Contemp Cuban Pol & Society

Catalog description

The Cuban revolution is one of the seminal events of Latin American twentieth century history. This course provides the tools to understand the forces that gave rise to the revolution, how 'the Revolution' has evolved over the more than five and a half decades since the Castro government has been in power, and how Cuban society has transformed - politically, economically, socially and culturally. Particular focus is placed on Cuba since the demise of the Soviet Union, the so called "Special Period," in which Cuba transitioned from a 2nd World client state into an isolated underdeveloped country. Political reforms since then have contributed to an aperture toward the outside world, as well as to steps towards greater economic freedom for Cubans. Many other topics, including race, gender, the arts, Cuba's foreign relations with the U.S. and the rest of the world, citizenship, religion, health care and Cuba's future, will be discussed as well.