History, Culture, and Politics of Cuba

This program is provided by

Location

Cuba: Havana

Description

Building on CGE's experience with 20+ short-term travel programs to Cuba, this semester program will introduce students to a unique island nation few others get to experience.

Students will explore:
- Decision-making processes and citizenship rights through exploration of the impact of paternalism, centralism, bureaucracy, autonomy, the role of mass organizations, collective rights, and the meaning of community.
- Social justice as it relates to wealth production, including discussions of market mechanisms, socialization, and material versus moral incentives
- Race, class, gender, and sexual orientation in the Cuban context
- Issues of equity, the impact of a classless society and the historical context of today's social relations

Students will have the opportunity tol meet with the Cuban Council of Churches, artists and radio personalities, people involved with the US Interest Section, women leaders from various sectors,and students from the University of Havana; students will also participate in a popular education workshop.

Included program travel will take students to Veradero Beach, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and Santa Maria Beach.

The program is based in the capital city of Havana, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean. Due to Havana's almost five hundred year existence, the city boasts some of the most diverse styles of architecture in the world, from castles built in the late 16th century to modernist present-day high-rises. Havana is the cultural center of the country and offers museums, palaces, public squares, churches, and avenues to take in ballet, art, music, and festivals.

Highlights

This program is both intensive and experiential and includes homestays, enlightening guest speakers, and excursions throughout the country.

The core program consists of four classes (16 credits) integrated into a modular system that utilizes and interdisciplinary pedagogy combining theoretical classes with workshops and experiential learning.