• Instructor: Miller, Hyacinth
  • Description:

    The Caribbean – Crossroads of the World – is more than a tropical region filled with palm trees, exotic people and resorts. In this discussion-based interactive course, you will explore the history of the Caribbean, its geography, literary and cultural productions (music/film/food/religion), and its intellectual tradition. Together, we will reflect on major issues including: colonialism; economic intra and interdependence; culture and language; regional, national and ethnic identity; and independence. We will also connect the events of the past to current events to help explain the political, social and economic status of the countries of the Caribbean and their relationship to and with the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Emphasis will be given to understanding contributions of Caribbean Studies to the exploration of contemporary issues in our interconnected world and serve as a foundation for future coursework in the Department of Latino and Caribbean Studies.

  • Learning Goals:

    This course satisfies the following SAS Core Learning Goal in Contemporary Challenges, Our Common Future [CCO]: [B] Analyze a contemporary global issue from a multidisciplinary perspective.

    1. Explain the relevance of major actors, events and ideas that have shaped Caribbean history
    2. Identify Caribbean nations on a map and differentiate according to colonial heritage, language and ethnicity
    3. Describe the impact of colonialism, globalization and neocolonialism on the Caribbean's socio-economic and political status
    4. Explain the strategies employed by indigenous, formerly enslaved and indentured laborers to undermine social, economic and political oppression
    5. Improve critical thinking and writing skills, as applied to Caribbean Studies, through engagement with interdisciplinary scholarship and analysis of primary sources

    For LCS Department Learning Goals, see LatCar Learning Goals

  • Required Reading:
    1. Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar. 2014. Introduction to the Caribbean, Diversity Challenges, Resiliency, Second Edition. (Kendall Hunt) ISBN: 978-1-4652-9983-3
      You can also use the attached link to purchase the e-book. Course Book
    2. Jamaica Kincaid, A Small Place (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000)
      ISBN: 978-0374527075
    3. Frantz Fanon. Black Skin, White Masks. Grove Press. ISBN: 978-0802143006
  • Credits: 3
  • SAS Core Certified: CCO
  • 595100_Online_Intro_to_Caribbean_StudiesMiller.pdf
  • Disclaimer: The information in this course description is subject to change. For up-to-date course information, please refer to the syllabus on your course site (e.g. Canvas).