In Augustine’s Footsteps

Each spring semester, students in the course Pellegrinaggio in Italia: In Search of Augustinian Community (RTS 2425, four credits) explore the life of St Augustine and the origin of the Augustinians, the religious order that bears his name.

After weekly preparatory seminars, students journey to Augustinian Italy to examine firsthand sites of importance in Augustine’s life and in the origin and early history of the Augustinian friars. This experience provides active, engaged learning through dialogue among a community of friends.

The course offers a number of interdisciplinary opportunities involving art, architecture, archeology, literature and history associated with Augustine in fourth- and fifth-century Italy and with the history of the Augustinians in medieval and renaissance Italy. Being a pilgrim will enhance the students’ search for the wisdom that can result from a deeper understanding of self, others and God, the search which captivated the life of Augustine.

Italy

Location

The on-site portion of the course is broken into three locations following the footsteps of St. Augustine. Students begin their journey in Milan, then head to San Gimignano with visits to relevant sites throughout Tuscany, and end their experience in Rome.

Curriculum

The weekly seminars meet all throughout the spring semester both before and after the pilgrimage. The journey itself takes place during spring break.

Program Cost

Program cost of $3,300 includes all course and program-related expenses, including:

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Two meals per day
  • Transportation and tickets for cultural activities and excursions that are part of the courses
  • International health insurance

Application

Students must complete the following no later than October 28, 2016:

  • Submit the online application.
  • Conduct an interview with Professor Joseph Kelly.
  • Submit a reference from the Office of Student Affairs.
  • Submit a nonrefundable $30 application fee.

Upon acceptance, a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold your place.