File 2117 - Lecture notes for fall 1977 lecture course

1.2 cm of textual records

File consists of a bound volume of typed and handwritten lecture notes, including a syllabus. Many of the typed and handwritten lecture notes by Nouwen are heavily annotated. There are also a number of handwritten reading notes by Nouwen and several "summary statements" by Gregory Youngchild reporting to Nouwen the general character of the students' reflection papers. There are two letters bound into this volume both relating to the course.

Title based on contents of the file.
There was a loose page in this bound volume, which has been removed to the file folder.

Compassion was a lecture course offered by Nouwen during the fall semester of 1977 on Wednesdays from 1:30 - 5:00 pm. Nouwen divided the course into three themes: the compassionate God, the compassionate life, and the compassionate way. The first portion of the lecture was devoted to lecturing and discussion. The rest of class time was devoted to small group discussions of no more than 8 participants, that were to be visited occasionally by Nouwen or one of his two teaching assistants, John Mogabgab and Gregory Youngchild. Gregory Youngchild was responsible for all 'technical matters' of the course such as handouts, class assignments and absences. Three of the classes were held at the Mercy Center in Madison Connecticut, where a guest-lecturer hosted the class, namely William Stringfellow, Parker Palmer, and the Trappist monk Basil Pennington. Required reading included case studies and Nouwen's own "Reaching Out". All members of the class were required to write reflection papers as well as a final paper. Nouwen's experiences at Pendle Hill (a Quaker center for spiritual growth, study and service), deeply influenced this course.

Revised by L Joson, 13 November 2018