Curriculum
The Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction consists of 20 credit hours.
4 Core Credits
RTS 5010 Introduction to the Study of Spirituality - 4 credits
An introduction to the spiritual dimension of human experience as described and practiced in various religious traditions, sacred texts and ascetic practices, and contemplation, with attention to the language and concepts that have emerged from these texts, traditions and practices over the centuries, and their relevance for contemporary spiritual experience and the search for meaning.
Seminar in the Spiritual Life (RTS5600)
RTS 5600 Seminar in the Spiritual Life I - 4 credits
Seminar I addresses basic theories and practices foundational for the spiritual life through reading, intensive journaling, shared conversation, and a final integrative paper or project. The seminar provides an opportunity for students to integrate both on a theoretical and on a personal level the psychological, theological and pastoral dimensions of the spiritual life.
Prerequisite(s): At least one of the following courses RTS 5010, RTS 5020, RTS 5030, or RTS 5040 taken before or contemporaneous with this seminar.
RTS 5601 Seminar in the Spiritual Life II - 4 credits
Seminar II provides an opportunity for students to explore further psychological, theological and pastoral dimensions of the spiritual life, especially issues of doubt, gender, intimacy, life cycles, various schools of spiritual traditions, empathic listening or related topics.
Prerequisite(s): At least one of the following courses: RTS 5010, RTS 5020, RTS 5030, or RTS 5040 taken before or contemporaneous with this seminar.
Practicum in Spiritual Direction (RTS5650)
RTS 5650 Practicum in Spiritual Direction I - 4 credits
In Practicum I students provide spiritual direction for two or more persons while under supervision. Students meet bi-weekly for discussion with other students in the practicum and the supervisor, based on readings and group reflection on the experience of being a spiritual director. Students meet regularly for individual supervisory meetings with supervisor based on their journals, notes and verbatims.
Prerequisite(s): At least one: RTS 5010, RTS 5020 , RTS 5030 or RTS 5040. Also,RTS 5600 and RTS 5601 must be taken before or contemporaneous with Practicum II.
RTS 5651 Practicum in Spiritual Direction II - 4 credits
Practicum II focuses on the psychodynamics and the ethical issues involved in spiritual direction. Students continue to provide spiritual direction for two or more persons while under supervision. Students meet bi-weekly for discussion with other students in the practicum and the supervisor, based on readings and group reflection on the experience of being a spiritual director. Students meet regularly for individual supervisory meetings with professor/supervision based on their journals and verbatims.
Prerequisite(s): At least one: RTS 5010, RTS 5020, RTS 5030, or RTS 5040. Also, RTS 5600 and RTS 5601 must be taken before or contemporaneous with Practicum II.
Credit Summary:
- 4 core-course credits
- 8 credit Seminar + 8 credit Practicum
- Total 20 credits
Courses You’ll Take
Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction Curriculum
Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction Requirements
To see more details about the graduate program, please visit
catalog.merrimack.edu
