Sophia University Institute
Promoted by the Focolare Movement, the Institute was erected by the Holy See by decree of the Congregation for Catholic Education on the 7th of December 2007.[1]
History[1]
The institute was born from an intuition of Chiara Lubich who, ever since she was a young woman, longed to delve into studies in search of the truth. For this reason, she enrolled in Philosophy at the University of Venice. But the Second World War came and destroyed the plans she had made for herself, and she was not able to pursue her studies.
Her search for truth was illuminated by the Gospel, and, through historical events, it led her along a way of active love for God and for neighbour.
The history of the Institute originates in her experience of knowledge through love and still today, this is the main characteristic of the Focolare Movement’s approach to the field of culture and study.
Facts and figures[2]
Sophia offers students a unique life experience and high quality education designed to equip them with both knowledge and professional skills. Sophia’s study programmes are aimed at women and men whose hearts and minds are open to the whole world and who wish to use Wisdom as a compass in their lives. Courses give students the opportunity to develop a broad vision and teamwork skills, and provide them with tools for conflict resolution, problem-solving strategies and spaces for dialogue, all within an enriching, stimulating and diverse environment.
FACULTY-STUDENTS RELATIONSHIPS
Sophia is a study and research community in which relationships between people inform the relationship between the different fields of knowledge.
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
Sophia’s international and multicultural vocation in figures: 450 students and faculty members since 2007, representing 4 continents, 50 countries and 30 languages.
AFTER SOPHIA
Nearly 90% of Sophia graduates found a job or academic placement within 12 months of completing their studies.
A new paradigm of knowledge[3]
Sophia was founded with the aim of promoting dialogue and interaction between the different fields of knowledge in a wisdom perspective. Far from denying their mutual independence, this research and study method highlights the roots and finalities that are common to the various disciplines.
THEORY AND ACTION
The Sophia academic project is centred around the experience of a study community in which research, theory and life are not only shared between the students, but also between students and faculty, and with the Institute staff. This way of life is enlivened by a pact of reciprocity that is constantly renewed and revived through moments for dialogue and exchange, which constitute an integral part of campus life alongside lectures and seminars. At the root of the study programmes is the Christian spiritual heritage, in constant dialogue with the principles from which world civilizations have developed and flourished.
METHODOLOGY
Dialogue and reciprocity are the defining features of the Sophia project. These priorities directly apply to the context of human relationships, creating an atmosphere of transparency, openness, attention to others and gift of self. They also contribute to a specific research and learning methodology, encouraging interaction between the different disciplines. Dialogue and reciprocity thus generate an epistemological perspective whose objective is to overcome fragmentation, abstraction and conflict between the different branches of knowledge, in order to recompose their unity while respecting their separate identities, and to put this convergence at the service of the human person.
OBJECTIVES
- To provide an open and comprehensive view of the different disciplines, as well as the ability to compare and combine their contents, methods and results.
- To prepare young people for the challenges of today’s world through a trans-disciplinary approach, giving them the skills they need to work with specialists from a variety of fields to find innovative solutions.
- To promote dialogue between cultures in the context of everyday social relations and to give impulse to personal, intellectual and social growth in an atmosphere of reciprocity.
From Chiara Lubich’s intuition to the present day[4]
THE BEGINNINGS
The Sophia University Institute was born out of Chiara Lubich’s intuition. Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) was the foundress of the Focolare Movement. Ever since her young years, she believed that studying would lead her to the truth, hence she decided to enrol in a Philosophy course at university. However, the outbreak of World War II forced her to give up on her plans and stop studying. Her quest for the truth was enlightened by the Gospel and soon found a new path – an active dialogue with God and humanity through the events of history. The idea of the SUI originated from this experience of knowledge through love, which, to this day, characterises the Focolare Movement’s approach to culture and study.
A WELL-ESTABLISHED METHOD: THE ABBA SCHOOL
The Institute’s research method has been tested for years within the study and research group ‘Abba School’. The School was founded by Chiara Lubich in 1989 with the aim of developing a cultural doctrine based on the ‘charisma of unity’. It is composed of thirty university professors and experts in the fields of theology, philosophy, ethics, law, political science, economics, sociology, medicine, psychology, natural science, mathematics, communication studies, art, linguistics and literature, ecumenicalism and interreligious dialogue. They come from a variety of countries and cultural backgrounds and meet regularly. At the school, each discipline enters into lively dialogue with the others. Such trans-disciplinary framework grants equal value to the different methods and disciplines, and each of them contributes to build a comprehensive worldview. Truth – Plato wrote – is like a fire ignited by the spark that is produced when two stones are stricken, after a long communion of life. These words recall the Christian experience of the two disciples of Emmaus in their encounter with Jesus and describe a reality that can still be experienced today.
A PILOT EXPERIENCE: THE SCHOOL OF ADVANCED CULTURAL STUDIES
The ‘Summer School for a Culture of Unity’, held in Switzerland, Italy and Germany from 2001 to 2007, was a pilot experience in the application of the Abba School methodology to university-level study. The study programme, consisting of two weeks of class per year for four years, was intended for young university students from various fields, countries and cultural backgrounds. Fifty students took part in the experience every year, for a total of 250 participants from 37 countries. Many of them decided to pursue an academic career, bringing the knowledge and capabilities they acquired at the Summer School into their respective professions.
2008: THE FIRST COURSE IS INAUGURATED AT THE SOPHIA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE
Since 2008, the Sophia University Institute has established itself as a centre of excellence in academic research. Its Master’s and PhD courses have attracted students from a variety of fields and cultural backgrounds, as well as professors and researchers from other institutions who have spent a period of time at Sophia. Every year, the Liber Annualis documents the work of the Institute and its scholars, as well as the qualifications earned by the students. Other publications include the six-monthly Sophia academic journal, the Universitas essay series, and the more comprehensive Per-corsi di Sophia series, a collection of interdisciplinary research papers and lectures from the Institute. Through its Thematic Programmes, Sophia wishes to give a wider audience the chance to participate in its academic and cultural activities. The programmes include seminars with some leading contemporary scholars and public figures. Other research seminars include the annual Study Seminar (the proceedings of which are published on the Sophia journal), which involves the whole Institute, and other seminars and events promoted by the departments.
A significant achievement has been the signing of collaboration agreements and protocols with other ecclesiastical and civil academic institutions, both in Italy and worldwide, granting the mutual recognition of credits and qualifications in compliance with the guidelines for participation in the Bologna Process. The Institute also organises Summer Schools, advanced and qualification courses, both in Italy and worldwide, in collaboration with the Focolare Movement, diocesan institutions, associations and academic institutions.
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER UNIVERSITIES
By virtue of the Lisbon Convention, the Bologna Process and the Concordats, all academic qualifications earned at Sophia or other ecclesiastical academic institutions are recognised by the States that are party to those agreements. In addition, by virtue of partnership agreements and joint degree programmes in place with other universities, qualifications obtained at Sophia are recognised by partner institutions. Students enrolling in those programmes are therefore eligible to obtain a double degree.
High Education Qualifications Descriptor[5]
Higher Education Qualification Descriptors
The Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area, an upshot of the European “Bologna Process”, is a systematic chart aimed at a correct understanding and comparability of the academic titles of the various national systems of higher learning.
For the Qualifications Framework of the Holy See, see website of Higher Education of the Catholic Church.
Master’s Degree (Second cycle) in “Foundations and Perspectives of a Culture of Unity”
Classification: Level 7 EQF.
Admission requirements:
The Master’s Degree in “Foundations and Perspectives of a Culture of Unity” is open to students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent.
Course Length:
2 years, 120 ECTS minimum.
Subsequent level:
Doctorate.
Areas of specialization:
1) Trinitarian ontology; 2) Economy and management; 3) Political science; 4) Comprehensive course
A Master’s Degree in “Foundations and Perspectives of a Culture of Unity” is awarded to students who have demonstrated:
- a systematic understanding of the theological, philosophical, anthropological and social/ethical foundations of a culture of unity in the wisdom-based perspective of Christian revelation;
- the ability to afford a practical application of the culture of unity in one of its specific expressions (theological, philosophical, social, political, economical, epistemological, pedagogical …) and to make an original contribution towards furthering it[6];
- capability in a responsible use of the skills they have acquired to build up a system of public relations inspired on a culture of unity and the ability to work in a spirit of communion with others towards the integral formation of individuals and of society[7];
- the capacity to integrate the approaches of diverse fields of knowledge in view of tackling and answering anthropological, ethical, social and cultural issues emergent in today’s society[8];
- a marked capacity to listen, to relate to others, and of discernment, along with an aptitude to apply diversified methods of interpreting situations towards promoting a constructive dialogue between persons of different cultures and orientations, transforming conflicts that may arise into opportunities for mutual recognition and common growth[9];
- ability to work in synergy with specialists of disciplines different from their own to create innovative solutions;
- conceptual and communicative skills apt at building fruitful relations with social agents (institutional, political, economic) and the ability to clearly communicate and unambiguously promote the contents and meaning of Christian revelation and the anthropological and social views connected to it in public and in expertise areas;
- the capacity to transmit their theoretical and applied knowledge in the exercise of an ecclesiastic and/or professional occupation, in particular in the field of teaching[10].
Doctoral Degree (Third cycle) in “Foundations and Perspectives of a Culture of Unity”
Classification: Level 8 EQF
Admission requirements:
The Doctoral Degree in “Foundations and perspectives of a Culture of Unity” is open to students who have completed a Master’s degree or the equivalent.
Course Length:
Minimum 3 years.
Credits:
Not specified. Formative programmes are personalized.
Doctoral Degrees in “Foundations and Perspectives of a Culture of Unity” may be awarded to students who have demonstrated:
- a systematic acquisition and understanding of an advanced body of knowledge in a specific area of studies (theology, philosophy, political science, economy and management, epistemology, human and social sciences)[11] in its particular relation to a culture of unity[12];
- a mature capacity to use the specialized knowledge they have acquired to conceptualize, design, and implement original projects of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary[13] research in view of promoting a culture of unity in the light of Wisdom[14];
- aptitude in systematically transmitting the knowledge they have acquired through academic level teaching[15];
- skills in critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas, in constant reference to the central value of the human person and of a culture of unity;
- the capacity to communicate with academic and professional experts of various fields and disciplines to contribute towards furthering civilization by promoting an ever-deeper encounter between the truths of Christianity and the world/worlds of culture[16].
POST DOC
This level of scholarly improvement and introduction to university level teaching consists of a further deepening of expertise in a specialist and/or avant-garde topic as seen from the perspective of a culture of unity. It can be conducted as specific in-depth research or as professional or pastoral updating or requalification.
Admission requirements:
To be admitted to a Postdoctoral programme a Doctoral degree is required. Exceptions can be made for recognized professional expertise and/or pastoral experience.
Course Length:
Minimum one year. The course is organized and certification made under the autonomous responsibility of the Institute.
Inter-University Agreements[17]
The structure of courses and programs offered at the Sophia University Institute correspond to European standards, and the exams and academic degrees conferred are recognized according to the international agreements and guidelines established by the Convention of Lisbon and the Process of Bologna.
The agreement for international recognition of degrees is applied according to the stipulations provided by specific executive conventions and between different universities.
In addition, the Master’s degree conferred by the IUS is integrally recognized also by some countries of South America. The Universities and University Institutes with which there are already operational agreements for the recognition of degrees conferred by the IUS are the following:
in the field of Political Sciences and Law:
- In France: Institut Politique Léon Harmel
- In Spain: Universidad de Málaga; Universidad de Almería
- In Argentina: Universidad Nacional de La Plata
- In Brazil: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis/SC; Associação Caruaruense de Ensino Superior, Caruarù/PE
in the field of Natural Sciences:
- in France: Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne
in the field of Pedagogy:
in the field of Philosophy:
- In Italy: Università degli Studi di Genova, Faculty of Letters and Philosophy; Università degli Studi di Perugia
in the field of Theology:
- With the Vatican State: Pontifical Lateran University, Faculty of Theology; students already holding a Canonical License in Theology can pursue the joint Doctorate at the IUS.
- In Argentina: Pontifical Catholic University, Faculty of Philosophy and Theology of San Miguel, Buenos-Aires; students who already hold a Canonical License in Theology can pursue the joint Doctorate at the IUS.
With other Universities and University Institutes,
there are general agreements that authorize professors and students to attend their respective academic programs:
- in the Slovak Republic: Trnava University, Trnava
- in Hungary: Sapientia College of Theology of Religious Orders, Budapest
- in Mexico: Universidad La Salle, Mexico City
Double Degree Agreements
A new opportunity for Sophia students
Joint degree partnerships between two universities establish joint study programmes allowing students to carry out part of their studies at a partner institution, in order to obtain a qualification from both their home university and the partner university at the end of their course.
For this reason, students who take part in these programmes spend study periods (whose content and duration are defined in advance) at both universities.
Students wishing to participate in one of the joint degree programmes must undergo a selection process. The number of available places is defined by each inter-university agreement.
Applications open once a year. Calls for applications will be published on this page.
The Sophia University Institute has signed joint degree partnership agreements with the following universities:
Perugia University (Università Statale di Perugia)
By virtue of this agreement, Sophia students should earn 30 to 40 ECTS credits at Perugia University. Upon completion of their studies, they are thus eligible to obtain:
- the Master’s Degree in Economic and Political Sciences – Political Sciences Curriculum from Sophia and the Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Ethics of Relations from Perugia University
- Master’s Degree in Trinitarian Ontology (Philosophy Curriculum) from Sophia and the Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Ethics of Relations (various curricula) from Perugia University.
The Didactics-Philosophy curriculum qualifies students for access to state examinations they need to pass to become certified Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Psychology and Science of Education teachers in Italian upper secondary schools. The Philosophy and Civil Economy curriculum is specifically suited for students wishing to learn more about the relationship between philosophy and civil economy and pursue a career in management, including in the third sector.
European University of Rome
By virtue of this agreement, Sophia students should earn 30 to 45 ECTS credits at the European University of Rome. Upon completion of their studies, they are thus eligible to obtain:
- the Master’s Degree in Economic and Political Sciences (Economics and Management curriculum) from Sophia, and the Master’s Degree in Economics and Innovation Management (Business Consulting and Liberal Profession curriculum or Innovation Management curriculum) from the European University of Rome.
Faculty of Theology of Central Italy (Florence)
By virtue of this agreement, Sophia students who have previously obtained their Baccalaureate of Theology should earn a minimum of 20 ECTS at the Faculty of Theology in Florence. Thus, upon completion of their studies, they are eligible to obtain:
- the Master’s Degree in Trinitarian Ontology (Theology curriculum) from Sophia and the Licentiate of Dogmatic Theology from the Faculty of Theology of Central Italy.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Sophia University Institute". Focolare Movement. Retrieved 2020-09-11.
- ↑ "Sophia at a glance". Sophia University. Retrieved 2020-09-11.
- ↑ "Vision and Mission". Sophia University. Retrieved 2020-09-11.
- ↑ "Our History". Sophia University. Retrieved 2020-09-11.
- ↑ "Qualifications Framework". Sophia University. Retrieved 2020-09-11.
- ↑ I.U.S., Statuti, art. 2
- ↑ I.U.S., Statuti, artt. 2, 6.
- ↑ Sapientia Christiana, artt. 68-70; I.U.S., Statuti, artt. 2, 4, 57.
- ↑ I.U.S., Statuti, Premessa.
- ↑ Sapientia Christiana, art. 50, § 1.
- ↑ I.U.S. Statuti, art. 58.
- ↑ I.U.S. Statuti, Premessa.
- ↑ I.U.S. Statuti, art. 8.
- ↑ I.U.S. Statuti, art. 2.
- ↑ Sapientia Christiana, art. 50, § 1.
- ↑ Sapientia Christiana, art. 3, § 1. Cf GIOVANNI PAOLO II, «Proemio», Cost. Apostol. Sapientia Christiana, I, II. I.U.S. Statuti, art. 4.
- ↑ "Inter-University Agreements". Sophia University. Retrieved 2020-09-11.
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