Christian Contemplation

This course explores Christian contemplative practices within the religious orders and related traditions. There is specific attention given to the Dominican, Benedictine, Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, and Vincentian traditions. Instead of an overly abstract form of reflection, the course considers contemplation as part of embodied, historical, and communal practices. To this end, practices of prayer, liturgy, reading, writing, and service to the poor are all considered. The course is particularly attentive to the historical interactions between philosophy and spirituality within the history of Christian contemplation. Students also will be expected to explore and reflect on the practices of contemplation within their own lives over the course of the semester.