By INSIDER REPORTERS

ROME -- The Angelicum Pontifical University of Saint Aquinas is to launch an innovative undergraduate programme in philosophy and finance in September 2012.

 The university, which boasts former Pope John-Paul II among its alumni, is located a stone's throw from the Quirinal Palace, at the heart of the Eternal City.

 The three year course is in partnership with the prestigious Blackfriar's College, Oxford University and the Fu Jen Catholic University of Taiwan. The programme is very much career-focussed, consisting of lectures in philosophy and finance, professional internships and a semester abroad either in the UK or Taiwan (for which language training in Chinese is also provided.) All teaching will be in English and there will be a maximum of 18 students per class.

 The interdisciplinary syllabus aims to compliment the practical aspects of finance and economics with the analytical and ethical reasoning of philosophy. Its aim is to "equip students with the ability to reason rigorously and logically within the context of political decisions and economic events." Course modules range from metaphysics and moral philosophy to macroeconomics and international private law.  

 The project is inspired by a global vision to enhance understanding about the social and human world and develop practical skills invaluable to a future career. Programme Director Professor Stéphane Bauzon said it is important to teach young people catholic values which they can carry with them into the world of business.

 In particular, the programme draws inspiration from Pope Benedict XVI’s Encyclical Letter ‘Caritas in Vertae’, in which the pontiff expresses the wish for future education of business persons with a sound philosophical background. Bauzon said the course was born of a desire to show that we "take this message seriously."

For more information visit the University website: www.angelicum-phif.com.

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