Immersion Courses
PSR Approved 3-Credit Immersion Courses 2011-2012
PSR-sponsored courses:
International:
TAIWAN IMMERSION (FTRS 2431)
Dates for Immersion: January 8 - January 22, 2012 Faculty: Boyung Lee
This two-week immersion course is being developed in relationship with seminarians and religious leaders in Taiwan. The course aims include: engaging theology and the Gospel in Taiwanese local contexts; cultural exposure to the theology and ministry of the aboriginal communities (people who have lived in Taiwan for 4000 years); learning from the rich multi-religious context, especially Taiwan’s Presbyterian Church’s leadership in Taiwan’s independent movement, and its efforts to bring progressive Christian values in society. Participants will learn from Taiwan’s Presbyterian women’s interfaith work with Buddhist workers and scholars on eco-justice; deepen the relationship with theological schools in Taiwan; and learn what it means to be a partner and ally. Contact the Office of Contextual Learning for required application and more information. The class will meet three times for pre-travel study and once post-travel; class dates TBA.
Local:
REFUGE IN THE CITY (FTRS 2450)
Dates for Course: January 3 - January 13, 2012 Faculty: Bishop Yvette Flunder
This two-week intensive course will immerse students in hands-on learning in ministries with the most marginalized people in the inner city: ministries with people who are homeless, in recovery from substance abuse, and living with HIV/AIDS. Students will also visit hospital and juvenile hall chaplaincy programs and feeding programs. Students will learn about the City of Refuge theology and model for ministry development and will reflect on praxis each day.
GTU Courses:
SPANISH IMMERSION: LOS ANGELES (FT-1856)
Dates for Immersion: January 9 - January 27, 2012 Faculty:James Lobdell (PLTS)
A three-week immersion experience with the New City Parish coalition in Los Angeles. Includes living with a Latino family, daily language classes and workshops, group outings, worship
and participation with local congregations. A fee of $1200 is to be paid by students to New City Parish, and students are also responsible for transportation and material costs.
RUMI IMMERSION IN TURKEY (HRRA 4802)
Dates for Immersion: January Intercession Faculty: Ibrahim Farajaje (SKSM)
Every year, Sufis from around the world gather for the annual celebration of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi's death. Concerts, symposia, lectures, sema(ceremony of the whirling dervishes, dhikrs (Sufi ceremony of Divine Remembrance), etc., take place throughout the day and late into the night. Rumi Immersion students will participate in sessions focusing on the study of Rumi; Islam in Turkey;dance and music in spiritual practice, etc. There will be opportunities to meet with members of Jewish, Eastern Orthodox and Muslim Sufi communities in Istanbul and Konya, as well as with professors and students of theology. Preparatory readings and videos will be required ahead of time. The group will maintain a blog with video throughout the trip so that other members of the community can experience this. Students should arrange to finish the work for their fall semester courses prior to their travels. Students are responsible for securing their own passports, and arrange for appropriate visa requirements to Turkey from your country of citizenship. In addition to tuition, the estimated additional costs will include airfare (secured by the student), plus $1400-$2100 for room, board and transfers within Turkey. Final costs to be determined in May, 2011. For more information,email Ibrahim Farajaje.
Other Approved Courses:
APPALACHIAN MINISTRIES EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER (AMERC)
See website, www.amerc.org or talk with the Director of Contextual Learning for intersession and spring Seminary Immersion Courses.
