Discernment Seminar, Fall 2007

CSC/THEO 33961 -- Discernment: Call, Compassion And Commitment
Tuesdays, 5-7pm at the Center for Social Concerns

Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4

Facilitators: Liz Mackenzie and Matt Palkert

Faculty Liaison: Margie Pfeil

GOAL OF THE COURSE:

This seminar focuses on senior students discerning and envisioning the integration of faith/theology and social concerns into their lives beyond Notre Dame.

OBJECTIVES:

• To engage students in a process that builds on their previous experiences with service and points them toward integrating faith and social concerns into their lives beyond ND.
• To provide students the opportunity to integrate their experience with the insights of speakers and the authors of the readings, especially the Catholic Social Tradition, in written and oral expression.

REQUIREMENTS:

• All students in the course must be or have been involved in service programs while at Notre Dame and be open to a faith-based process of exploration, analysis and discernment.
• Students in the course are asked to participate in each session and to write two papers. The first will be an autobiography in which students will analyze their religious beliefs and values about social concerns as well as name the questions they have about the future integration of service and justice concerns in their lives. In the final paper students will integrate the course readings, presentations and discussions with their own insights and perspectives.

• Required reading will include A Sacred Voice is Calling by John Neafsey, as well as several short articles, to be handed out at the first class meeting.

EVALUATION:

The final session will include a written evaluation and discussion of the goals and objectives of the course as well as recommendations about the future of the course.

CALENDAR:

The course will meet for six sessions, starting after Fall Break. The sessions will be held weekly, last two hours each and include a simple supper. There is a one time course fee of $25 to cover supper, text book and other course materials.

October 30, 2007
Call & Vocation: What is Discernment?

November, 6, 2007
Self Awareness & Moral Development

Presenter: Darcia Narvaez

November 13, 2007

Criteria for Discernment

Presenter: Michael Himes via video

Novemer 20, 2007
Themes from Benedictine Spirituality

Presenter: Prof. Lawrence Cunningham

November 27, 2007
Themes from Ignatian Spirituality

Presenter: Fr. John Theide, SJ

December 4, 2007

Synthesis

Presenter: Prof. Margie Pfeil

To register for the course, complete the Background Information Form and e-mail it to Liz Mackenzie at mackenzie.12@nd.edu. She will then give you intructions how to register for the course.

If you have any questions, please call (574) 631-5779 or e-mail cscstp@nd.edu