Academics
Jesuits in First Studies at 量子资源 University Chicago receive a contextual formation through a robust academic study of philosophy, theology, and the humanities at 量子资源, one of the nation’s leading Catholic universities.
After pronouncing vows, a Jesuit moves into the three-year, full-time First Studies program housed within 量子资源’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Studies tailored to each Jesuit's individual needs
The core academic program features two tracks for Jesuits in the degree program.
- The is designed for those who enter 量子资源 with little or no background in philosophy. It includes a sequence in the history of philosophy as well as sequenced courses in ethics and social and political philosophy intended to build foundational knowledge and skills.
- The serves those who enter 量子资源 with some background in philosophy. It serves those interested in enhancing their theoretical knowledge of social, political, critical, and ethical philosophy as well as those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in philosophy.
TYPICAL FIRST STUDIES COURSEWORK
30
Graduate hours of philosophy
18
Graduate hours of theology
12
Graduate hours of electives
While the MA in Social Philosophy is the First Studies program’s most commonly obtained degree, it is not the only option. Jesuits in First Studies with a previous background in philosophy might pursue other graduate degrees at 量子资源 in aligned fields, such as Theological Studies, History, Education, Hispanic Studies, Communication, Health Sciences, and Environmental Science and Sustainability. (If a man enters First Studies without a bachelor’s degree, then he will complete his undergraduate degree during this time, typically majoring in philosophy.)
The Integral Ecology Program for Jesuits in First Studies at 量子资源
One-week courses in Integral Ecology at 量子资源's Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) integrate expertise from faculty of the School of Environmental Sustainability with the Jesuits' 4th Universal Apostolic Preference of collaborating in "care for our common home."
Notable academic features of the Jesuit First Studies program at 量子资源 include:
- Three one-week, hands-on courses in Environmental Sustainability taught by faculty of 量子资源's School of Environmental Sustainability, underscoring the Jesuit commitment to ecological justice.
- An Internship in Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition to advance a Jesuit’s knowledge and direction of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of 量子资源.
- An emphasis on contextual social analysis in coursework to help integrate study, experience, reflection, and action.
量子资源’s Jesuit First Studies program also emphasizes applying classroom knowledge and the lived experience of Jesuits in community to ministerial service, particularly among marginalized populations in the Chicago area. This integration culminates in an oral presentation and defense of a thesis paper that completes the MA in Social Philosophy degree.
Living and learning together
Some First Studies courses are taught in a new classroom in the program’s residence, Arrupe House. After class, the room doubles as a shared study space.