JAF291: International Seminar in Italy

Vision

The JAF Winter Seminar takes advantage of Gordon College’s leased property in the cliff-top town of Orvieto, situated in the Umbrian countryside between Florence and Rome. Participants will sojourn in the recently-renovated thirteenth-century monastery that serves as the home of Gordon’s long-running semester program. The nine double rooms in the residential wing come with private baths. The library-classroom is bright and airy. Our private chef Maria takes pride in presenting the best of Umbrian cuisine. 

Curriculum

What is a Good Life? Moral Philosophy in Medieval and Renaissance Europe (Orvieto, Rome, Florence, Siena)

This course takes as its theme moral inquiry or “ethics” in the classical and Christian traditions, with a focus on their co-mingling in late medieval and early modern Europe (ca. 1200-1600). Participants will have an opportunity to read various classical authors, such as Aristotle and Cicero, and then later medieval/Renaissance authors such as Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, and Dante.  Some key questions that will be explored include (but are not limited to): What is a good life? What is a good society? What is virtue and how does one acquire it? What is vice and how can one avoid it? What is the relationship between the pursuit of virtue and the pursuit of salvation? What is the relationship between individual virtue and public/social responsibility? We shall also ask to what extent medieval and early modern moral philosophy might still be relevant to church, society, and government today? In addition to readings and discussions, field trips will be taken within the city of Orvieto and to Rome, Siena, and Florence. Throughout, we shall attempt to make connections between the past and the present as well as between the writings discussed and on-site art and architecture.

This year's instructor will be Dr. Thomas Albert (Tal) Howard, from Valparaiso University. The seminar cohort will consist of half Gordon and half Valparaiso students. Dr. Howard founded the JAF international seminar when he was a professor at Gordon many years ago. Learn more about Dr. Howard here.

Prerequisite(s): Successful application into program and submission of all international program forms through the Global Education Office.

• Fulfills Fine Arts core.
• History major distribution: One of History of the Ancient and Classical World or History of Medieval Europe

This international seminar combines the Great Books, Socratic approach of Gordon College’s Jerusalem and Athens Forum (JAF) honors program with the emphasis of the Gordon in Orvieto semester program of experiencing art, architecture, and literature in situ-in their original settings. Readings and topics vary year to year, but are generally drawn from the late medieval, Renaissance and Reformation periods. Excursions to Rome, Florence, Siena, among other places, are typically part of the program.  

Cost

The following are covered for all seminar participants.

• Round-trip airfare from Boston
• All ground transportation in Italy
• Lodging in double-occupancy rooms, each with private bath
• All meals, except on Sunday
• Admission to visited sites
• Tuition for credits earned (current students)

Snacks, coffee, souvenirs, private travel and personal purchases are covered by individual participants.

Application Procedure & Deadlines

The seminar is open to current Gordon College students and students of Valparaiso University per special agreement. Students from all majors are invited to apply.

General requirements:

• 2.5 overall GPA
• Sophomore standing or higher
• Complete online application
• $35 application fee

Upon acceptance to the program, a non-refundable program deposit of $450 will be due to confirm participation.

Any student participating in an international GEO seminar is required to attend a safety and security preparation meeting with GEO staff. The date for this meeting is stated in the program application. Attendance is mandatory.

Application deadline: September 30, 2024