Summer in Cuba
Tulane University

Caroline Richardson Building
New Orleans, LA  70118
email:  cuba@tulane.edu
phone:  504-862-8629
fax:  504-862-8678

Introduction to Cuban Culture and Society

Tulane University

Havana, Cuba

June 2 - June 3, 2001

Course Objectives

This is an interdisciplinary course that examines the various components of Cuban culture and society. Combining lectures with extensive readings, discussions, and site visits, the course is designed to critically examine the historical, cultural, social, economic, and political developments that have marked Cuban life. The course will also outline future prospects and perspectives for Cuba in these areas.  Afternoon academic excursions include visits to such sites as museums, municipal government operations, cultural centers and hospitals.

Course Outline and Schedule

Sunday, June 3:    Arrival and orientation; city tour and reception.

Mon., June 4:       Classes Begin: Introduction to Cuba: History and Culture.
                              Off-site academic excursion: City tour (Maqueta, Miramar,
                              Vedado & Centro Habana

Tues., June 5:       The  Revolution (1959-2001) 
                              Off-site academic excursion: Museum of the Revolution

Wed., June 6:        Pre-Revolutionary Economic Development
                               Off-site academic excursion: Visit to old sugar 
                               mill "Habana Libre"

Thurs., June 7:      Evolution of Cuban Culture - pre-Revolutionary 

Fri., June 8:           Cuban Culture, Ethnicity and Race
 

Mon. June 11:       Decentralization, Local Governments and 
                               Community Development.
                               Off-site academic excursion: Local government
                               in San Jose de las Lajas, a small town near Havana.

Tues., June 12:      Economic and Social Transformations in the 1990's

Wed., June 13:      Urban Development and Architectural Preservation 
                               Off-site academic excursion: Maqueta de la Habana
                               Vieja and Habana Vieja

Thurs., June 14:    The Fine Arts in Cuba: painting, sculpture, graphic arts.
                               Off-site academic excursion: Recently restored Museo de
                               Bellas Artes.

Fri., June 15:         Cuban Literature
                               Off-site academic excursion: Meeting with artists at
                               UNEAC.

Mon., June 18:      Cuban Religions
                               Off-site academic excursion: Museo de Yoruba.

Tues., June 19:      Gender relations, women and family

Wed., June 20:       The Cinema in Cuba
                                Off-site academic excursion: Fundación de Nuevo Cine
                                Latinoamericano OR Escuela de Cine 

Thurs., June 21:     Cuban Music
                                Off-site academic excursion: Museo de la Música

Fri., June 22:          FINAL EXAM in class

Sat., June 23:         Return to the U.S.