The Centre for Catholic Education, Research and Religious Literacy, is hosting a short course designed to explore the ways in which 'Newman’s Idea of a University' can help with critiquing the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary Catholic education.
The opening parts of this course will explore the central ideas in Newman’s seminal work on the 'Idea of a University'. This will provide the context for discussing the ways in which these ideas might be relevant for Catholic education now.
The course will guide the participants on how to read and interpret Newman’s Idea of a University. A careful reading of the central themes will be used to show both the relevance and possible problems with using Newman now to frame and justify Catholic education.
This eight session course assumes little or no knowledge of this area of scholarship and will explore topics at an introductory level. It will guide the novice reader, helping them to engage both with the content and most apt ways of interpreting and making sense of Newman’s seminal text.
Dates and times
The course will run on Friday mornings, between 11am-12.30pm, over eight sessions on
- Friday 3rd May 2024
- Friday 10th May 2024
- Friday 17th May 2024
- Friday 7th June 2024
- Friday 14th June 2024
- Friday 28th June 2024
- Friday 5th July 2024
- Friday 12th July 2024.
Location
This course will take place on our main campus, Twickenham. While the face-to face taught sessions are preferable the course will also be delivered online.
Price
The full course cost is £175.
St Mary's University staff and students can receive a 10% discount. Please use the booking link on the discounted short courses page (St Mary's login required).
Content
The course will begin by getting an overview of Newman’s Idea of University, to uncover the context and key themes. In the second half of the course the strengths and then the drawbacks with using Newman to frame Catholic Education will be outlined and discussed.
Participants in this short course will benefit from a gaining an overview of Newman’s famous educational work. This is not intended an overly ‘heavy’ course, but rather a guide for how to read, interpret and begin to evaluate this important text relating to Catholic education.
There will be time for questions and reflection and the course will cover a wide range of areas including:
- the context and background to Newman’s Idea
- central themes in Newman’s Idea
- the ways in which the Idea is relevant for Catholic education studies
- reservations with using Newman’s idea to justify contemporary Catholic education.
There will also be an open session that is question led.
Requirements
This course is designed for anyone who wishes to improve their faith literacy, particularly in relation to Newman’s Idea of a University and Catholic education today.
However, it is recommended that learners should have achieved a level of education equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A*- C prior to commencing the course. Exemptions may be made for adult returners with relevant experience.
Award
Successful students will receive a certificate of attendance.
Book your place now
For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses team: