Master of Arts

Domestic & International Course Offerings

Pune, India
Spring 2009

During the Christmas break (December 28, 2008-January 14, 2009), six M.A. and M.Div. students, together with two undergraduates, participated in the inaugural course in Pune, India. Prof. Brad Malkovsky and his spouse, Mariam, led the course that traveled about the country, beginning in the western state of Maharastra. The course was taught in conjunction with some of India’s best Catholic theologians, who offered lectures in their areas of specialization. Along with introductions to the history, thought, and spirituality of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, additional topics included Christian dialogue with other religions, Hindu-Muslim relations, Indian feminism, social liberation movements, and Indian politics. From the home base at the Jesuit-run Papal Seminary, the group made numerous field trips into Pune and beyond. These included, but were not limited to, a visit to the only Hindu seminary for women in India, where the group witnessed a puja-ceremony performed by women priests; a little pilgrimage to Alandi outside Pune to visit the shrine of a much revered Hindu saint; a visit to two local slums, where some of the seminarians share the life of the poor; a trip to Mumbai (Bombay) to visit the famous Haji Ali Mosque; a five hour trip north to Aurangabad where the group spent two days visiting India's most magnificent cave temples (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain) in Ajanta and Ellora (both listed as World Heritage sites).

The students who attended the course and who are in the photos are: Patrick Heavey, Rita Spillane, Robby Rusca, Mindy Malik, Mike McDonald, Hugh O’Donnell Stephen Cavill, and Kathleen Healy.

We anticipate offering a course in India every year or every other year. Please check our Website for details in the coming months. You may also call us (574-631-4254) or write to us, zyniewicz.1@nd.edu, if you have any questions about any future courses in India.