Critical Social Inquiry 0309 - Puerto Rico & Puerto Ricans

In a Hampshire College walkout in support of the people of Puerto Rico, the acclaimed poet, Martin Espada, declared that "Colonialism is a Hurricane." A colony of the United States since 1898, the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria exposed the longstanding colonial relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico. The purpose of this class is to learn about the legal, cultural and political history of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Puerto Rican Diaspora, and the various social movements and perspectives that have sprung-up as a result of the continuing coloniality, on and off the island.

Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.