This course is an interdisciplinary exploration of the liberating character of Base Christian Communities in Mexico, especially as that liberating character is voiced by Latin women. The setting for the course is Hope College and the Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development in Mexico. The first week at Hope will emphasize readings, discussions, dialogues, and building a sense of community. Resources from theology, women's studies, political science and psychology will raise participants' awareness of the narratives,questions, and analyses concerning justice especially from the Latin perspective. The second and third weeks of the course will be spent at the CCIDD in Mexico. The center offers us the opportunity to enter into solidarity with Latin American people as they struggle against rural and urban poverty. Each day will focus upon a particular dimension of the Latin American quest for justice as we meet with laborers; farmers, historians, grassroot, religious, and political leaders.

Major Themes:

1. Understanding the role of macro-systems and institutions in the daily experience of people. The systems we will explore include hierarchy, patriarchy and capitalism; and how institutions such as the political health, education, church and family all shape people's lives.
2. Identifying the tensions and affirmations between individuals and communities. What is a community? Who defines it? How is it defined? What is the relationship between community and the individual? How and what commitments are made?
3. Describing individual characters. What is "one person's story?" How would you describe a person's BEING? How is it related to the person's DOING?
4. Identifying gender issues in situations and stories. How does gender influence systems, communities, individuals. How does gender influence hope and liberation?
5. Seeking empowerment and liberation through the Word and Spirit. What is the source of Hope? Where is Hope? How are people empowered: in the system or in spite of it?
6. Seeking and being sought by the Spirit. What is my own spiritual journey? When am I touched and moved?

Lunch at Nacho's house

Swimming at Las Estacas