1) The M.A. in Franciscan Studies
The Master of Arts Degree in Franciscan Studies is interdisciplinary, including courses in history, sources, theology, spirituality, and philosophy. A series of core courses introduces the student to these basic areas of Franciscan studies.
Building on this foundation, the student may pursue the Franciscan contribution to history, sources, theology, and spirituality through specialization in one of these four areas. Students can expand their knowledge of the Franciscan movement for self-enrichment, prepare themselves for teaching Franciscan studies at the college level or in programs of Franciscan formation, equip themselves for responsibilities in the Franciscan movement, or acquire skills necessary for advanced graduate study or research.
The degree (30 credit hours) is granted through the School of Graduate Studies at St. Bonaventure University. The program may be pursued during the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters and includes a variety of both core, required, and elective courses. Students are accepted to begin study in the summer and fall semesters only.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE M.A. DEGREE PROGRAM
- Fulfillment of general requirements for acceptance into the School of Graduate Studies.
- All students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination.
- Students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOFEL examination.
- Latin is required for those students pursuing the Research Track. Given that the Franciscan movement is a medieval religious tradition, some basic knowledge of Latin is encouraged for all students.
Knowledge of a modern European language is helpful for research purposes.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
A total of 30 credits is required for the degree. Of these 30 credits, 15 are earned in core courses:
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SFS 560. Introduction to Franciscan and Medieval Studies (3 credits) SFS 507. Early Franciscan Movement (3 credits)
SFS 508. Franciscan Movement I (3 credits)
SFS 518. Franciscan Hagiography (3 credits)
SFS 546. Foundations of Franciscan Theology (3 credits)
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| Students specialize in one of four areas: History, Sources, Theology, or Spirituality. The following courses are required according to specialization: |
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Franciscan History:
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SFS 509. Franciscan Movement II
SFS 528. Pre-Franciscan Religious Movements
SFS 529. Ministry and Mission in the Franciscan Tradition
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Franciscan Sources |
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SFS 519. Companions and Disciples Tradition
SFS 525. Writings of Francis and Clare
SFS 527. Rule and Life of the Third Order Regular
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Franciscan Theology: |
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SFS 547. Franciscan Theology of the Word
SFS 557. Franciscan Mystical Tradition
SFS 558. Readings in Franciscan Theology
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Franciscan Spirituality |
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SFS 556. Foundations of Franciscan Spirituality
SFS 557. Franciscan Mystical Tradition
SFS 559. Spirituality of Bonaventure
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| For those preparing for formation ministry, the following are recommended: |
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SFS 538. Development of the Franciscan Person (3 credits) SFS 539. Formation in the Franciscan Tradition (3 credits)
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| Students preparing for advanced graduate study or research are encouraged to choose the research option consisting of the following elective courses: |
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SFS 571. Medieval Latin Paleography (2 credits)
SFS 574. Master’s Thesis (6 credits)*
SFS 575. Medieval Franciscan Texts (2 credits)
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Students make up the remainder of the 30 credits with electives agreed upon with their faculty adviser.
A written comprehensive examination (SFS 597) with oral review with the faculty, or an Integration Seminar Project (SFS 505) is required of all degree candidates at the completion of the program. Both options are pass-fail and carry no credit.
2) Advanced Graduate Certificate
The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Franciscan Studies is designed for students who are interested in a basic introduction to Franciscan Studies. The Advanced Graduate Certificate will provide an exposure to basic methodology, an awareness of fundamental themes, issues and questions within each of the major content areas of history, sources, theology and spirituality, and offer a solid background in Franciscan studies.
The Advanced Graduate Certificate may be pursued for personal enrichment or to augment an individual’s knowledge of Franciscan studies. It may serve as an ideal supplement to other studies in theology and spirituality especially for persons who will be involved in formation for Franciscan life and ministry and/or adult continuing education programs in the area of Franciscan Studies.
ADVANCED GRADUATE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
A total of 16 graduate credit hours in Franciscan studies is required. This is comprised of five courses (15 credit hours) plus an additional credit hour of study, the contours of which are to be determined by arrangement between student and adviser. All Certificate students must take SFS 560. Introduction to Franciscan and Medieval Studies. Students must satisfy prerequisites for courses selected, if pertinent.
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SFS 560. Introduction to Franciscan and Medieval Studies plus, 15 credits to be determined and approved in consultation with their Faculty Advisor. Students must satisfy prerequisites for courses selected.
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SFS Curriculum Chart |
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| CORE COURSES |
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560. Introduction to Franciscan and Medieval Studies (3 credits)
507. Early Franciscan Movement {1205-1226} (3 credits)
508. Franciscan Movement I {1226- Capuchin Reform} (3 credits)
518. Franciscan Hagiography (3 credits)
546. Foundations of Franciscan Theology (3)
597. Comprehensive Examination |
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| HISTORY AND SOURCES (Each course = 3 credits) |
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509. Franciscan Movement II {1600-Present}
525. Writings of Francis and Clare
526. Clare and Franciscan Women
519. Companions and Disciples Tradition
527. Rule and Life of Third Order Regular
528. Pre-Franciscan Religious Movements
529. Ministry and Mission in the Franciscan Tradition
565. Studies in Franciscan Paintings I
566. Studies in Franciscan Paintings II |
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| THEOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY (Each course = 3 credits) |
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556. Foundations of Franciscan Spirituality
557. Franciscan Mystical Tradition
547. Franciscan Theology of the Word
548. Foundations of Franciscan Philosophy
558. Readings in Franciscan Theology
559. Spirituality of Bonaventure
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538. Development of the Franciscan Person
539. Formation in the Franciscan Tradition
567. Franciscan Studio: Painting
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| OPTIONAL FOR EACH TRACK |
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562. Advanced Graduate Seminar (2 credits)
563. Independent Study (1-3 credits)
SFS 574 - Master’s Thesis (6 credits)
564. Special Topics (3 credits) |
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| RESEARCH TRACK |
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575. Medieval Franciscan Texts (2 credits)
SFS 571. Medieval Latin Paleography (2 credits)
SFS 699. Master's Thesis (6 credits) |
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| SUMMER SESSION - FORMATION COURSES |
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SFS 520. Francis: His Life and Charism(2 credits)
SFS 501. The Franciscan Movement I(3 credits)
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| (To transfer any of these courses into a M.A. program as substitutes for 507 or 508, respectively, the student must pass an examination on the material. A study guide for the exam will be provided.) |
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