Non-Credit Courses
Summer 2023
SEMINAR: RELIGION AND HUMAN FLOURISHING
August 7-11, 2023
Harvard Square, Location TBA
Co-Presented by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard and the Lumen Christi Institute
This weeklong seminar will be lead by Brendan Case, ThD, Associate Direction for Research at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, and will include instruction by Tyler VanderWeele, Professor of Epidemiology at Harvard and Director of the Human Flourishing Program, and Jennifer Frey, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of South Carolina.
Topics to be considered include 1) the nature and interrelation of theology and the social sciences; 2) the nature of human flourishing, and especially the relationship of temporal and eternal goods; 3) the nature of “religion” as a sociological category, and its relationship both to Christianity and to flourishing; 4) the significance of death and suffering for a flourishing life; 5) the nature and distribution of the moral virtues and vices; and 6) the role of interpersonal love in a flourishing life.
For doctoral students in theology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, or related fields.
Admitted students will receive lodging and meals for the duration of the seminar and a $350 travel stipend. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by May 14.
This seminar is made possible through the support of grant #62372 from the John Templeton Foundation, “In Lumine: Promoting the Catholic Intellectual Tradition on Campuses Nationwide.”
SPRING 2023
Natural Science and the Sacraments: Physical Signs, Supernatural Grace
Spring Term, Second and Fourth Saturdays, 3:45-4:45PM
Begins January 28
St. Paul's, Boles Room, Harvard Square
Sarah Byers, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy,
Boston College
For current undergraduate or graduate students at Harvard or other area institutions. The sacraments bring divine grace into human lives through specific elements in the natural world, reflecting realities studied by and discovered in the natural sciences. This course explores the intersection of nature and grace, theology and natural science, in the sacraments of the Church and in the more broadly sacramental understanding of nature.
Readings in-meeting (no preparation required). Participants are invited, but not required, to stay for the 5:00 Mass at St. Paul’s and an optional dinner out in Harvard Square.
Reading Group: EVELYN WAUGH'S
Brideshead revisited
Spring Term, Weekly Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00PM,
Begins February 8, concludes at Spring Recess
Hawthorn House, Cambridge, MA
For current undergraduate or graduate students at Harvard or other area institutions. Join us to read (or re-read) and discuss Waugh’s classic novel of a journey to faith. Books provided for all registrants, and a light dinner is served. Lead by HCF Graduate Fellows Shani Agarwal and Ryan Zoellner.
Full year courses
spring semester registration
Weekly Wednesdays
Second semester begins February 1, 2023
7:00 - 8:00 PM
St. Paul's, Harvard Square
Open to all, but registrants should have completed the first semester, or already have a year or so of Latin. For those who seek to read and understand the Latin Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the Vulgate Bible in Latin. Textbooks provided. Taught by HCF Graduate Fellow Joost Botman.
You are invited to enroll for the Spring Semester 2023 here.
1st and 3rd Mondays,
Second semester begins January 16, 2023
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Zoom
Open to all; new participants should have completed and have some recollection of a year or more of Latin. Continuation of a year-long group which reads and translates inspiring examples of Christian prose and poetry. Texts and learning material are distributed or available online. Participation in the first semester is neither necessary nor required Current participants need not re-register; new participants can join the group now by registering below. Taught by Classical languages instructor Michael O’Brien and patristics scholar Christopher McLaughlin.
You are invited to enroll for the Spring Semester 2023 here.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays,
Second semester begins January 17, 2023
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Zoom
Open to all; new participants should have completed and have some recollection of a year or more of Classical or Koine Greek. Continuation of a year-long class which reads and translates texts from the Greek New Testament. This year: Acts of the Apostles, a marvelous combination of narrative sweep and gospel proclamation. Texts distributed in advance and also available online. There are excellent study aids on the web, and others can be purchased. Participation in the first semester is neither necessary nor required. Taught by Classical languages instructor Michael O’Brien and Deacon Tim O'Donnell Current participants need not re-register; new participants can join the group now by registering below.
You are invited to enroll for the Spring Semester 2023 here.