Core Courses
SFS 560 : Introduction to Franciscan and Medieval Studies
This course provides a basic introduction and overview of Franciscan Studies as a content discipline. The students will be assessed in their competency in and instructed on the skills and research tools necessary for doing medieval/Franciscan studies on a graduate level. The specific provenance of Franciscan Studies, its historical emergence and progress, the primary scholars and issues from its origins as a descipline up to the present day will be introduced.
SFS 507 : Early Franciscan Movement
This course examines the origins and development of the three evangelical movements initiated by Francis and Clare of Assisi between the years 1205 and 1226: the Order of Friars Minor, the Poor Ladies of San Damiano and the Franciscan Penitents (secular and religious). Using the life and times of Francis as the chronological framework of inquiry, the course will trace the evolution of the early history of these three movements, through the careful examination and use of the documents pertinent to the reconstruction of that history.
SFS 508 : Franciscan Movement I
This course examines the development of the three Franciscan Orders initiated by Francis and Clare of Assisi from 1226 to 1517. While concentrating primarily upon the struggles within the First Order from the death of Francis (1226) through the Bull of Union (1517) up to the Capuchin Reform, it will concentrate on the internal developments in all three Franciscan orders as they attempted to respond to the changing conditions of Church and society within this same period.
SFS 518 : Franciscan Hagiography
This course will introduce students to the study of Franciscan Hagiography and will include an investigation of the nature, purpose and method of medieval hagiography in general, and of the Franciscan hagiographical texts of the thirteenth century in particular. The material for this course will focus on the “official” hagiographical texts concerning Francis of Assisi written between 1226 and 1263, as well as on the early texts concerning Anthony of Padua and Clare of Assisi. Students will be introduced to the “Franciscan Question,” its history and implications, as well as to the hermeneutical questions which arise in the process of the interpretation and contemporary retrieval of these medieval texts.
SFS 546 : Foundations of Franciscan Theology
This course will study Franciscan Theology as a distinct theological tradition arising out of the religious experience of Francis of Assisi. After describing the origins of the Franciscan School at Paris, Oxford, and Bologna, and Padua, the focus will be given to a study of the key founding figures of the school (Bonaventure, Scotus, Ockham) and the general contours of their thought, as well as the distinctive nature of this school as compared with that of Aquinas. The focus of the course will be given to a presentation of the Franciscan approach to select theological questions concerning God, Creation, the Human person, the Church, and Eschatology. The influence of the Franciscan tradition on contemporary theologians will be included in the discussion.
SFS 597 : Comprehensive Examination (0 credits)
During the final semester of the program, the student will take a comprehensive examination. Preparations for the examination will be initiated by the academic advisor prior to the final semester and general guidelines for the examinations will be included in the Introduction Course (SFS560). Specific guidelines will be provided by the advisor at the onser of formal planning for the examination.
Track Courses
SFS 525 : Writings of Francis and Clare
A study of the nature, content, and spiritual theology of the founders of the Franciscan movement according to the latest critical research. The writings will be studied within the context of the development of the Franciscan movement, the religious trends of the thirteenth century, and their relevance to contemporary Franciscan experience.
SFS 526 : Clare and Franciscan Women
This course elaborates the contribution of women to the fullness of the Franciscan charism beginning with Clare of Assisi and culminating in 20th century leaders and foundresses. Special emphasis will be given to the life and influence of Clare of Assisi, Angelina of Montegiave and a selected modern foundress. This concentration will be complemented by a survey of medieval and modern women whose lives have affected the mystical and missionary vitality of the Franciscan Family. In addition to identifying primary and secondary sources for the study of Franciscan women of specific periods, participants will develop an understanding of prominent and recurring issues affecting the lives of Franciscan/Catholic women. Since representative women from three periods (medieval, post-Tridentine, modern) will be discussed, many women who deserve note will not be studied. Therefore, class methods will be used with a view towards preparing students to develop further research for themselves or for their religious congregations or lay associations.
SFS 519 : Early Documents: The Companions and Disciples Tradition
This course builds on the foundations developed in “The Franciscan Hagiographical Tradition” course. The content of this course focuses on the non-official hagiographical texts that emerged from the milieu of the companions and disciples of Francis in the thirteenth and fourteenths centuries (from the Anonymous of Perugia to the Fioretti). The course includes a study of Franciscan Chronicles and Compilations of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. PREREQUISITES: SFS 518 - Franciscan Hagiography and SFS 508 - The Franciscan Movement I
SFS 528 : Pre-Franciscan Religious Movements
This course examines the historical develop¬ment of the various religious movements and currents of the 11th and 12th centuries which form the background for the emergence of the Franciscan phenomenon in the early 13th century. Particular attention will be given to the appearance of western eremitism, the renewal of monasticism, the reform of priestly life and the emergence of a distinctive lay spirituality. PREREQUISITE: SFS 507 – Early Franciscan Movement
SFS 556 : Foundations of Franciscan Spirituality
Beginning with an investigation of the nature of Christian Spirituality and related hermeneutical and methodological issues, this course will examine the various expressions of Franciscan Spirituality, its particular symbols and practices, as well as its approach to the choice of poverty, chastity and obedience. The central focus will be given to an understanding of Franciscan life as a “life of penance,” as this was understood and lived by Francis and Clare, and the men and women of the first, second and third regular and secular Franciscan Orders. A schematic historical survey of the tradition will serve to underline the creativity of the Franciscan tradition of spirituality, as well as the possible distortions and excesses. PREREQUISITE: SFS 525 – Writings of Francis and Clare
SFS 557 : The Franciscan Mystical Tradition
The understanding of mysticism as an “awareness of the direct or immediate presence of God” (McGinn) will be used as the starting point for a study of Franciscan mystical texts. The course will include a schematic historical survey of acknowledged Franciscan mystics and their texts (from Giles of Assisi to Veronica Guiliani), in order to appreciate the contours of what might be described as the particular Franciscan experience of mysticism, and its possible significance for healthy human living in the real world on the personal, social, and religious levels. The texts of several representative Franciscan figures from the tradition will be studied in depth. PREREQUISITES: SFS 525 -- The Writings of Francis and Clare and SFS 556 -- Franciscan Spirituality
SFS 547 : Franciscan Theology of the Word
This course presents the unique Franciscan tradition on the Word of God and its proclamation, a tradition forged by extensive and successful praxis of preaching that Word, by its underlying theological insistence on the importance of hearing and responding to that Word, and by its sociocultural adaptations in each historical period. The course, then, comprises both historical and systematic concerns. These concerns determine the selection of primary sources [i.e., the sermons of both missionary and academic preachers] and secondary research that provides the rhetorical techniques and the sociocultural contexts.
SFS 556 : Foundations of Franciscan Philosophy
Beginning with an investigation of the nature of Christian Spirituality and related hermeneutical and methodological issues, this course will examine the various expressions of Franciscan Spirituality, its particular symbols and practices, as well as its approach to the choice of poverty, chastity and obedience. The central focus will be given to an understanding of Franciscan life as a “life of penance,” as this was understood and lived by Francis and Clare, and the men and women of the first, second and third regular and secular Franciscan Orders. A schematic historical survey of the tradition will serve to underline the creativity of the Franciscan tradition of spirituality, as well as the possible distortions and excesses. PREREQUISITE: SFS 525 – Writings of Francis and Clare
Elective Courses
SFS 509 : Franciscan Movement II
This course examines the historical develop¬ment of the three Orders of the Franciscan family from the 17th century to the present. Particular attention will be given to the evolution of the various branches of the First Order, its missionary endeavors and the response of the Franciscan family to the call of Vatican II. PREREQUISITE: 508 – Franciscan Movement I
SFS 527 : Rule and Life of the Third Order Regular
The history and spirituality of the Third Order Regular will be studied using the history of the rule text as the foundation. The course begins with an examination of the Rule and Life document, its basis in the early Franciscan sources, and the historical experience of the first generations of Franciscan penitents. The major revisions of the original Rule (1289, 1521, 1927) will be treated in the context of ecclesial and social currents affecting the evolution of the Order. The modern Rule (1982) project history will serve as a vehicle for integrating understanding of historical themes, current structures for collaboration, and spiritual self?understanding of the Third Order Regular's four hundred institutes. PREREQUISITES: SFS 507 – Early Franciscan Movement and SFS 525 – Writings of Francis and Clare
SFS 529 : Ministry and Mission in the Franciscan Tradition
This course examines the aims, achievements and diversity of the apostolic work of the Friars Minor in the world from the time of the early Franciscan community until c. 1600. Particular emphasis is placed on their ministries of preaching, care of souls, work for justice, peace, diplomacy and on behalf of the poor. Finally, the course explores the mission¬ary endeavors of the friars outside Europe: to the Baltic regions, the Far East, Africa and their early work in the Americas. PREREQUISITE: SFS 507 – Early Franciscan Movement
SFS 565 : Studies in Franciscan Paintings I: 13th Century to 1517
Content and controversy in Franciscan paintings produced during this period are examined within the context of artistic developments and Franciscan documents that address the curious phenomenon surrounding the painted figure of Francis of Assisi. Comparisons of diverse paintings of Francis will be the focus of our inquiry that reveals a visual history often based in Franciscan literature, yet uniquely aligned with the discipline of secular painting of the time.
SFS 566 : Studies in Franciscan Paintings II: 1517 through the 20th Century
Post-Reformation paintings of Francis of Assisi are examined chronologically for content and context as they relate to the continued growth of the Franciscan Order. Iconographical elements of paintings containing the image of Francis that reflect the Franciscan lifestyle are compared and contrasted with paintings of the secular world of the same time periods, as secular iconography aggressively exerts its influence and tradition upon Franciscan themes and patronage. PREREQUISITE: SFS 565, Studies in Franciscan Painting I
SFS 567 : Franciscan Studio: Painting
Traditional and non-traditional painting mediums on two-dimensional surfaces provide the basis for the Franciscan Painting Studio course. The course is crafted to assist students in developing a critical eye and to formulate a personal vision. This personal vision forms the nucleus of the creation of representational, abstract and non-objective new expressions of visual reference based on the student’s life and individual spirituality. Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharist, and Franciscan texts provide the daily inspiration for visual journaling. and acts as a means to define visually their Franciscan interests. Visual journals evolve into personal and public contemporary forms of iconography that add to the rich history of Franciscan pictorial imaging as a communicative endeavor. This course concentrates on the development of Franciscan images and presumes basic knowledge of the artist's materials and elementary production techniques.
SFS 558 : Readings in Franciscan Theology
This course will study the writings of a major Franciscan theologian, and will focus on the reading of the primary texts (in translation) of the author. The author's writings will be placed in their historical, cultural and ecclesial context. The course will develop an overview of the author's major theological insights and positions approached from within the context of the Franciscan Theological Tradition. Prerequisite: SFS 546 - Foundations of Franciscan Theology
SFS 559 : The Spirituality of Bonaventure
Bonaventure's The Soul's Journey into God will be used to structure an investigation of his spirituality. The experience of creation, the human experience of the self, and the experience of God, will function as the links into the thought of Bonaventure and his Franciscan experience. Specific texts representative of Bonaventure's thought will be used to investigate his spirituality. PREREQUISITE: SFS 556 - Foundations of Franciscan Spirituality
SFS 538 : Development of the Franciscan Person
Since Franciscan formation and spiritual direction respects the Franciscan perspective, which values the person, this course center upon the theological and psychological movement toward self-identity as a Franciscan. By employing a developmental approach to personality, it will seek to discover the process of religious development as it relates to human maturation. By utilizing Franciscan sources, it will seek to discover the process of interiorization of Franciscan values in a person and community. This course is specifically designed to assist directors of initial and continuing formation in the Franciscan order/s. At the same time, it addresses the questions of any person seeking a Franciscan orientation to his/her spiritual journey.
SFS 539 : Formation in the Franciscan Tradition
This course will present and analyze classical and contemporary theologies of Franciscan formation based upon nuanced responses to Francis of Assisi's question: "Who are you, O Lord, and who am I?" The Franciscan formative experience will be presented as a process of socialization which requires clearly articulated values, the handing on of the Franciscan narrative, and appropriate structures for this to transpire. The goal of the course is for the students to develop and/or critique a formative process for their personal, provincial and cultural situations based upon the material analyzed.
SFS 562 : Advanced Graduate Seminar
Students are given the opportunity to study under a faculty member or visiting scholar with each student pursuing original research and exchanging results through reports and discussions. The Seminar is strongly recommended for more advanced students especially those intending future doctoral studies. PREREQUISITES: Three of the four core courses completed.
SFS 563 : Independent Study (1-3 credits)
This course gives the student the opportunity to pursue study/research on a topic of particular interest to him/her, in line with the specific goals and purposes for which the student has come to study at the Institute. The project will be developed and researched in consultation with a faculty mentor.
SFS 564 : Special Topics
This is a course given by a faculty member or a visiting professor for a particular semester. A complete description will be provided in the registration materials provided by the School of Franciscan Studies.
SFS 574 : Master's Thesis (6 credits)
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of at least 15 credits hours of course work in the School of Franciscan Studies.
RESEARCH TRACK COURSES
SFS 575 : Medieval Franciscan Texts (2 credits)
The intent of this course is to guide a first reader through the Latin texts of a Franciscan writer. The course will provide an opportunity for a reading of the chosen author in order to discover their views on the world, their concept of humankind, and their principal ideas on God, Christ, and Mary. The reader will become accustomed to the style and content of the chosen Franciscan thinker. PREREQUISITES: Demonstration of a working knowledge of Latin, and approval of the instructor
SFS 571 : Paleography (2 credits)
This course is oriented towards practice in the reading of Latin manuscripts of the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. The student will be guided from the reading of incunabula to that of manuscripts. An effort will be made to insure that the student is reading Franciscan material and, if possible, that which pertains to his or her field of research. PREREQUISITES: Approval of the Instructor required
SFS 574 : Master's Thesis (6 credits)
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of at least 15 credits hours of course work in the School of Franciscan Studies.
SUMMER SESSION - FORMATION STUDENTS' COURSES
These courses are retained from the former curriculum and carry the same course numbers.
SFS 520 : Francis: His Life and Charism (2 credits)
The course will provide an introduction to the life and times of Francis of Assisi. It will also examine his distinctive spiritual vision, as well as this impact on the medieval church through the vast movement of evangelical renewal initiated by him. Based on his writings and early as well as significant modern biographies, this course is designed to meet the needs of the beginning student in Franciscan studies.
SFS 501 : The Survey of Franciscan History (3 credits)
This course examines the development of the evangelical movement initiated by Francis of Assisi. It will concentrate on the internal developments in the three Franciscan Orders as they attempted to respond to the changing situation of the church and society throughout history. It will end with a consideration of the major issues faced by the Franciscan movement today.
NOTA BENE: TO TRANSFER EITHER OF THESE COURSES INTO THE M.A. PROGRAM AS SUBSTITUTES FOR 507 OR 508 RESPECTIVELY, THE STUDENT MUST PASS AN EXAMINATION ON THE MATERIAL. A STUDY GUIDE FOR THE EXAM WILL BE PROVIDED.
