Environmental, Cultural, and Political Developments in Cuba

Havana, Cuba

For centuries, Cuba embodied the historic political trends of the Americas- until 1959, when it famously became the hemispheric outlier. Meanwhile, the island still continues to develop its distinctive culture- from arts and music, to religion and literature- even as it balances health and sustainability challenges and successes. Learn how, through 50 years of conflict with the United States, the stepping down of Fidel Castro, and a transition to a largely capitalized economy, Cuba has managed to survive and hold claim to its identity.

Faculty Director

T. Garrett Graddy

Academic Details

The 3-credit Program will consist of a week of classes at AU before departure for a two-week intensive experience in Cuba hosted at the University of Havana. The Program will include guest speakers and site visits both in DC and in Cuba, and on-line course requirements throughout the summer following the end of the abroad component of the course.

Students in the Program will explore a variety of themes and issues related to Cuban culture, development, environment, politics, and political economy. Specific topics TBA.

Site Visits

Students on the Program will have the opportunity to visit a number of sites in Cuba during the two-week in-country experience. Locations TBA.

2013 Program Schedule (tentative)

Classes in DC: May 12 - 17

Dates in Cuba: May 18 - June 1

On-line course requirements: Throughout the summer following the conclusion of the abroad component

Program Costs

AU tuition plus program fee (details in the program guide).

Who Should Attend

This multi-disciplinary program is designed for graduate students. Graduate students from AU only with interests in environment and agriculture, comparative political systems, development, history, economics, education, human rights, international communication, international politics, Latin American area studies, Cuba, and US-Cuban relations are invited to apply. Advanced AU undergraduates who have completed at least 90 credits toward the completion of their degree may also be considered.

Logistics (tentative)

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Miami (tentative gateway city). Round-trip, chartered airfare between Miami and Havana will be arranged and provided through the program fee.

Application and Deadlines

Students must read the entire program guide before applying. The program guide can be found in the Forms section of this website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but must be received by February 11, 2013, for priority consideration.

As part of the review process, the Faculty Director may invite students to meet with her to discuss the submitted application. Enrollment may be limited to approximately 10 students. Once admitted to the Program by SIS, students receive notification via e-mail. At that time, students will be required to submit a non-refundable deposit of $250 to SIS, through a check or money order made payable to American University, to secure their place in the Program.