program, this seminar cannot accept applicants from students who are studying abroad in spring 2013.

Registration Information:

Accepted students, including freshmen:

Register on Inside ND as a spring class: November 12, 2012–November 28, 2012.

2012–2013 Syllabus

Learning Agreement

2012–2013 Calendar

This six-day winter seminar is an opportunity to experience the gospel in action on the streets of Chicago:

• Learn from local church, school, not-for-profit leaders, and unions about community organizing initiatives to improve life in Chicago neighborhoods;
• Experience the hope, the disappointments, and the moments of grace in community organizing and social change work;
• Challenge your perceptions of poverty, power and powerlessness, service and action;
• Capture the Spirit found in building diverse relationships.

Participants are invited to experience this faith-based program, and to be open to developing new perspectives on the role of neighborhood churches and organizations responding to social needs. This seminar is intended for students with previous urban experience eager to sharpen their social analysis, and to learn new forms of ministry for adults committed to social justice. Because of the unique partnership between the Sisters of St. Casimir and the Center for Social Concerns, there will be an emphasis on spirituality and community participation by all in the seminar.

The six days will include conversations and social action with diverse leaders throughout Chicago's organizing community, working through local organizations devoted to overcome situations of injustice and poverty afflicting members of their constituencies. There will be a strong emphasis on spirituality and social analysis throughout the evening reflections, which may also include a celebration of the Eucharist. Each day there will be an opportunity to explore hope in Chicago neighborhoods that are often considered to be hopeless.

Read about the seminar in the spring 2004 CSC News & Reflections.

Contact: