American Studies: Cuba a Living Laboratory

An Intensive Field Study Program in Eastern and Central Cuba - Stay in Guantanamo, Santiago, Manzanillo, Santo Domingo, Moron, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Havana

Session Dates: May 03 - 17, 1997 and June 28 - to July 12, 1997

This program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Cuban history with emphasis on the central and eastern regions of Cuba. The program participants will explore elements of transformation in Cuba through professional exchanges and visits. The program has three foci, the First Nations history of the region, the history and cultures of immigrant populations (Spanish, African, American and Caribbean) and finally the wars of independence (19th and 20th century). We will have access to important pre-contact first nations sites as well as personal interviews with practitioners of religious traditions such as Santeria, Palo Monte, and Voudu, members of West Indian and Haitian communities and visit key sites of the armed struggles for independence in the 1860's and the 1950's. There will be public and private ceremonies, conferences, visits to artists' galleries and studios, temple houses and presentations. There is a great deal of surface travel in this program as distances are significant.