Associazione Culturale/ Institute of Cultural Studies

Associazione Culturale/ Institute of Cultural Studies

Focolare Movement
Rocca di Papa, Rome

This society is an affiliation of university lecturers and researchers from a multitude of theological, philosophical and scientific disciplines, meeting regularly to explore the value of religious insights in diverse areas of human knowledge. Bringing together a broad representation of specializations in theology, philosophy, mathematics, environmental ethics, sociology, literature, ecumenism, political science, economics, and psychiatry, association members meet to explore the interface of religion and science and share ideas for planning further collaborative investigation. ACS also promotes public meetings and conferences to develop and explore topics with a wider range of interested individuals. The activities of the group culminate in the offering of a “Summer School Project for a Culture of Unity,” which provides a free educational experience for university and post-graduate students from a range of national and cultural backgrounds. This two week interdisciplinary venture explores theology, spirituality, ecumenism and interfaith dialogues on a variety of topics in the natural and human sciences such as ethics, economics, sociology, mathematics, and physics. Students come together in the fourth year for participation in in-depth self-directed seminar groups. One of the broader aims of the summer program is to act as a “catalyst” to inspire students and faculty alike to form local groups of their own in their home locale. Matching funds are provided by the Focolare Movement.