HIGH POINT, N.C., July 6, 2011 – A group of High Point University students had the opportunity to learn the religious history of Rome while touring the capital of Italy as part of the Maymester course, “Religions of Rome: Ancient to Modern.”
The class, led by Dr. David Hammond, instructor of religion, and Dr. Pamela Hedrick, assistant professor of religion, “helped to introduce students to the intersection of Rome’s religion through the ages and its theological and artistic identities,” Hedrick explains.
The group studied the religious history of Rome from the paganisms of the ancient Roman republic to the rise of diverse Catholic spiritualities of today.
Hedrick says the course was designed to take advantage of Rome’s special history.
“They could see materially how pagan, Jewish, and Christian religions of Rome have defined religious leadership, sacred time, and sacred space in their traditions,” she says. “And, they also became experts in gelato!”
While in Italy, the students also visited many religious sites, including the newly opened court of the Vestal Virgins’ house, the Christian catacombs, the Monte Cassino Abbey, and the Great Synagogue of Rome. All the while, they had the opportunity to learn about history, art and the architecture of Rome while relating it to Rome’s religious traditions.
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students from 51 countries and 46 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report at No. 3 among Regional Colleges in the South. Forbes.com ranks HPU in the top 7 percent among “America’s Best Colleges.” Parade Magazine lists HPU in the top 25 private schools in the nation. The university offers 50 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 14 graduate degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu.
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Pam Haynes
Communication Specialist
336-841-9055
[email protected]