The Religious Traditions of Rome Emmanuel College Travel Course March 4 12, 2011 Rome, the eternal city, has fascinated globe trekkers for centuries. Its mythological beginnings involved unions between divine and mortal beings resulting ultimately in the birth of Romulus and Remus who were suckled by a wolf on the Palatine hill. The theme of divine-human union carries forth into the Roman imperial practice of recognizing the divinity of the Caesars and later in Christianity s claim that Jesus is both human and divine. Rome is both a place and an idea. The idea of a world united in peace, the Pax Romana, was both a political and religious concept. Imperial Rome embraced the religious diversity of its peoples and is therefore one of the most interesting destinations for studying the history of religious traditions in Western civilization. Traditional Greek and Roman gods/goddesses mixed with mystery cults from eastern regions of the Empire to form a rich quilt of religious life and practice. Rome was home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Palestine and thus became an important place where early Christianity took hold. With the conversion of Constantine in the 4 th century, Rome became the symbolic if not actual center of Christianity. It is now the center of the Roman Catholic Church. This 4-credit religious studies course fulfills the General Education requirement for Religious Studies at Emmanuel College. It is led by Dr. Michael Hartwig, adjunct professor of the religious studies department and Fr. Thomas Leclerc, a full-time professor of the department, department chair, and specialist in Scripture. Dr. Hartwig has lived in Rome for 5 years and regularly leads educational and cultural groups to Rome. Fr. Leclerc will preside at liturgies organized in historical venues and offer additional information at various sites where Biblical history is particularly relevant. We are all members of a global community that is increasingly interdependent. The future of our world depends on our cultivating a spirit of hospitality, respect, understanding and compassion for one another. Enlightenment comes in many forms, but we believe that there are few life experiences more moving than exploring other cultures, meeting people of diverse backgrounds, and becoming a citizen of the world leading and inspiring respectful and compassionate ways of life.
Our Program Friday March 4 We depart Boston for Rome. Final flight itinerary will be available approximately one month prior to departure. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the overseas flight. Saturday - March 5 We arrive in Rome and are met, assisted and transferred to our hotel (currently, we are scheduled to stay at a hotel near St. Peter s Basilica. We will have some time to relax, freshen up, and adjust to the new time zone. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a walking tour of sites in the central part of Rome focusing on the development of religious architecture. We will visit the Area Sacra Largo Argentina a site where some of the oldest Roman temples are found. We will visit the historic church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva the site where St. Catherine of Siena is buried, where Michelangelo s Resurrected Christ underscores the ideals of the Renaissance, and where the Dominicans played an active role in many historical events of the 16 th and 17 th centuries including the trial of Galileo. We continue to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of the greatest buildings of antiquity and is incredibly well-preserved. Built in the 2nd century under the Emperor Hadrian, it is dedicated to all of the gods. The building is an architectural marvel with a dome that was, until modern times, the largest in the world. The center of the single-cast concrete dome is a large opening to the sky. Since the height and diameter of the building are equal, there is a powerful sensation that occurs when one enters the space - a kind of spiritual uplifting. This is one of the first buildings deliberately designed to create a spiritual experience and is the beginning of a long history in the West of building sacred spaces (such as churches/cathedrals). Sunday - March 6 We will have an early breakfast followed by Mass at St. Peter s Basilica. At noon we gather for the Pope s blessing in St. Peter s Square. In the afternoon we shall visit Ara Pacis. The largest church in the world and center of Christian pilgrimage for centuries, St. Peter s Basilica is utterly breathtaking in size, beauty and spiritual inspiration. Constantine erected a major basilica over the tomb of St. Peter on this site in the 4th century; in the 1500 s, great Renaissance artists built the current building. Some of the major features include: Michelangelo s Dome, Bernini s Baldachino, Bernini s Chair of Peter, detailed mosaics, and the crypt. Some may wish to climb to the top of the dome or visit the crypt and tombs of the Popes. We will celebrate Mass in one of the crypt chapels that surround the site of Peter s burial. This is a particularly moving experience that only few are privileged to have access to. After Mass, you will have time to explore St. Peter s Basilica at your leisure, climb the dome for panoramic views of Rome and Vatican City, or explore the historic Borgo neighborhood. At noon we will assemble in St. Peter s Square with thousands of faithful from around the world to see the Pope and receive his blessing. Later, we will visit the Ara Pacis. This was an altar erected to celebrate the Peace that Augustus had established over much of the known world. It was placed on the main road leading into Rome to remind people of Augustus great achievements. The afternoon and evening is free with options available for those who may want to visit additional sites. We continue with a visit to other historical sites in the central historic district including a visit to the Piazza Navona and the magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. Later, we walk back toward the hotel for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Monday - March 7 Breakfast. Today is devoted to an extensive visit to ancient Rome. We begin at the Capitoline Hill site of the great temple of Jupiter Maximus and symbolic capital of Rome. We will walk through the Roman Forum visiting ancient courthouses, the Senate building, ancient temples, the complex of the Vestal Virgins, and climb the Palatine hill to stroll through the Imperial palaces and see the grand Circus Maximus. We will break for lunch and then take a tour of the Colosseum. The Flavian amphitheatre built over part of Nero s palace and next to a colossal statue (thus Colosseum) was the largest in the Roman Empire and entertained the Roman populace with gladiator battles, staged wildlife hunts, and other spectacles. Although used as a quarry for the marble to build many medieval and Renaissance churches (including St. Peter s), it is in amazingly good shape and easily evokes the grandeur of Imperial Rome! Finally, we visit the Basilica of San Clemente, offering a unique opportunity to explore the chronology of Christianity at Rome. The current 12th century basilica is one of the most graceful and beautiful in Rome - boasting an impressive Byzantine-style apse mosaic and decorative marble choir enclosure. The 12th century building rests on the ruins of a 4th century basilica that was built over 1st and 2nd century Roman buildings. The 4th century building was one of the first "in town" major churches built after Constantine and represents a significant achievement for a local congregation. The 1st and 2nd century buildings tell us a lot about the sociology of the Christian community that met here. There is also an impressive Mithraic temple helping visitors appreciate other competing religions during the early centuries of Christianity at Rome. The evening is free. Tuesday - March 8 After breakfast we will walk to the Vatican Museums - with visits to the Pio-Clementine section, the Pio-Christian section (sarcophagi), the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums is one of the largest museums in the world. It was begun during the Renaissance when Popes began to create spaces to exhibit classical statues that were being found as interest in ancient buildings led to archaeological digs. Of course, the Vatican Museums include the spectacular papal apartments painted by Raphael and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo s Ceiling and Last Judgment. For those who are interested, we can do an optional visit to the Castel San Angelo a fortress created out of the tomb of Emperor Hadrian and used by the Popes as a refuge during several attacks of Rome by foreign armies. The evening is free. Wednesday - March 9 Breakfast. Today we shall visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Catacombs of St. Sebastian (with Mass), St. Mary Major, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme and the Baths of Diocletian (S. Maria degli Angeli). St. Paul Outside the Walls is built over the burial site of St. Paul and near the location of his martyrdom. The original basilica, burned in 1823 rebuilt according to the original 4th century plan, allows visitors to experience the magnificence of monumental Roman structures. The church boasts beautiful mosaics and a graceful medieval cloister. A visit of the catacombs follows a venerable Christian custom of visiting the graves of early martyrs and popes. In the catacombs underground burial chambers dug in the volcanic soil along the Via Appia Antica- several clusters of underground tunnels (S. Callistus, S. Domitilla, S. Sebastiano and others) boast some of the earliest Christian art and inscriptions, providing an impressive window into early Christian practices and beliefs. We will celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Sebastian a Roman soldier martyred for his faith. The beautiful basilica of St. Mary Major was built in the 5th century after the Council of Ephesus to honor Mary. It has been embellished, but retains much of its original structure and elements with some of the oldest mosaics in Christianity narrating Biblical stories on the side walls. The Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme houses some of the greatest ancient works of art in Rome. It allows us to explore some of the religious symbolism of the art as well as great examples of ancient Roman frescos, mosaics and sculpture. The Church of S. Maria degli Angeli was designed by Michelangelo as a way of transforming the great hall of the Baths of Diocletian into a church. It allows visitors a chance to experience the grandeur of this massive bathing complex.
We will conclude with a walking tour to the Spanish Steps with the evening free. Thursday - March 10 After breakfast we will visit the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Rome. The rest of the afternoon is free with an optional walk to Trastevere. The Synagogue was built after the unification of Italy when the ghetto was officially dismantled. It is located on land that had been part of the neighborhood created by Pope Paul IV in 1556 who forced the Jews of Rome to relocate into the small confined area. Under the Synagogue there is a new museum with artifacts from the Jewish community in Rome and information about the community over the centuries. The Jewish community in Rome is probably the oldest continuous community of Jews in Europe. Friday - March 11 This morning after breakfast we will embark on an excursion to Ostia Antica for a guided visit of the large archaeological park there. Ostia was the port city of Rome on the mouth of the Tiber. During the 1st century, it grew in size but declined in later centuries after the harbor silted up and the population was decimated by malaria. In the 20th century archeologists uncovered magnificent ruins; it is now possible to visit the entire city and imagine life in 1st century Rome. Visit a magnificent theatre, Piazzale of the Corporations, baths and apartment buildings. We return to Rome in the evening in time for our Farewell Dinner on the Via Appia Antica. Overnight in Rome. Saturday - March 12 After breakfast we shall transfer to the airport for our return flight to Boston. Inclusive Features Roundtrip air transportation via regularly scheduled flights between Boston and Rome. Air tax, security fees and fuel surcharges. 3 or 4 star hotel accommodations for seven nights in twin-bedded rooms with private baths in a hotel. Continental breakfast served daily. One Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant including beverages. One Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant in Rome including beverages and motorcoach transfer. Services of a professionally staffed hospitality desk at the hotel exclusively for your group. Gratuities to the guides, motorcoach driver, hospitality staff, guesthouse staff and restaurant staff. Travel insurance with medical coverage and medical evacuation. Transportation via private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach with English speaking assistance. Privately guided sightseeing with government-licensed local guides as per itinerary. Entrance fees to the sites and museums. Whisperphone headsets for use during privately guided visits where available.. Estimate Program Prices $3350. 00 - $3450.00 per person based on double occupancy $375. 00 supplement for single room occupancy The prices are based on availability of services at the time registration material is received; currency exchange rates in effect January 28, 2010 and on 2010 land and air tariffs and are subject to change. All services are provided subject to Illume s Conditions and Clauses. Not included: Personal expenses (phone/internet/beverages/snacks) Non-included lunches/dinners (estimated minimal costs) 5 lunches @ approx. $15.00 ea (for a sandwich/soft drink) 5 dinners @ approx. $20.00 ea (for pasta/pizza/salad and drink) We recommend that students bring between $300-500 for spending money. Tuition is not included in the above price. Tuition will be charged to standard registration and crossregistration policies: Full-time Emmanuel students are charged at the flat rate tuition cost if enrolled for 12-20 total credit hours. Additional tuition costs are incurred for course loads in excess of twenty credits. Additional tuition costs are payable to Emmanuel College. Students from other COF schools will need to follow standard cross-registration policies and must pay tuition as set by the home institution.
All students should work with the Office of International Programs to complete registration (or cross-registration, for students from other COF schools) procedures for RELIG 2151: The Religious Traditions of Rome. Course Requirements: Contact Dr. Hartwig (hartwigm@emmanuel.edu) for a copy of the course syllabus and course requirements. Summary of course requirements includes: 8 pre-study tour meetings on campus (@2 hours a piece) Pre-study tour reading (see bibliography on syllabus) Pre-study tour exercise On-site attendance and participation at planned activities On-site journal (questions for journaling will be given out prior to departure) Post-study tour research paper of 10+ page paper due within month of return topics tba in consultation with professor Program Application: Complete the Registration Application and return to Office of International Programs (Emmanuel College Library 2 nd floor) Diane Bissaro Emmanuel College/International Programs 400 The Fenway Boston, MA 02115 617-735-9884 bissardi@emmanuel.edu Applicants who are not U.S. Citizens are advised to speak with the Office of International Programs regarding obtaining appropriate visas. Note: Any changes to the program will be outlined in the final documents which you will receive one month prior to departure. If changes are made that effect the program price, you will receive an invoice or a credit accordingly. Please contact Dr. Hartwig with any questions. TRAVEL RESOURCE CENTER (TRC) Preparations for life-transforming experiences can be enhanced with travel reading that helps contextualize what you will see and experience at your destination. As a unique feature for your event, illume has created a Travel Resource Center (TRC) on our website. The TRC is for the exclusive use of program members and is not accessible to the general public. Here you can find; - important event specific information - changes in program details - the Illume Travel Planning Guide - Travel Insurance information We encourage you to visit and enjoy this resource. The TRC address for your event is: www.travelillume.com/trc/tgt Program Number at Illume: 9611.11 Forward your application with a $100 nonrefundable deposit (check made out to Emmanuel College) no later than May 5, 2010 to reserve a place in this course. Space is limited. Applications will be accepted until May 5 th or until space is filled. $700 payment will be due September 15, 2010 (If you missed the first deposit of $100, please submit $800 at this time). Final payment will be due December 1, 2010 Information about these subsequent payments will be provided upon acceptance in the program. Emmanuel College students who are planning to borrow the cost of the travel package must visit with the Office of Student Financial Services as soon as possible.