One’s identity emerges from a variety of factors: ethnicity, race, class, religious tradition, and geographic location. Cuba at this point in its history offers an ideal setting for exploring the questions of identity that emerge from the intersection of class, race, and religion. In addition, Cuba boasts an equally diverse religious population, and class plays a significant role in Cuba’s identity. Beginning with an exploration of student’s self-identity, this course will explore how Cubans, over the centuries, have defined themselves at the intersections of these dynamics. During the fall semester, students will learn about personal aspects of social identity and how those aspects differ by history and location. In addition, students will develop an understanding of how racial, religious, and class structures have contributed to Cuba’s past, present, and future. Traveling abroad in December 2015 and January 2016, faculty and students will have the opportunity to visit various sites that demonstrate the diversity of religions and classes that make up Cuban culture and identity. Church visits may include: the Baroque style Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana, the Gothic Igleasia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, and the Jewish Gran Synagoga Bet Shalom synagogue. Students may also visit a tobacco factory and cultural performances. This course may be most appropriate for students interested in psychology, religion, Cuban culture, self-identity, international studies, or political science. The academic course associated with this program is REL 398/399 or PSY 398/399 for a total of 4 total credits. This course may also substitute for RELG 290. This is an OPEN program. Itinerary and planned activities subject to change. **This course will meet in Fall 2015 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:40-3:55 pm, and will travel over Winter Break. Students must be able to fit this course into their fall schedule.**
Quick Facts
Population: 11075244 Capital: Havana Per-capita GDP: $ 9900 Size: 110860 km2 Time Zone: (GMT - 05:00 hours) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
US State Department
Travel Warning: YES See : Country Specific Info.