STMA 5730 - Spirituality of Thomas Merton

3 credit hours
The goal of the course is to give participants an opportunity to read and reflect on a wide variety of Merton’s writings, including his spiritual writings, social critiques, letters, journals and creative expressions. This seminar-type course will explore Merton’s writings through several means that will run consecutively throughout the quarter. First, we will follow Merton’s life chronologically as presented in a summary of his journals. Second, we will read selections of Merton’s writing that correspond to the time period under consideration. Third, we will read one of Merton’s books on contemplation in small segments. Four, we will read selections of Merton’s interfaith letters each week of the course. Lastly, participants will have an opportunity to make presentations on another book, by or about Merton, of their choosing.

Terms Typically Offered: fall, winter