The purpose of this site is to apply principles of Ignatian pedagogy to the study of Central American history. One of the central philosophies of Jesuit higher education is that of cura personalis, the education of the “whole person.” Cura personalis affirms the importance of integrating rigorous intellectual learning with experiential learning and personal engagement with issues shaping the world around us. Inspired by the principle of cura .personalis, this site aims to serve as a scholarly accompaniment to experiential learning in Central America. It assumes that the reader is someone—perhaps a student, a community professional, or a member of a faith-based organization—who has a personal as well as an academic interest in Central American history, because he or she has undertaken, or will undertake, an immersion or volunteer experience in one or more Central American countries.

As you explore the site, you will find three kinds of resources. First, you will find a set of writings and reflection questions aimed at providing a broader context for service-oriented travel and experiential learning in Central America. Second, you will find a compact narrative of Central American history, intended to be a very broad introduction from which to begin exploring the subject in more depth. And finally, you will find a diverse set of primary source documents, which provide a deeper, more complex exploration of each Central American country’s history.

To learn more about this site, including the connections between Ignatian pedagogy and service-oriented travel, please follow the link to the Preface. Or you may explore the site using the navigation menu on the left side of the page.

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