Tag : Rome

Rome 2020 – June 17-27

Did you know you can take an elective or core class towards your degree in Rome?

The IPS Summer Rome program provides a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the historical, cultural, and spiritual benefits of the Eternal City and the Vatican. Led by faculty members with longstanding personal relationships with local academic and ecclesial leaders there, the program is designed for students of the IPS but is open to others. Often the richly diverse classes include non-degree seeking students and alumni interested in personal enrichment or those earning graduate degrees at other institutions as well. International study scholarships for IPS students, discounts for Alumni, and prorated payment plans make the cost feasible. Participants are responsible for paying tuition, room and board (under $2,000 for double occupancy!), and airfare.

The program is open to any adult who has an interest in any of the topics and is willing to audit the course. There is homework for those taking the classes for credit, but it won’t be done during the trip so you can enjoy your time in Rome.

Students are allowed to bring a spouse, partner, friend or family member, they can choose to audit the class or just join us for the tours.

Participants visit some of Rome’s most famous landmarks and attractions, including the Colosseum, the tombs of Peter and Paul, the catacombs, world-famous art museums, historic churches, and much more. The lectures occur in situ, and so you won’t be spending hours in an Italian classroom, but rather engaging the material in physical contact with the rich historical heritage of the city itself. Your fees include a number of “group meals” designed to be a true experience of Roman cuisine and part of the educational experience, recommended by (and reliably tested each year by dutiful faculty alongside) our friends and colleagues on the ground there.
As usual, the immersive experience will include meetings with a number of institutional and academic “dialogue partners” around Rome. This year that will likely include representatives from the Sant’Egidio Community, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, the Gregorian and Angelicum Universities, Jesuit Refugee Services, the Vatican Astronomical Observatory, the Tempio Maggiore synagogue in Rome and a number of established women working in and advising the Vatican.
In 2020 Mike Canaris and Deb Watson will be teaching in the program. Both of their classes (you must choose one or the other) will run as an eight-week online course, with ten immersive days in Rome from June 17-27.

Classes offered this year are:
IPS 599: Human Sexuality, Gender, and Feminist Voices across Cultures taught by Dr. Deborah Watson

IPS 532: Social Context of Ministry: Global Ecclesiology and Exclusion (a required class for Social Justice and MDiv. students) taught by Dr. Michael Canaris

IPS student Art Blumberg, who has been to Rome on 2 different occasions, was kind enough to share his thoughts with us: “Rome is a feast in so many ways. Exit a train station and see the Coliseum directly in front of you. Witness the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. Explore the catacombs where early Christians prayed. Enjoy meals, both simple and magnificent. If you can go to Rome, go!”

Registration for the Rome 2020 program is now open. Space is limited. Priority is always given to current and graduated IPS students. First Deposit Deadline: December 15.
International Study Scholarship Deadline: January 15. If you have questions, contact Dr. Canaris (mcanaris@luc.edu).

12-05-2019 | Comments Off

Rome Recap

We hope you have been enjoying your summer! We talked with a couple people to hear what they had to say about their experience in the IPS Rome program this summer.

The course, Peacebuilding in a Global, Interfaith Context, was taught by Dr. Marian Diaz. The course explored the theory and practice of peacebuilding from a variety of religious perspectives. Peacebuilding involves the period of time after a conflict has come to some resolution. The course focused on how a lasting peace can be forged in a given context in light of cultural and religious differences.

Both Christine Collins and Susan Schemper heard about this special course through IPS staff and faculty. Susan said her advisor, Bill Schmidt, suggested it, and Christine actually found out about this program on a fluke.

“I went to a seminar Loyola was having at the Cuneo property in Vernon Hills one night about graduate school. I really didn’t have a direction, and thought by attending I might find an avenue to pursue. I spoke with Chrissy Sofranko that night and she asked me some questions that led to her telling me about the Rome program,” mentioned Christine. “When I left that night I knew I wanted to go to Rome with Loyola!”

Christine and Susan each had unique moments that were the most memorable for them on the trip.

“I loved the Sant’ Egidio visit and talk given by Marco,” said Christine.

For Susan it was “sitting with the group from Rondine and getting a sense of what that peace-making group is about.”

The IPS Rome program offers learning and cultural experiences that you can’t find in a classroom in Chicago.

“I learned how much more there is to the world. In all aspects. Historically, politically and just globally in general,” said Christine.

“The overwhelming thing I learned was just how complex peacemaking is in a world of different belief systems and religions. Yet, it is also always between people or people and their environment,” noted Susan.

When asked if they would recommend this program to other students, they both said, “absolutely!”

“You can not get this experience/education in a classroom or out of a book,” added Christine. “I loved every minute of our time in Italy. I learned so much from the people and places we visited. I also learned a lot from our Professor and my classmates. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I will never forget it!”

Susan did have a bit of good advice for future participants of the program:

“Take good shoes for walking and an open-mind. It will take awhile to metabolize the content of the trip over time. Relax and let that happen.”

Christine concluded, “It is an amazing experience – enjoy!”

Thank you to all who attended this year. We hope to see more of you in the Rome program next summer! Check back on the IPS website during the 2016 Spring semester for updated information.

**Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

8-05-2015 | Comments Off

Study Abroad and Take a Roman Holiday with IPS

Registration is now open for our Rome Program, Summer 2015.

Occurring June 21 – July 1, the focus of study will be “Peacebuilding in a Global, Interfaith Context,” taught by Dr. Marian Diaz.

This course will explore the theory and practice of peacebuilding from a primarily Catholic perspective. Catholic Social Teaching and interfaith perspectives on peacebuilding will be emphasized in light of contemporary situations. A focus on a variety of Catholic organizations engaging in peacebuilding will help students explore current approaches to peacebuilding.

This is an opportunity not to be missed! Previous participants have said:

“All of the tours were excellent and the sites were well chosen. There was a great variety and very relevant to the course work.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed all of it, from the class, the dinner, the tours and the mass celebrated with father Krupa. The fellowship of the students was also wonderful and enriching on so many levels.”
“I would just encourage each IPS student to try and make this trip during their time in the program, it is a once in a lifetime experience.”
“The schedule of events for sightseeing/excursions were second to none. I felt like I had the insider’s view everywhere we went. Everyone was thoughtful to be inclusive as the days unfolded. No one was left behind. The group looked out for one another and truly made a community.”

Visit the Rome program’s website to find out more about: