 The
Carmelite Chair of Spirituality at the Union together with the
Carmelite Institute offers a certificate in Carmelite Studies. The certificate
program provides a comprehensive introduction to the history and
spirituality of the 800-year Carmelite tradition. The program
traces the development of the tradition from its origins through the
Teresian Reform to its present day witness. Among the figures
studied are Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, Lawrence of the
Resurrection, Elizabeth of the Trinity, Thérèse of Lisieux, Titus
Brandsma, and Edith Stein. Courses explore the Carmelite
concerns such as human development, community, prayer, and prophetic
living. Participants have access to Carmelite faculty and the
Carmelitana Collection, as specialized library in the Carmelite
tradition located at Whitefriars Hall in Washington, DC.
Two semesters of study are required for the certificate, and participa nts
 may begin in either the Fall Semester (September) or
Spring Semester (January). Once semester of study is
possible. This Carmelite program is included within the Union
Sabbatical program.
Requirements
A completed application to
Washington Theological Union including:
- an official transcript showing
completion of Bachelor's Degree
- a brief (one or two page)
autobiography, including an explanation of interest in the
certificate program.
- two letters of recommendation
To request an application, or
for more information contact:
Office of Enrollment Services
Washington Theological Union
6896 Laurel Street, NW
Washington, DC 20012
Phone 800-334-9922 / 202-726-8800, ext. 5213
Fax: 202-726-1716
e-mail: admissions@wtu.edu
Housing
and Tuition
The primary site for the
program is Washington Theological Union in Takoma Park, Washington,
DC. The Union has 45 rooms available for residents.
Costs for room and board and tuition and fees are detailed in the
Union catalog on our website: www.wtu.edu
Faculty
Carmelite faculty:
- Marjorie Antus, O.C.D.S.
- Patrick McMahon, O.Carm.
- Steven Payne, O.C.D.
- John Welch, O.Carm.
Lecturers:
- David Blanchard, O.Carm.
- Donald Buggert, O.Carm.
- Michael Dodd, O.C.D.
- Keith J. Egan, T.O.Carm.
- Constance FitzGerald, O.C.D.
- Leopold Glueckert, O.Carm.
- Elizabeth Teresa Howe, Ph.D.
- Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D.
- Jane Lytle-Viera, O.C.D.S.
- John Sullivan, O.C.D.
- Alison Weber, Ph.D.
Each semester, additional
Carmelite lecturers and visiting faculty will teach in the
program.
Courses
Required for Certificate:
FALL SEMESTER
THE FOUNDATION TRADITION: CARMEL 1200-1300
3credits
Examines the early documents and development of the Carmelite
Order and its spirituality from its foundation (c. 1206) through its
first century as Carmel moved from a community of hermits to an
international order of mendicant friars.
THE REFORMING TRADITION: CARMEL 1300-1500
3 credits
Examines the attempts to animate the Carmelite tradition through
the social and religious turbulence of the later Middle Ages and how
these attempts influenced the later Carmelite tradition which
culminated in the reforms of St. Teresa.
TERESA OF AVILA
2 credits
A study of Teresa's spirituality as presented in her major
writings:
Life, The Way of Perfection, and The
Interior Castle.
SPRING SEMESTER
THE REFORM OF TERESA OF AVILA: 1500-1600
3 credits
Studies the reform of the Order by Teresa of Avila, and the
beginning of the Discalced Carmelites; the spiritual themes of
Teresa and John of the Cross.
CARMEL THROUGH THE MODERN ERA: 1600-PRESENT
3 credits
Studies the reform of Touraine and the later history of the
Carmelites; the contributions of Lawrence of the Resurrection,
Elizabeth of the Trinity, Thérèse of Lisieux, Titus Brandsma, and
Edith Stein.
JOHN OF THE CROSS
2 credits
The spirituality of John of the Cross through a study of his
major poems and their commentaries: Ascent of Mount
Camel/Dark Night, The Spiritual Canticle,
and The Living Flame of Love.
INDEPENDENT CARMELITE STUDY
2 credits
Students will do independent study on a Carmelite topic of
interest. The paper produced will ordinarily include discussion of
an historical period, a major writer in the tradition, and a theme.
This independent study is the equivalent of one course.
ELECTIVES IN THEOLOGY
Each semester students are encouraged to take an elective course in
a theological discipline which broadens the context for Carmelite
studies. Courses may be chosen from a
wide range of studies in contemporary theology, scripture, and
ecclesiastical history; also available are ministry-oriented courses
such as pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, prayer,
evangelization, church law, and pastoral leadership.
Depending upon a student's background
and interest, the certificate program
may be taken for audit or credit.
In either case, the Certificate in Carmelite
Studies requires the completion of all
assignments in required courses. The certificate
may be included in a program of
studies for a Master's degree in
theology with a concentration in Carmelite
studies.
Summer courses are available.
TESTIMONIALS
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"The Carmelite Studies program is probably the most comprehensive
overview of Carmelite history and spirituality I am aware of in
English. Integrating history, theology and spirituality with our
diverse experiences and backgrounds has been challenging and enriching. With
a more mature appreciation of this deep, tried and relevant tradition, I
feel a great stimulus for ongoing personal growth and commitment in a
society hungry for the experience of God." |
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"My
year of Carmelite Studies was both spiritually and intellectually
challenging. There was also a strong spirit of camaraderie among the
students, and we had a lot of fun! I loved it so much that I stayed on
at the Union for an M.A. in Theology." |
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Carmelite
Institute 
1600 Webster Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. (USA) 20017-3145
Voice: (202) 635-3534 § Fax: (202) 635-3538
COPYRIGHT 2004 - CARMELITE INSTITUTE - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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