Chavagnes
Studium
A Catholic House of Studies
A feasibility study is currently being undertaken to establish whether it will be possible to develop a separate adult formation project at Chavagnes, aiming to provide study opporunities for Catholics of all ages, but most especially for young adults.
The proposal is to open the Chavagnes House of Studies, under the name Chavagnes Studium, in September 2010, with the aim of creating a centre of Catholic adult education in the context of a vibrant and prayerful international community.
Students participating in the various courses on offer would study in a house on the campus of Chavagnes International College. The Studium House, built in the mid 19th century, was formerly the home of the lay brothers who use to help at the Seminary.
Accommodation would be available in small communities of students, each with its own resident member of Studium staff.
At present, it is envisaged that for the 2010/2011 academic year there would be a community for male students on campus, and a residence for young ladies in a cottage nearby.
These communities (rather like the constituent colleges of some of the ancient universities) would provide a social, spiritual and intellectual setting that should be complementary to life at the Studium itself.
Members of each of the student houses woul follow a genuine community spirit under the direction of a member of the Studium staff: sharing cleaning and cooking chores, joining together at the beginning and end of each day for a time of prayer.
Social, sporting and cultural activities would centre on the Studium, but some activities would also be organised by the individual student houses.
Daily Mass would be celebrated for the whole Studium community. It is anticipated that Studium members would attend the Chavagnes International College Sunday Mass, thereby providing an important link with the wider Anglo-French Catholic community here.
There would many other opportunites for joint activities with the College, notably on high days and holy days.
Here is an outline of what we are proposing in terms of academic study. Initially, our efforts would be centred on a “GAP-year for God” programme. This course is esentially aimed at young Catholics just before or just after university. It aims to help them to develop a more intellectually rooted faith, and to seek the answers to many problems faced by Catholics in modern life. A thorough basic formation in philosophy, theology, apologetics and Catholic culture would equip our students to do great things for Christ and the Church, whatever career path they choose.
Around the basic core syllabus, various other options would exist for those wishing to specialise in Church Music, teaching, French studies, etc.
September 2010:
“GAP-year for God” study programme.
CORE programme
- Basic Philosophy 2 hours per week
- Basic Theology 3 hours per week
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church 2 hours per week
- Apologetics 2 hours per week
- Church History 1 hour per week
- 'The Great Books' of the western tradition 5 hours per week
- French language studies 5 hours per week
Total CORE study 20 hours per week.
In addition, participants in the ‘GAP year for God’ programme would enjoy a range of cultural activities such as French cookery, theatre visits, cultural excursions and voluntary work in the local community. A programme of sporting activities would also be available.
Possible optional courses (in some cases, subject to agreement with various validating bodies):
- Overview of French literature
- Sacred Music Studies, leading to RSCM Preliminary Certificate or the CertRSCM/ DipRSCM in 2 years; subject to acceptance of candidate on to the course.
- For those involved in teaching at the College at least 5 hours per week: Diploma in Catholic Education Studies, validated by the College of Teachers, London (would qualify students for Associateship of the College of Teachers, subject to validation agreement).
- TESOL Certificate - for teaching English as a Foreign language
- Teaching Knowledge Test (Cambridge) for Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Overview of English Literature
- English as a Foreign Language (for non-native speakers)
- Spanish for beginners (to GCSE)
- German for beginners (to GCSE)
- Latin for beginners, with particular emphasis on Church Latin.
The Studium is open to suggestions as to other study options, particularly for distance courses validated by other institutions. In these cases, the Studium can undertake to provide additional help and tutoring, plus a prayerful environment for study.
Additional activities:
In-house
Choir
Music groups
Rowing
Horse Riding
Debating
Desktop publishing
With the local community
Participation in local football teams
Currently being considered for a possible start in September 2011 :
An undergraduate joint honours degree course, BA(Hons), validated by a British university
Liberal Arts (Literature, History, Philsophy etc) with French language and literature.
This course would follow the Great Books method for the Liberal Arts component of the degree and would equip candidates with:
- fluency in French and profound knowledge of French culture from a Catholic perspective.
- An academic background suitable for a career in teaching English, History or French
- An unique European, Catholic formation, rooted in the two main languages of the European Union.
- A solid grounding in Christian European culture.
English for the local community
In addition, the Studium intends to provide opportunities for local teachers of English in French schools to improve their knowledge of English language and culture.
Your help
Please feel free to email us at
studium@chavagnes.org
with your comments and suggestions, or offers of financial or other help.
