Santa Clara University

Latin American Theology (RSOC 196)

5 upper-division quarter units

Course Instructor: Margaret (Peggy) O’Neill, SC, EdD.

Language of Instruction: English

Course Rationale: From the indigenous spiritualities of pre-Hispanic times to the Catholicism brought about by the Spanish Conquest, to the churches of today, theological perspectives have strongly shaped Latin American culture and politics. In fact it would be impossible to understand Latin America without a basic understanding of the roles played by the Roman Catholic Church and the impact of different theological perspectives on Latin American societies. The central role of the “cross and the sword” in bringing about the conquest of Mesoamerica in the 1500s and the influence of Liberation Theology on revolutionary movements in Central America in the 1980s highlight the importance of the relationship between theology and social change. The evolution of the theologies of liberation will be studied to see the various expressions and challenges the theology faces.

Purpose of the Course: The purpose of the course is to help students appreciate the direct influences different theologies have had on Latin American societies. Special attention will be given to the social, political, and economic implications of Latin American liberation theology. The course will also encourage the students to reflect upon their own religious/philosophical beliefs and to deepen their appreciation of religious values and theological concepts which differ from their own.

Course Design: The course is divided into the following units.
UNIT I: Historical background that sets the stage for the liberation of theology.
UNIT II: Theology of Liberation phase one: key concepts, key practices.
UNIT III: Theology of Liberation phase two: women, the environment, people of color.
UNIT IV: Christian discipleship: response to contemporary social issues and liberation, and the New Creation Story and liberation.

Required Readings:

UNIT I and UNIT II:
Boff, C., Boff, L. Introducing Liberation Theology. Maryknoll, N.Y. , Orbis Press 1987.
(read immediately)

Selections from: eds., Butwell, Ogle, Wright. The Globalization of Hope and We Make the Way by Walking. (handouts—read immediately.)

UNIT III:
Read ONE of the following novels:

Argueta, Manlio. One Day of Life. New York: Vintage Books, 1983

______________. Cuscatlan, where the Southern Sea Beats. New York: Vintage Books, 1987.

Benitez, Sandra. The Weight of all Things. New York: Hyperion, 2001.

______________. Bitter Grounds. New York: Hyperion, 1998.

UNIT IV:
Selections from:

Boff, Leonardo. La Voz del Arco Iris. Madrid: Editorial Trotta, 2003.

Gebara, Yvonne. Longing for Running Water, Eco-feminism and Liberation. Minn: Fortress Press, 1999.

Moe-Lobeda, Cynthia. Healing a Broken World, Globalization and God. Minn: Fortress Press, 2002.

Wessels, Cletus. Jesus in the New Universe Story. New York: Orbis Press, 2003.

Course Requirements:

1. Class Participation: 20% (discussion, questions, small groups)

2. Exam: 25% (to be written at home or in class). This reflective paper includes the material in Units I and II.

3. Book Critiques (written) and other reading selections (presentations): 25%. The reports on the novels and the other readings should always enhance and relate to the first two UNITS. They should provide insights into the history and the story of liberation.

4. Final Project: 30% (to be presented on the last day of class)

This paper/project will be shared with all the participants and other members of the Casa family. It can be in the form of a poem, a letter, a homily, a dance, a painting, a ritual … dream on. This project should express what this material has meant to you---how you might share it with others---how it has thrown light on your practice site, the week in the campo---how it has opened your eyes and hearts, and what it might all mean as you “journey” home.