Mexico Course
LIBERATION THEOLOGY IN THE MEXICAN CONTEXT
INFORMATION SHEET
Spring Semester 2010
What is it?
A course for credit (three credits for undergraduate students; two credits for graduate students), this 10-day intensive learning retreat in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico is an educational opportunity sponsored by the School of Human Services and conducted by the Benedictine Sisters (affiliated with the Brothers of Weston Priory). From February 15 to 24, 2011, students will have a chance to learn about the political, economic, and religious realities of poor and indigenous people today, especially the application of liberation theology for their self-empowerment, and will have a spiritual and/or religious experience.
What it is not:
A vacation filled with shopping, beaches, and restaurants or a service-learning trip.
Who is eligible?
The course is limited to 16 full-time undergraduate or graduate students from all of the School of Human Services campuses. Students must be in good academic standing and spring semester 2011 must be at least their second term. Advisors’ signatures are required. Students must apply and, if accepted, enroll in the appropriate class in the January term and pay the regular SHS tuition. A $150 deposit by check must be made by December 1, 2010, in order to hold a reservation. Make checks payable to Springfield College. Spending money will be discussed at the orientation. Students make their own flight reservations to Mexico City, but should not do so until confirmation of enrollment is received.What should I do if I want to go?
Please read the information materials about the course and trip thoroughly and then fill out the application completely. Applications and deposits should be sent to Bobbie Harro or Pat True by December 1, 2010. Questions may be directed to Bobbie Harro at (800) 727-0004, ext. 3626, or Pat True at (800) 727-0004, ext. 3916. Sixteen students will be accepted, and the trip is filled on a first come, first served basis. (Note: Sending an application and a deposit to Bobbie Harro or Pat True is the only way in which to reserve a place on the trip.) Download the application here.PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS MUST RESERVE A PLACE WITH A $150 DEPOSIT.
A check for $150 made out to Springfield College will hold a place for students. Please send the check and application to Bobbie Harro or Pat True, Springfield College School of Human Services, 263 Alden Street, Springfield MA 01109, by December 1, 2010. Please ensure that the application is filled out completely and the check is enclosed. Students who are not accepted into the course will have their deposit returned to them. When accepted, students will be enrolled in the course and will receive a confirmation e-mail from Bobbie Harro, with a copy sent to the students’ campus. Please do not enroll online for this course. Students will be enrolled by Bobbie Harro or Pat True.What should I do if I need to drop the course?
The last day to drop the course is January 10, 2011. No refunds can be processed after that date.What are the course requirements?
A course syllabus and other information will be sent to all accepted students. There is an orientation session before the trip in late January and a follow-up session after the trip in which all students must participate, with the date and time to be determined. All students will be included through videoconferencing technology.
General Information
Liberation Theology in the Mexican Context1. Passports: Federal law now requires everyone to have a current passport. For those without a valid passport, applications are available at all U.S. post offices and must be filled out at least 60 days before the trip.
2. Travel: Students will be responsible for booking their own airline flights once accepted into the course. Students should not book their flights until they have received their acceptance e-mail.
3. Financial aid: Financial aid may apply to the expenses of the retreat, depending on the type of financial aid for which each student is eligible. Questions about financial aid eligibility should be directed to Pat True at (800) 727-0004, ext. 3916.
4. Language: While the Benedictine Sisters speak some English, everything is translated into both English and Spanish, so the ability to speak Spanish is helpful but not required.
5. Culture shock: 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 American structures. Therefore, this program brings students into contact with the social, political, economic, and religious realities of a segment of the indigenous people of Mexico. Contact with these realities can be difficult and troubling for North Americans, as they often conflict with people’s prior understanding of the role of the U.S. in Latin and Central America. Students should be prepared for a moving experience.
6. Religious content: The Benedictine Sisters are strong women, well-versed in history, current social and economic trends, and religions. The basis of the sisters’ work comes from their faith, and they appreciate everyone’s differences in faith experience. They warmly welcome everyone regardless of spiritual or religious background, and diversity in all its forms. All students will be invited to participate in their daily prayers, and as reflection is central to the program, participation can be a unique learning experience.
7. Intensive retreat experience: This is an intensive experiential retreat. The typical day consists of early prayers, morning classroom sessions, afternoon field trips, and meetings in the early evening to reflect on the day’s experiences. While there is some time for personal reflection (such as a two-hour lunch break, or siesta, and one free afternoon), the retreat is built around experiencing the realities of Mexico, not long blocks of solitude. Participants need to be fully present in the experience, which means no cell phones, smart phones, or mp3 players except during private time. There is no opportunity to complete work for other courses during the 10-day trip. Students should plan to be fully engaged in the retreat experience.
8. Waiver: Participants will be asked to sign a participation agreement, agreeing to follow behavioral rules and releasing the Benedictine Sisters, Weston Priory, and Springfield College from liability in case of accident, injury, or loss.
9. Insurance: Participants must check their personal insurance policies to ensure coverage for any illnesses or accidents on trips outside of the United States. Students who are not covered by their own insurance should purchase international travel insurance, which is available at a reasonable cost.
Questions
Please direct questions about the course 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
Jump to below sections:
- What is it?
- What is it not?
- Who is eligible?
- What if I want to go?
- Please note: Deposit
- What if I want to drop the course?
- What are the requirements?
- General Information
- Questions