The Erasmus Project

Administrative Office

Harney, Room 240

Only by the good influence of our conduct may we bring salvation to human affairs; else, like a fatal comet we will bring destruction in our train. - Erasmus of Rotterdam

The Erasmus Project is a program designed to bring together sophomore students from the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Management, and the School of Nursing in a special enrichment program. It is a living and learning experience which takes its name and inspiration from the life and teachings of Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536), one of the foremost humanists of the Renaissance. The project seeks to develop, relate, and balance intellectual pursuits, genuine involvement in a community of peers, and responsible participation in community service and world affairs. By candidly advancing the notion that ideas have a direct impact on our daily lives, students find education empowering, and realize that to acquire an education is not an insular matter, limited to the classroom or to years spent in school. Rather, it is an unending process which affects our lives and the lives of those who come into contact with us. As students engage in this educational process, the Erasmus Project provides them with a trusting and caring community where they can find and express their individual voices. To fulfill its mission, the Project fosters close relationships between faculty and students. The Erasmus students live on the sixth floor of Phelan Hall. Professors participating in the program have offices on the floor as well. Students, professors, and special residence hall staff together participate in organizing the community and planning the special programs that help further the goals of the Project. The Project encourages students to shape the character of the endeavor, and provides them with the structure to do so.

The Project seeks to provide a personalized, supportive, and humane educational environment, in which academic achievements and personal development are of concern to all members of the community. At the heart of the project are the courses taught by the Erasmus professors. Each semester, Erasmus students take one Core Curriculum course, focused on a particular theme. Recent classes have examined Latin American literature, the artistry of movies and film, the idea of the garden in English literature, and the role of women in the early church. Erasmus courses are generally available for credit, or may be taken as electives. Some other highlights of the project are:

Current Events Discussions

In these weekly discussions, students find the opportunity to express their ideas and opinions on issues facing contemporary society. Among the memorable topics discussed recently were the role of the mass media in politics, the consequences of immigration into the United States, affirmative action, human rights and cultural practices, and many others.

Retreats

At the beginning of the semester, students, faculty, resident advisors, and the resident minister spend a weekend together in a beautiful setting. Here participants can enjoy the surroundings as well as focus on activities and discussions which help Project members build trust and community spirit.

Community Service

In keeping with the Erasmian values, students perform community service throughout the year. This commitment seeks to enhance students' awareness of the difficulties faced by others in the larger community of San Francisco, as well as promote awareness of the responsibilities of education. Concern for the disenfranchised and a desire to be useful to others are at the core of this component of the Project.

Other regular activities include attending important cultural events (students in recent years have attended the Opera, the Ballet, film festivals, and plays), weekly faculty-student lunches, monthly community dinners, and weekend getaways. The Erasmus Project is open to all students during their sophomore year who are in good academic standing. During Spring semester, students must complete an application form and interview for admission to the program. Students interested in joining the Erasmus Project are advised to apply early for consideration, because enrollment is limited.