HISTORY OF XTN SPIRITUALITY (SPHS-5000)
(02/04/2019-05/24/2019)
Course Memo
This seminar explores primary readings in the classical sources of Christian spirituality from the early, medieval, early modern, and modern periods, as well as secondary readings on the sources and on historical methodology. Emphasis will be on various aspects of the mystical journey including biblical interpretation, asceticism, prayer, apophatic and cataphatic theologies, action/contemplation, visions, personal and social transformation, and union with God. By the end of the course, students will have gained a more detailed knowledge of a select number of topics within the history of Christian spirituality, and should have developed the ability to handle historical material for research projects in the same field. Weekly reflections, a presentation, and a final research paper of 20-25 pages. Primarily intended for PhD, STL, STD, and DMin students but open to advanced masters students with the permission of the instructor.