Ignatian Mysticism in the World: Reconciliation and Transitional Justice after a Secular Age

Course Description

This course explores Ignatian spirituality as a resource for the construction of religious narratives that contribute to intentional, social transformation in a secular context. Students develop a transdisciplinary approach to ecological, social, cultural and ecclesial reconciliation. Students develop an understanding of the evolution of a religious and cultural recognition of the autonomous rights of indigenous peoples.

Elements of recognition theory and transitional justice are introduced through a discussion of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools. Lectures and assigned readings draw on authors such as Benjamin Berger, Craig Calhoun, José Casanova, Cynthia Crysdale, Robert Doran, Pope Francis, Renée Girard, Roger Haight, Bernard Lonergan, James L. Marsh, J. R. Miller, Ronald Niezen, Karl Rahner, Paulette Regan, Thomas Reynolds, Paul Ricoeur, and Charles Taylor. The course process includes assigned readings, class discussions, online bulletin board participation and seminar participation. Evaluation is based on online bulletin board participation, the development of a research bibliography, a seminar presentation and an analytic paper.

Course Objectives

This course employs the completion of preparatory reading prior to each class, regular mandatory bulletin board discussion, written assignments, construction of a research bibliography, seminar presentations. Class attendance is mandatory

Course Schedule

A detailed course schedule is available for download.