922-203 LaTrobe-Cuba: The Special Period

Special enrolment arrangements apply. Students must contact the Faculty of Arts Office for application forms and further details.

Students will examine a number of issues central to the sociopolitical, economic and cultural situation of Cuba, from the declaration of the Special Period (1990) to the present day. These issues will include: the socio-economic crisis; economic reform; relations with the United States; political dissidence; jineterismo; the resurgence of racism; Cuban music; religion; homosexuality; and literature. A multidisciplinary approach will be used, drawing from disciplines such as literary studies, history and sociology. Students are recommended to read the following: A. Fuente, 'A nation for all: face, inequality, and politics in twentieth century Cuba', 2001 and A. Chomsky, B. Carr & P.M. Smorkaloff 'The Cuba Reader: history, culture, politics', 2003.

• enhanced analytical skills;

• enhanced observational skills;

• enhanced communication skills;

• enhanced critical skills.

Three 30-minute class tests 30% (during semester); one 2000 word essay in English OR one 1500 word essay in Spanish 40%; and one 1.5 hour examination 30%.