Foundation Institutes

In response to frequent requests of current students to study at the Foundation, a schedule of seminars has been put in place which focuses on specific topics of relevance to the various degree programs. These seminars have been clustered by topical theme under the general title of Foundation Institutes. Each Institute runs for five days (Monday-Friday) on a specific theme consisting of two separate seminars, morning and afternoon.

For Credit Participants earn two Units of Study toward any Foundation degree (or NPO credit for select degree programs) upon submission of a paper of 1,750-2,500 words (7-10 pages) on each seminar, or one paper of 3,750-5,000 words (15-20 pages), covering topics of both seminars. Reading Lists are provided with the Application Form.

Certificate Participants receive a Certificate of Completion which reflects the title of the seminars taken during the Institute.

Location The Institutes are offered at the Foundation in South Bend, Indiana, and other approved venues.

Fees $1,200.00 is the cost for each Institute taken during one week at the Foundation. Individuals taking only one seminar of the Institute are charged $600.00.

Deadlines A $300.00 deposit must be received six weeks prior to the starting date of the desired Institute. In the event of insufficient enrollment, the deposit is returned. Enrollment is four to twelve participants.

Academic Coursework Policy

All papers written for a Foundation Institute must be submitted within 90 days of completing the course or no course credit will be awarded.

NOTE: Click Here for Paper Guidelines.

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Women as Ministry Professionals

August 25-29, 2008

Faculty Tutor: Rev. Dr. Marlene Kropf, William B. Oglesby, Jr., Professor of Pastoral Theology
Description: This Institute examines the leadership role of women in ministry, focusing especially on cultivating an environment for ongoing growth and development of leadership capacities in the post-modern context. Through readings, lectures, case studies, and discussions, we will explore topics such as images of leadership, collaborative leadership in the church, male-female teams, professional development, integrity, and a sustaining spirituality for women leaders.
Registration and Reading List

Liturgy and Sacraments: East and West

September 8-12, 2008

Faculty Tutor: The Rev. Dr. Robin Gibbons, Dean of Studies of Foundation House/Oxford and Alexander Schmemann Professor of Eastern Christianity
Description: The rich tradition of worship in Christianity comes from several sources and was developed in a variety of ways both in the East, (the original setting) and in the West. The growth of different patterns of worship, especially in key areas, Rites of Initiation, Eucharist and other sacramental celebrations, daily prayer and pastoral services such as funeral rites, have a fascinating history. This seminar will be structured around the historical, pastoral and theological components of liturgy and the sacraments, including an assessment and examination of worship in various contemporary settings. It will also examine the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western traditions so that we can better understand our own, and others', present day practice and situation.
Registration and Reading List

Psychology & Spirituality: Post Freudian Conversation & Convergence

September 22-26, 2008

Faculty Tutor: Dr. Donald Schwab, Professor of Counseling Psychology
Description: This Institute will explore convergences in Jungian Psychology with several classical perspectives on maturity in both Human Development and the dynamics of Spiritual Growth throughout the life cycle. There will also be discussion of more contemporary theorists whose work evidences an appreciation for both psychology and spirituality in the healing arts and sciences.
Registration and Reading List

Thomas Merton, Zen Buddhism, and Spirituality

Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2008

Faculty Tutor: Dr. Ekman P. C. Tam, Professor of Spirituality and Psychotherapy; Director of Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, Hong Kong
Description: This Institute will explore Thomas Merton's writings in, and understanding of, Zen Buddhism and what Merton, as a Christian contemplative, had learned from Zen Buddhism. Dialogue between Zen and Christian spirituality will also be addressed. Mindfulness meditation and centering prayer will be introduced and practiced in the Institute.
Registration and Reading List

Logotherapy in the Pastoral Setting

October 6-10, 2008

Faculty Tutor: Rev. Dr. Henry Chan, The President Jimmy Carter Professor of Mediation and Pastoral Care (GTF), Diplomate of the Viktor Frankl Institute
Description: There is a growing interest in the writings of Viktor E. Frankl today, more especially in his unique approach to psychotherapy which he calls logotherapy. The purpose of the Institute is to introduce and examine the basic elements of Franklian psychology and explore logotherapy as a meaning-centered pastoral and psychotherapeutic method. Based on the reading of assigned texts in preparation for this Institute, students are asked to bring, on the first day, five written cases from their own pastoral setting, each to be three pages in length, which illustrate the evidence of some concepts of logotherapy. The morning seminar will focus on the basic elements of Franklian psychology. The afternoon seminar will examine how logotherapy can be utilized in pastoral settings to enable one to find meaning in one’s life.
Registration and Reading list

Individuals interested in attending any of these Institutes should contact the Foundation for further information and the appropriate registration form. Phone: 1-800-423-5983 or 574-287-3642

E-mail: Dr. Linda Morgan, Provost

*NOTE: Complete fluency of reading, writing, and speaking in these languages is required to participate in these Institutes. The student is responsible for determining competency, and no accommodations will be made for substantial translations during any presentation.

**NOTE: Reading proficiency in Arabic is recommended, and enrollment is limited to Imams.

Other Study Options