Pick an option and use the readings that I provide. NO OUTSIDE MATERIALS.
1. You must only pick one option and write an essay to answer it.
2. You are required to use, at least, one citation per reading discussed in your answer. Citations must be pertinent, that is, they should enhance the quality of your argument. For citations, follow the Chicago Manual of Style: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
3. Save and upload your exam to D2L following this format: lastname_REL113_Zegarra_Final Exam
4. Before you start writing, use some scratch paper or open another file and outline your answer. Unclear exposition of ideas and convoluted chains of argument are typical mistakes that will affect your grade. Understand the questions, write down a scheme of how you want to answer, then write . . . and then please edit your essay as many times as you can before submitting it.
5. Avoid using material we have not discussed in class. External sources can be helpful, but also a source of confusion. Insofar as possible, stick to the mandatory class readings and your notes from the lectures. If there is something you still do not understand, please email the instructor.
6. Avoid going beyond the word-count (1200 words). There is some flexibility with this (up to 100 extra words), but excessively lengthy exams will affect your grade negatively.
Option 1
Wilson and De la Torre present very different accounts of social change for the Latinx community. In your essay, A) present the basic ideas of each author in this regard: What are the main features of the work pursued by the New Liberationists according to Wilson? What are the core ideas of an tica para joder according to De la Torre? B) Pick an example described by each to further draw the contrast. In Wilsons case, describe in some detail the kind of work done either by LPAC, Nueva, or TRP. For De la Torre, focus on one of the holy joderones or tricksters he describes. C) Develop your own assessment. Which approach do you favor? Why? Can we produce change through institutions within the system or is the system beyond reform pushing us toward joder?
Option 2
The influence of liberation theology is clear in all the authors we have read after Gutierrez, yet each shows different emphases and contextual developments. In your essay, A) start describing the main features of Gutierrezs theology: How does he understand the preferential option for the poor? What is the role of faith in it? B) Turn now to Goizueta and explain how he interprets this preferential option in the case of the Latinx religious experience in the United States: What are the differences? How do they prompt what Goizueta calls an urban theology of accompaniment? C) Arguably, Wilsons three faith-based organizations and De la Torres tica para joder represent different forms of this accompaniment. Close your essay briefly focusing on any of Wilsons FBOs or De la Torres approach, and explain why you believe your choice represents a good embodiment of Goizuetas notion of urban accompaniment.
