Islands in the Caribbean archipelago have been variously characterized as paradisical, as the sites of wealth-producing plantations, as staging posts for narcotics traders, as ideal Spring Break destinations. Caribbean societies and cultures have been shaped by forced convergences of indigenous populations, European, African and Asian peoples, the result of violent colonization and involuntary migrations. Caribbean Counterpoint: Havana, Cuba and Kingston, Jamaica offers Students in Global Liberal Studies who are interested in the Caribbean region the opportunity to spend two weeks of intensive study on two of the region’s most interesting cities. Drawing on readings from literature, history, cultural studies and film, this course takes an interdisciplinary, transnational approach to examining the formative influences on Caribbean urban cultures of contestations arising from histories of slavery, indentureship and colonialism in the making of the contemporary Caribbean. Questions addressed include: how have the residual legacies of slavery and colonization facilitated consumption in and of the Caribbean city?
Caribbean Counterpoint: Havana-Kingston
Complete Course Dates
Sunday, January 5 – Friday, January 26, 2020
Travel to Cuba Dates
Sunday, January 5 – Sunday, January 12, 2020
Pre-Departure Meeting
Friday, December 6, 2019 10:30am – 3:30pm
There will also be three assignments to be completed over the break, prior to travel to Havana
NYC Meeting Pattern
Monday, January 13 – Wednesday, January 23, T/W/R, 10am – 2pm
Tuition and Registration Fees
Approximately $6,680
Program Fee
A program fee of $1,100 is required in addition to the tuition and registration fees noted above. This fee covers:
- airfare and baggage fee for one bag
- seven nights’ accommodations
Cancellation Policy
If you submit a confirmation form for this program, you have agreed to adhere to the cancellation policy. All cancellations must be made by email to ls.abroad@nyu.edu. A cancellation made by any other method (e.g. in person or over the phone) will not be accepted. Since flight and housing expenses, among other costs, will have already been incurred on your behalf, students are subject to a cancellation fee. In addition, please note the registration and services fee are refunded according to the New York University Refund Schedule.
If you cancel after submitting your confirmation form, you will incur the full charge of $1,100, which is effectively the non-refundable reservation fee. If your enrollment is administratively cancelled or withdrawn from a program due to non-compliance with program requirements (e.g. missed mandatory orientation, conduct violation, etc.), you will also be subject to the nonrefundable program fees as outlined above.
Airfare Information and Travel Arrangements
Roundtrip airfare (including one checked bag) is built into the program fee. Students and faculty will depart from New York on Sunday, January 5th (and return to New York). Transportation to and from the Cuban airport only will be provided. Students will not be allowed to travel independently from another location.
Visa Information
A valid passport is required, and should be valid for at least 6 months after the scheduled return date; a photocopy or screenshot of the and must be uploaded with the application.
Housing and Meals
Accommodations will be shared rooms in a casa particular, or guesthouse, located in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by LS January 6 through 11, as well as four group dinners while in Cuba. The program fee does not cover the remaining three dinners while in Cuba; students should have funds available during the trip to cover these and any additional food purchases as well as personal items (estimated at $300).
Health and Safety
Your student's safety and well-being are very important to us. All students will be enrolled in GeoBlue Medical Coverage for the dates of the program in Cuba at no additional cost. In addition, students may refer to the Wellness Exchange, Student Health Center, and the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities for any questions about travel to Cuba for the week and their individual health and wellness needs. The Office of Public Safety also provides information and assistance to students around the world and closely monitors world events to ensure our students’ safety.
Caribbean Counterpoint: Havana, Cuba and Kingston, Jamaica
J-Term course
Caribbean Cultures
CAGC-UF 101-001
This is a 4-Credit course that fulfills the Global Cultures requirement for the GLS B.A., an elective for the GLS minor, and the Global Cultures requirement for Stern.
Course open to NYU undergraduate students
Class capped at 14 students
Department consent upon application is required to register for this course. The registration/application deadline for the J-Term 2020 course is Sunday, September 22, 2019.
Please contact Ifeona Fulani at ih200@nyu.edu if you have questions about the course.