Magis Immersion Experiences

Instructor: Dr. Mark Bosco, S.J.

This course is a collaboration with the Department of Theology & Religious Studies and is open to all undergraduate students in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. 

Pilgrimage is central to all the major religions. Since time immemorial, humans have taken spiritual journeys to sacred destinations. A pilgrimage can be a visceral performance of the search for meaning in daily life, an attempt to find a greater sense of spiritual well-being, or a reconfirmation of one’s faith commitments. For any Christian, the city of Rome, more than any other destination, still has the power to fascinate and invigorate belief. The many layers of Rome offer a way for Christians and other seekers to encounter the faith of the apostles, the church fathers and mothers, great medieval saints, the world of Renaissance popes, the Jesuit contributions to the faith, and the modern Church in all of its vitality. With Rome as our classroom, we will investigate the theological, historical, sociological, and literary contours of pilgrimage. The course will be based in the Roman Catholic tradition but will attempt to make some comparisons with other faith traditions.

The application cycle is now closed.

Instructors: Dr. Ryann Craig, Imam Yahya Hendi

This course is a collaboration with the Department of Theology & Religious Studies and is open to all undergraduate students in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. 

Jordan lies at the crossroads of historical and contemporary interfaith encounters between Muslims and Christians, often serving as a regional bridge between and among religious traditions and modern geopolitical identities. This seminar explores how Muslims and Christians in Jordan navigate living and working alongside each other in a variety of sectors: education and youth, healthcare, humanitarian, tourism, and civil society. We will briefly explore the central tenets of Christianity and Islam before providing an overview of the different Christian and Muslim communities in Jordan, especially considering their relationships with Palestinian refugees in Jordan, and their history of interfaith dialogue. We will explore elements of civil society and new religious, political, and practical challenges to and pathways toward regional peace. Though obstacles and avenues to peace are not solely religious, we will ask religious communities on the ground how they sit at the crossroads to peace and imagine creating lasting peace.

The application cycle is now closed.

Instructor: Dr. Alan Mitchell

This course is a collaboration with the Department of Theology & Religious Studies and is open to all undergraduate students in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. 

This course studies the peculiarly urban character of Paul of Tarsus’ missionary activity in the Eastern Roman Empire with an emphasis on Greece. Christianity got its start as a Judaean sect in rural Judaea/Palestine. Its spread and development in the late first century CE took place in the cities where Paul and his associates established distinct communities practicing a form of Jesus Messianism—Jews who believed that Jesus Christ was the Messiah sent by God. Growing out of mainstream Judaism, this movement soon attracted Gentiles, non–Jews, in the cities where the Pauline mission located itself.

The first seven weeks of the course will focus on the letters that Paul wrote to the communities that he established in Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Philippi in Greece, and Galatia in Asia Minor (today’s Turkey). Using an historical–critical method of interpretation the course will situate Paul’s letters in the historical, social, and religious context in which they were composed.  The purpose of the pre-spring-break part of this course is to prepare us for the immersion experience during spring break, where we will follow in the footsteps of St. Paul. Thus, a close reading of his letters and related other material is essential for gaining sufficient knowledge of Paul and his associates as well as of the people to whom he was preaching in the Greek cities that we will visit during spring break.

The application cycle is now closed.

Instructor: Dr. Min-Ah Cho

This course is a collaboration with the Department of Theology & Religious Studies and is open to all undergraduate students in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. 

This course explores Korea’s modern history, shaped by events such as Japanese annexation, the Korean War, national division, military dictatorship, and the effects of rapid economic growth on capitalist development. While examining Korea’s geopolitical significance—mainly focusing on the 70-year armistice since the Korean War and recent emerging challenges—we will investigate the complex tensions within Northeast Asia, its relationship with the USA, the influence of militarism, and increasing societal diversity. Amidst these narratives and contemporary dynamics, we will pay special attention to the impact on marginalized groups, particularly women and those facing economic hardship. We will also explore the role of faith communities in Korea’s ongoing democratization and pursuit of justice. During the immersive spring break trip, we will engage with local Korean faith communities, scholars, activists, and students, fostering personal reflection and encouraging contemplation of the role of faith communities within and beyond the South Korean context.

The application cycle is now closed.

Instructor: Dr. Jim Wickman

This course will explore the history, mission, and values of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), with two interrelated objectives. First, we will explore the history and theology of the Jesuits, focusing on the spirituality of St. Ignatius and its application in higher education today. Second, through a Pilgrimage to the north of Spain over Spring Break, we will walk in the “Footsteps of St. Ignatius.” This immersive learning experience will include on the ground lectures, site visits, and course content throughout the week. 

The application cycle is now closed.