Taught In English

There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Selected Topics in African-American Studies

BLST 302 or ETHN 310

Description:

Intensive examination of a particular topic, theme, issue, or problem concerning the Black presence in Costa Rica and Central America. Sample offerings include Central America and ethnic politics, history and culture, Blacks in Central American governments, Contemporary Black literature, History of the Black experience in Costa Rica.

Objective:

Students will learn about the Black Costa Rican cultural development in order to prompt a broadening of awareness of Afro-Latin and Afro-Caribbean Culture.

Academic Program:

-Introduction to Costa Rican Black History
-Afro-Central American Ethnic Groups: the case of the Garifunas
-Marcus Garvey Legacy
-Limón: the most influential Afro-Costa Rican cutlure, a cultural melting pot
-Black celebrations
-The Carib Territory: history of the Carib Indians
-Background of the Latin American and Caribbean countries
-The Jamaican cultural influence
-Haiti and its heroes
-Historical "relation" of Haiti and the Dominican Republic
-Cuba and the Caribbean Movement
-Religious practices in the Caribbean
-Musica and other traditions
-Analysis of differences and similiarities between Afro-Latin and Afro-Caribbeans with African-Americans of the United States

Course Objectives:

-To emphasize the importance of history in understanding the black culture of present day Costa Rica, Latin America and the Caribbean.
-To discuss teh different aspects of Black Costa Rica, heritage, cultural evolution, such as social and political organizations, economy, traditions, festivities, people of influence, language, folk.
-To discuss present day issues of all aspects of the Black Costa Rican society, understanding the identity and values in order to create the framework for the analysis of Costa Rica Black culture, in comparison with teh Latin American, the Caribbean and the American culture.

Methodology:

-Mainly by means of dialogue.
-Subject maybe presented using handout materials, and eventually questions will be asked promoting and motivating participation.
-Videos related to course topics will be used in an interactive way. It will be necessary to read some papers and articles.
-Field trips and visits to some black businesses, politicians, authors, interviews.

Recommended Bibliography:

-"Contra el Silencio", Quince Duncan
-"Limón", Beatriz Kunzie
-"Dread: the Rastafarians of Jamaica", Joseph Owens
-"Rasta Emperor Haile Selassie", Black Starliner Inc.
-"Garvey, Africa, Europe, the Americas", Rupert Lewis & Maureen Warner-Lewis
-"Limón Blues", Ana Cristini Rossi
-"Passion for the Caribbean", Yasmín Ross & Luciano Capelli

Evaluation:

-Participation 15%
-Attendance to classes & field trips 20%
-Short evaluation (oral) 20%
-Special activities & interviews 15%
-Written final project 30%