Joseph Christie SJ (MDU) Convener

To train the next generation of Ignatian scholars (at the doctoral and licentiate levels) who can provide a theological foundation for the practice of Ignatian/Jesuit spirituality. To make Ignatian resources more available for sustained theological study throughout the world. To research and study the “theology” beneath the Spiritual Exercises and other aspects of Ignatian Spirituality; To interpret Ignatian theological insights creatively for our times across the globe. I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 2

To develop a network of licentiate and sacred doctoral programs (STL & STD) in Ignatian Theology/Spirituality sponsored by Jesuit educational institutions throughout the world, accessible to Jesuits and their colleagues. To train many more Scholars in different parts of the world with the help of a small number of available Scholars in the network, in an inexpensive way by utilizing the available information technology (e-learning). I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 3

 Involvement of representatives from each Jesuit Conference and delegates from programs in Europe and the US  A study of available resources – faculty, programs, resources, IT infrastructure etc. in each Jesuit Conference.  Several programs were willing to make their courses and resources available. I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 5

 “Online” Spirituality Courses  Stretched faculty  Faculty training in web-based education and use of technology  Language  Market  Availability of IT infrastructure  Platform Maintenance I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 6

 Firm commitment of the participating Schools/Faculty  Evolving a Right Model - Not an online University  Quality of online courses to be ensured/monitored  Training of the faculty to design and deliver online programs  Creation of the repository of resources  User-friendly IT platform. I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 7

 Comillas University, Madrid  Centre Sèvres, Paris  Gregorian University, Rome  Sentir Graduate College, Melbourne  Creighton University, Omaha  Loyola University, Chicago  Archives, General Curia, Rome  Institute of Jesuit Sources, Boston College, Boston I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 9

 JDV, Pune, India (June 2016)  Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City (2015/16)  Santa Clara University (JST, Berkeley) ?  Africa?  … I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 10

This project is not a proposal for an online degree program. The aim is to share some of the best scholarship and resources (for students and faculty who desire a more complete program) The degrees (STL or local equivalent) will be awarded by individual schools Ignatian Scholars Project 11

Schools will have their own programs A number of courses would be offered at the home institution (with available faculty resources – resident and visiting). The rest accessed in real time or in digital content via the web. In current terminology, the Masters/Licentiate would be a hybrid program of digital and local content. I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 12

Virtual home of the ISP - Jesuit Digital Network. On an agreed upon curriculum  Real-time courses will be offered on rotation basis  Online courses will be developed and they will be available for any partnering University  The digital courses would reflect both fundamental, common areas of study and specialized courses from a school’s perspective. Other digitized resources I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 13

An oversight committee will be formed consisting of scholars representing various schools and Jesuit conferences Its main role: Coordination of the ISP  Curriculum decisions  Quality assurance,  Suggested guidelines for program development  Resource indexing and development Ignatian Scholars Project 14

Planning Meeting -- in October or November 2015 at Rome Conference and Meeting -- in Spring 2016 at Boston College (hosted by Centre for Ignatian Sources ) I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 15

It can turn out to be a successful global network model in Jesuit Higher Education – but still a long way to go We need more institutions and faculty resources. I GNATIAN S CHOLARS P ROJECT 16

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