-- Gain knowledge of the nature of spiritual companioning and its theological foundation.
-- Engage in study of Christian approaches to vocation.
-- Gain familiarity with the skills of spiritual accompaniment: contemplative presence, listening, discernment.
-- Become acquainted with ways of deepening one’s own spirituality and sense of vocation through a consideration of personal and communal approaches to spiritual formation.

-- Suzanne Buckley, Sacred is the Call: Formation and Transformation in Spiritual Direction Programs, (New York: Crossroad, 2005.)
-- Margaret Guenther, Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction, (Cambridge, MA: Cowley Publications, 1992.
-- Thomas Merton, Seeds (Boston, MA: Shambhala, 2002.)
-- John Neafsey, A Sacred Voice is Calling: Personal Vocation and Social Conscience, (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2006.)
-- Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, (San Fransisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2000.)
-- William C Placher, ed. Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation, (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005.)
-- Access to a Bible

The teaching method of each day of class will be guided by the following approaches: student-led class presentations, a critical reading of the sources supported by class lecture and discussion, participation in practical experiences that engage and embody the theory, and personal reflection that helps you translate the material into your daily lives.

A Spiritual Autobiography will be written during the first six classes. A detailed description of the project will be distributed in class. Journal entries will be assigned throughout the semester. Topics will be given out in class. Class attendance and participation is integral to the success of the class. Practical skills will be learned through in class activities. Options for the final paper/project will be discussed in class and decided upon in conjunction with the instructor.

Due to the nature of the course topic and teaching methods students must be willing to firmly ensure the confidentiality of all information that might be openly shared in class discussions and activities. Students will not be compelled to share personal information.

Tues Jan 16: Palmer, Chapters One and Two

Thurs Jan 18: Palmer, Chapters Three and Four
Journal Entry One

Mon Jan 22: Palmer, Chapters Five and Six

Wed Jan 24: Buckley, Sections One to Three

Tues Jan 30: Buckley, Sections Four to Six

Thurs Feb 1: Buckley, Sections Seven to Nine
Spiritual Autobiography Due

Mon Feb 5: Buckley, Sections Ten to Twelve

Wed Feb 7: Buckley, Sections Thirteen to Fifteen

Fri Feb 9: No assigned reading

Tues Feb 13: Buckley, Sections Sixteen to Eighteen
Journal Entry Two

Thurs Feb 15: Buckley, Sections Nineteen and Twenty
Journal Entry Two
In-Class Speaker

Mon Feb 19: Placher, Part One, pgs. 1-38

Wed Feb 21: Placher, Part One, pgs. 39-72

Fri Feb 23: Placher, Part One, pgs. 73-103
Journal Entry Three

SPRING BREAK!!!

Tues Mar 6: Placher, Part Two, pgs. 107-139

Thurs Mar 8: Placher, Part Two, pgs. 140-175

Mon Mar 12: Placher, Part Two, pgs. 176-201

Thurs Mar 15: Placher, Part Three, pgs. 205-226

Mon Mar 19: Placher, Part Three, pgs. 239-261
Journal Entry Four

Wed Mar 21: Placher, Part Three, pgs. 310-32

Fri Mar 23: Placher, Part Four, pgs. 324-358

Tues Mar 27: Placher, Part Four, pgs. 359-377, 388-399

Thurs Mar 29: Placher, Part Four, pgs. 400-443

Mon Apr 2: Exam One

Wed Apr 4: Neafsey, Chapters One and Two

EASTER BREAK!!!

Wed Apr 11: Neafsey, Chapters Three and Four
Journal Entry Five

Fri Apr 13: Neafsey, Chapters Five and Six

Tues Apr 17: Neafsey, Chapters Seven and Eight

Thurs Apr 19: Neafsey, Chapters Nine and Ten

Mon Apr 23: Merton, Part One or Guenther, Introduction and Chapter One

Wed Apr 25: Merton, Part Two or Guenther, Chapter Two

Fri Apr 27: Merton, Part Three of Guenther, Chapter Three

Tues May 1: Merton, Part Four or Guenther, Chapter Four

Thurs May 3: Class Integration and Impact Statements

COMPLETION DATE FOR ALL FINAL PAPERS IS THURSDAY, MAY 3ND.

Mon May 7: Class Integration and Impact Statements

We will have a final exam on Thursday, May 10th from 6-8 p.m.