Critical Social Inquiry 0274 - Cuba: Nation, Race, and Revolution

This interdisciplinary course critically engages a range of frameworks (geopolitical, historical, sociological, literary, artistic) to study the complex and contested reality of Cuba. The course will begin by critiquing and decentering the stereotypical images of Cuba that circulate in U.S. popular and official culture. Then we will learn about the revolutions that have defined the nation in the context of colonialism and neocolonialism: the impact of the Haitian Revolution on colonial Cuba; the forging of a nation in the late-19th century revolutions for independence from Spain; and the victory of the 1959 Cuban Revolution that defied U.S. neocolonial power. From there, we will examine how intersecting constructions of race, gender, and sexuality have defined Cuba since the 1959 revolution, and what it means to think about Cuba as transnational. This course is reading-intensive and is best suited to students beyond their first semester of study. The class will be conducted in English, with many readings and viewings available in Spanish and English. For students wishing to apply for the Hampshire in Havana spring semester program, this course is a requirement and offers critical foundational knowledge and application support. (Concurrent enrollment in a Spanish language class is strongly recommended for non-fluent speakers considering the Hampshire in Havana program.) Keywords:Cuba, history, Latin America, Caribbean, revolution

In/Justice The content of this course deals with issues of race and power Students should expect to spend 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time BOOKS: Title:Cuba: An American History Author:Ada Ferrer ISBN:978-1501154560 Cost:$21.00