L'Arche Seminar Learning Agreement
Spring 2010
Course Objectives
- To experience life in the L'Arche/Daybreak Community and gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for persons with disabilities
- To gain exposure to the spiritual writings of both Jean Vanier and Henri Nouwen
- To critically examine models of disability service, including full integration models and community living models
- To assume a daily stance of service to those living with physical and mental challenges
- To formulate an attitude of inclusion towards people with disabilities, and to recognize the strengths and talents of people different than ones self
Course Requirements
This Seminar is a one-credit course offered through Theology, Psychology and the Center for Social Concerns. The Seminar is graded as "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory." Student requirements for a"Satisfactory" grade are:
- Attend all classes both before and after the immersion (see calendar for class dates and times).
- Complete the readings and actively participate in class discussions.
- Participate in all activities, spending time with and getting to know both core members and assistants at L'Arche.
- Complete a final project within the discipline of disabilities studies.
Application Process
- By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the L'Arche Seminar.
- All applicants will be notified regarding seminar selection by email. If you are applying to more than one seminar, you will receive a single email noting whether or not you have been selected to participate.
Criteria for Selection
This Seminar is open to any student in good standing at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College. Space is limited to 10 student participants and two peer leaders. Students will be selected on the basis of their willingness to fully participate and learn about L'Arche Communities. No prior experience with people with disabilities is necessary; however openness to meeting persons with different gifts and challenges is required.
Course Registration
- Special Instructions for Saint Mary's Students
- You will receive email notification on a) whether you have been selected to participate in a seminar and b) which seminar you have been selected to participate in. (This circumstance applies if you have applied to more than one seminar.) Subsequently, the course instructor will email instructions for course registration, and you will need to register within the first seven days of the semester.
- Contact the Assistant Dean's office of your College if you are over the maximum number of credit hours (Maximum Hours Exceeded) allowed by your College. The assistant deans of your college will be able to grant special approval. Contact Mary Juckett at the Center for Social Concerns with any registration questions.
Fees and Expenses
- The cost of the Seminar is $265. This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts. This fee contributes to travel, lodging site fees, and food.
- Students should bring extra spending money to cover any souvenirs and meal expenses incurred during travel to and from Washington, DC.
- If you are accepted, and decide not to participate after January 20, 2010, your student account will be billed the full $265 seminar fee.
- Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact Mary Juckett prior to the first scheduled class.
Miscellaneous Information
- Life/Work in Community — L'Arche exists to foster relationships among people. Students will participate in the normal activities of the home to which they are assigned. Some of the time will be spent simply in getting to know the core members and assistants, conversing, taking walks, etc. Work may include assisting with household chores, cooking meals, shopping, recreational activities, visiting the core members' work sites, etc. One afternoon will be free to see the city and spend time with the group from Notre Dame.
- Housing- Students will stay in L'Arche homes. Meals, linens, and transportation are provided.
- Dress- Comfortable casual clothing for service opportunities.
- Travel Hints - Travel to Washington, D.C. will be by public transportation or mini-van. Each site team will be traveling in a seven passenger mini-van, so there will be limited space: please pack lightly. If you take prescription medication, please bring enough with you for the week. It should be in the original pharmacy container, to avoid difficulties at the border checkpoint. Over the counter medication (Tylenol, cold medicine, allergy medicine, etc.) should also be in its original container.
Withdrawal from the Course
- Please notify the Seminar Director if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the Seminar. Final day to drop is noted on the calendar below. To withdraw from this course, an Academic Course change form (obtained from the Center for Social Concerns), must be completed and signed by the Center's Seminar Director. Saint Mary's students must complete the SMC drop-slip, signed by the student's academic advisor and the Seminar Director, and processed through the SMC Registrar.
- Drops after the final day to drop noted on the calendar and failure to follow proper withdrawal from course procedures will auomatically result in a grade of "Unsatisfactory."
