“It’s fantastic to see faculty from different disciplines working together to create an integrated curriculum,” said Simpson. “As a result, we watch as the students see how theology, philosophy, art, and literature connect, and how it impacts their faith journey.”
This intense, sustained attention on the works “equips students to pick up another great work and study it on their own,” said Chris Flannery, Ph.D., professor of political science, who helped create the original curriculum for the program and taught on site during its inaugural year. “By studying a Platonic dialogue with the thoroughness it deserves, students are better equipped to study a novel, epic poem, or other original text.”
Liz Leahy, associate professor of theological bibliography and research, who previously served as a visiting faculty member, finds creative ways for students to more thoroughly understand the works they study. “We act out a dramatic version of the Council of Nicea. We hold Benedictine-style retreats when we study the monastic movement and, like Benedict, develop a rule for living in community. We hold a worship service using liturgy and writings from medieval church leaders.” By using primary texts and devoting significant time for students to delve into these texts, learning comes to life in new ways.
