Catholic Studies Programs An Interdisciplinary Approach to Rediscovering and Transmitting the Catholic Inheritance

Catholic Studies Programs A creative response to Ex Corde Ecclesiae Rediscovery of the transforming influence of Catholicism on culture –Sacramental expressions of Catholic life in literature, the arts, business, sciences, social sciences, education Focus on an integrated curriculum Emphasis on faculty - student interaction Engagement in interdisciplinary conversation within the Catholic Intellectual Tradition

Ex Corde Ecclesiae “The Catholic University has to be a ‘living union’ of individual organisms dedicated to the search for truth...It is necessary to work toward a higher synthesis of knowledge, in which alone lies the possibility of satisfying that thirst for truth which is profoundly inscribed in the heart of the human person.” (#16)

Ex Corde Ecclesiae Essential Characteristics of a Catholic University a Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community as such a continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic Faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to contribute by its own research fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church a n institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning to life

Ex Corde Ecclesiae “While each discipline is taught systematically and according to its own methods, interdisciplinary studies, assisted by a careful and thorough study of philosophy and theology, enable students to acquire an organic vision of reality and develop a continuing desire for intellectual progress.” (#16)

Ex Corde Ecclesiae Four Principles of Research –search for a “higher synthesis” of knowledge curricular and extracurricular activities that strengthen and reinforce a developmental process integrate reflection / technology, sacred / secular streams within intellectual and social lives, select themes and materials, apply principles and tools consonant with Gospel values –dialog between faith and reason –ethical concern –theological perspective (#15)

Mission of a Catholic University Pre-Evangelization –Create a Catholic “atmosphere” –Offer Tools for Approaching Life –Ensure vital Catholic scholarship to extend the intellectual life of the university Enable students to “see” what the Church sees –Act as catalyst in dialog between Faith / Culture –Promote “unity in tension” among disciplines

Mission of a Catholic University Evangelization –Transcend Differences through Unity in Christ –Critical reflection in each discipline in light of the Catholic intellectual and faith tradition –Concern for wholeness: conviction that all truths can be resolved in one Truth: interdependence of Faith/Reason truth over technology; meaning over information sense of coherence, meaning, interconnectedness –Show what it means to be affected by the Truth: “lived truth” Service Learning: explore assumptions / values