Mexico Course
LIBERATION THEOLOGY IN THE MEXICAN CONTEXT
HUSB 356 or MOML/MCCP 656
INFORMATION SHEET
Spring 2010
What is it?
Liberation Theology in the Mexican Context is a course offered to SHS students, by which they can receive credits toward their degree (three credits for bachelor’s program, two credits for master’s program). The course is a ten-day, intensive learning retreat in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. This is an educational opportunity sponsored by the Springfield College School of Human Services, and is conducted by the Benedictine Sisters (affiliated with the Brothers of Weston Priory). Aside from being a spiritual/religious experience, the course allows SHS students the opportunity to learn about the political, economic, and religious realities of poor and indigenous people in our world today, especially the application of liberation theology for their self-empowerment.
When is it?
The trip will take place February 23 through March 4, 2010.What it is not:
The course will not offer tourism experiences such as sightseeing, shopping, or visiting other tourist attractions.
Who is eligible?
The course is limited to sixteen students who are enrolled full-time in the School of Human Services. This includes SHS students from all campuses and is open to students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Students interested in participating in the course must be in good academic standing and in at least their second term by January 2010. Students must obtain the signature of their advisor, must apply for the course, and, if accepted, will be enrolled in the appropriate course for the spring term at their own campuses.What is the cost and what does it include?
$950
The cost includes ten days of food, housing, College supervision, and ground transportation in Mexico. Airfare costs depend on the city of departure. Check fares from your closest airport to Mexico City. Students will need to make their own flight reservations to Mexico City, but are advised not to make reservations until they are accepted into the course. Once accepted, students will be enrolled in Liberation Theology in the Mexican Context for the spring term and will be required to pay regular SHS tuition. You must reserve your place by December 1, 2009, by paying a $150 deposit by check.
$950 fee + airfare + tuition = total cost to you
The amount of money you’ll need to bring with you (spending money) will be discussed at the orientation. Please make checks payable to Springfield College.
What should I do if I want to go?
Students must reserve their place by making a $150 deposit to Springfield College.Students should also:
- Read through the information materials about the course and trip thoroughly.
- Fill out an application form and send the completed form (along with a $150 deposit) to Bobbie Harro or Pat True by December 1, 2009.
Bobbie Harro / Pat True
Springfield College
School of Human Services
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
If you have any questions, please call Bobbie Harro at (800)-727-0004 (ext. 3626) or Pat True at (800)- 727-0004 (ext. 3916).
The course is filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with only sixteen openings. (Note: The only way to reserve a spot in the course is by submitting the application and deposit). For students who are not accepted, the deposit will be returned. Once accepted, students will be enrolled in the appropriate course and will receive a confirmation e-mail, with a copy sent to the appropriate campus and to the Springfield College Business Office. Students do not enroll in the course themselves.
What course will I be taking?
The undergraduate course is HUSB 356The graduate course is MOML or MCCP 656
(The last day to drop this course is January 10, 2010. No refunds can be processed after that date.)
What are the course requirements?
A course syllabus and other information will be sent to accepted students.An orientation session will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2010. A follow-up session after the trip, in which all students must participate, will include all students through video conferencing facilities. Follow-up session times will be decided by the group at a later date.
General Information
Liberation Theology in the Mexican ContextPassports –Federal law now requires everyone to have a current passport. Those without a valid passport should apply at a local U.S. Post Office at least forty-five days in advance of the trip.
Travel –Students will be responsible for booking their own airline flights once accepted into the course. They should not book a flight until accepted.
Financial Aid - Financial aid may apply to the expenses for this retreat course. Each person’s situation is different depending on the types of financial aid for which he or she is eligible. Financial aid eligibility questions should be directed to the Springfield College Office of Financial Aid at 1-800-727-0004 (ext. 3398).
Language – While the ability to speak Spanish is helpful, it is not required. The Benedictine Sisters speak some English, and everything is translated in both English and Spanish.
Culture Shock - The program brings students into contact with the social, political, economic, and religious realities of one segment of the indigenous people of Mexico. Contact with these realities can be difficult and troubling for North Americans since they often conflict with our prior understanding of the United States’ role in Latin and Central America. The Benedictine Sisters work with indigenous poor people through liberation theology, helping them to reflect on their experiences in the face of the oppressive realities of Latin America structures. Be prepared for a moving experience.
Religious Content - The Benedictine Sisters warmly welcome people of all spiritual and religious backgrounds. They invite participants to partake in their daily prayers, providing a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from. Reflection is central to the program, and the basis of the Sisters’ work comes from their faith. The Benedictine Sisters deeply appreciate everyone's differences in the faith experience and welcome diversity in all of its forms. They are strong women, well-versed in history, current social and economic trends, and religions.
Intensive retreat experience – This is an intensive experiential retreat. The typical day consists of early prayers, classroom sessions in the morning, field trips in the afternoon, and meetings in the early evening to reflect on the day’s experiences. While there is some time for personal reflection [a two-hour lunch break (siesta), and one free afternoon], it is a retreat built around experiencing the realities of Mexico, not long blocks of solitude. Participants need to be fully present in the experience, which means no mobile phones, 3G devices, or iPods, except during private time. There is no opportunity to complete homework for other courses during the ten days in Mexico. Plan to be fully engaged in the retreat experience.
Waiver - Participants will be asked to sign a Participation Agreement, releasing the Sisters, Weston Priory, and Springfield College from liability in case of accident, injury, or loss.
Insurance – Each student must provide proof of insurance coverage outside the U.S. For those not covered by personal insurance, international travel insurance is available at a very reasonable cost. Information about travel insurance will follow in later correspondences.
Questions
Please direct questions about the course to your campus director, your Mexico liaison, or to:Bobbie Harro, Springfield, Mass. campus – (800)-727-0004 9ext. 3626) or rharro@spfldcol.edu
Pat True, Springfield, Mass. campus – (800)-727-0004 (ext. 3196) or ptrue@spfldcol.edu