University of Havana, Cuba
May 8 - 22, 2005

Course INTS 298.3
Contemporary Cuban Society

This course, which is taught in Havana, is an introduction to Cuban culture, development, social change, politics and influence in the world and the Americas. This Field Trip course will investigate what Cuban society has accomplished especially after the 1959 Revolution and what this means for Canada and the rest of the Americas today. Orientation meetings prior to departure are a mandatory part of this course. The course is offered in conjunction with the College of Agriculture.

Pre-requisite: Six credit units in one of: Native Studies, History or a Social Science (Political Science, Economics, Geography, Women and Gender Studies, Anthropology, Sociology), or by the instructor's permission. Students must meet Arts & Science academic requirements, as determined by a College Academic Advisor.

While fluency in Spanish is an advantage, it is not a requirement for this course. Some presentations will be in Spanish while the University of Saskatchewan Instructor will translate others into English.

Testimonial from Rodolfo Pino, accompanying professor for the 2005 trip

Testimonial from Rodolfo Pino, accompanying professor for the 2004 trip

Some student testimonials for the 2004 trip

Testimonial from Rodolfo Pino, accompanying professor for the 2003 trip

Some student testimonials for the 2003 trip

ARTS & SCIENCE
Academic Program and Itinerary in Cuba
May, 2005

WEEK I
ARTS & SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE

Day 1. Sunday, May 8
Arrival at the José Martí Int'l airport and reception by Edelys Escobar, the Cuban guide and representative from Universitur, our Cuban partner who will be with the group during the study trip. Transfer to the Colina Hotel.

Day 2. Monday, May 9
Introduction to the City of Havana

9 A.M. - Information meeting at the hotel (restaurant) for the University of Saskatchewan group with members of the Faculty of the University of Havana, the guide Edelys, the translator from Universitur and Arnold August of EduToursToCuba.com. A representative of the hotel will also be present.

9:30 A.M. - Full-day City Tour of Modern and Old Havana, highlighting monuments and historical significance to Martí, Maceo and Gomez. Introductory walking tour in Old Havana and visit to the Museo de la Ciudad (colonial history). Bus returns to the hotel at about 5 P.M.

Day 3. Tuesday, May 10
Cuban History and the Revolution

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Dr. Roberto Pupo Pupo - Overview lecture on Cuban history and the revolution.

Dr. Roberto Pupo Pupo, Researcher and Professor of the Faculty of History and Philosophy, Vice-Dean of the Faculty, specialist in José Martí, author of a number of books, has been awarded several national book prizes.

Noon - Meet with University of Havana students at the lecture hall.

1:30 P.M. - Visit to the Museum of the Revolution, Old Havana (modern history, early 20th century leading up the 1959 revolution and the first years after the revolution.)

Day 4. Wednesday, May 11
Cuban Geography and Rural Life

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Professor to be announced - Overview lecture on Cuban human geography (population, society) and physical environment (climate, soils, etc.).

P.M. - Free.

Evening - University of Saskatchewan private discussion at the Colina hotel.

Day 5. Thursday, May 12
History of Agriculture in Cuba

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Professor to be announced - Lecture on the history of Agriculture in Cuba.

P.M. - Visit to the Ministry of Agriculture, Revolution square.

After the visit, meet with University of Havana students at the Colina hotel.

Day 6. Friday, May 13
Urban Agriculture and Organic Farming in Cuba

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Professor to be announced - Lecture on urban agriculture and organic farming.

PM - Visit to an urban farming area and a farmer's market.

Day 7. Saturday, May 14
Environment Protection and Ecology

8 A.M.- 5 P.M.- Full day excursion to Pinar del Río province, countryside. Visit to Las Terrazas: 19th century slavery and coffee plantations, Cuba's achievements in environmental protection. Visit to a farming cooperative, sugar and/or tobacco plantation: sugar and slavery in Cuba (visit to sugar and/or tobacco plantation to be confirmed).

Lunch in a farmer's house included and time for a swim in the river, Soroa.

Day 8. Sunday, May 15
A.M. Free.

Noon - Transfer to the University of Agriculture of Havana (UNAH), about 45 minutes by coach east of Havana.

Check-in and reception at the Villa Panamericano.

WEEK II
ARTS & SCIENCE

Day 9. Monday, May 16
The intellectual roots of the role of culture in the development in Cuba

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Dr. Roberto Pupo Pupo - Lecture on the 19th Century: Humanism, Values and Culture in Jose Marti.

Topic: "Humanism and Values in José Martí"
In the history of Cuba, the role of the cultural tradition and values has been linked to the truggle for independence. In the writings of José Martí, who is the national hero of Cuba, are found the humanistic principles that have structured Cuban development.

P.M. - Visit to the Jose Marti Memorial Museum at the Plaza de la Revolución, to the Museum de la Ciudad in old Havana (colonial history) and to the Museum in Cabaña/Morro (colonial history).

Day 10. Tuesday, May 17
Impact of the Revolution on the Cuban People

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Dr. Thalia Fung - An entirely new perspective: the impact of the revolution in 1959 on the Cuban people.

Dr. Thalía Fung, President of the Cuban Society of Philosophical Research, author and coauthor of numerous books published in Cuba, the United States, the Soviet Union, Mexico and Bulgaria. Titular Professor and Consulting Researcher at the University of Havana. Doctor in Science.

P.M. - Free.

Day 11. Wednesday, May 18
Conceptualization of Democracy

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Dr. Jesus Garcia Brigos - Peoples' Power, elections and the role of the elected in Cuba.

Dr. Jesús García Brigos, First degree in Physics from the University of Havana, 1973; second: doctorate in Philosophy, 1986. Associate researcher at the Institute of Philosophy, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. Has published in Cuba, Mexico, Spain and the Soviet Union. His most recent book is entitled Gobernabilidad y Democracia: Los Organos de Poder Popular en Cuba (1998).

P.M. - Visit by bus with Dr. Jesus Garcia Brigos of his electoral ward from where he was elected as delegate to a Municipal assembly. Visit to medical plants local garden and family doctor.

Visit by bus to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX): chat on Cuba in the world today, blockade, international diplomacy, by a representative of the Ministry responsible for North America-Cuba relations.

Day 12. Thursday, May 19
Arts in Cuba

Full day visit to the Instituto Superior del Arte (ISA Cuba`s main university responsible for the teaching of all arts) with lunch included. Welcome by Sonia Ortega Bravo, Directress of International Relations of the ISA. Tour of the ISA: music, dance, theatre, painting, sculpture, ceramic, literature. Concert given by the ISA students. Concert given by Rodolfo Pino-Robles on behalf of the U of S group. Private discussion between Rodolfo Pino-Robles and Sonia Ortega Bravo and other ISA high ranking staff on the possibility of exchange programs between U of S and the ISA.

Day 13. Friday, May 20
African Influences on the Island's Culture

9 A.M.-12 P.M. - University of Havana - Dr. Digna Castañeda Fuertes - Lecture on the Afro-Cuban tradition, slavery, revolt and the role of Afro-Cubans in the current society and revolution.

Dr. Digna Castañeda Fuertes is a full professor at the Department of History and Philosophy at the University of Havana. She holds her doctorate in Historical Science. She has offered many post-graduate courses on different aspects of Caribbean history in more than 20 universities in the USA, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. To her credit: around 50 works published in Cuba and elsewhere, in the form of books, pamphlets and articles. Dr. Castañeda Fuertes has participated actively in more than 100 national and international scientific events.

P.M. - Visit to the Museum of Regla (Afro Cuban religion).

Evening - Farewell dinner and awarding of diplomas. Party at the Colina hotel with Cuban students and guests.

Day 14. Saturday, May 21
Free day.

Day 15. Sunday, May 22
Transfer to the José Martí Int'l airport.

WEEK II
AGRICULTURE

University of Agriculture of Havana (UNAH)

Please note that in general the Canadian students will be accompanied in all field trips by approximately the same number of UNAH Cuban students. This may be modified slightly depending on the study program of the Cuban students or any unforeseen pedagogical activities. Cuban professors will also attend these visits with their Canadian counter-parts. A Cuban translator is available during all the lectures and scheduled visits. All transport in modern air-conditioned coaches.

Day 9. Monday, May 16
9 A.M -11 A.M - Lecture on "Marketing" given by Professor Eduardo Orlando Cuesta Mazarredo (MSc in Economic Sciences) of the Faculty of Economic Sciences (UNAH).

P.M. - Visit to a rural agricultural market located in the Ciudad de La Habana.

Day 10. Tuesday, May 17
Full day excursion to a genetic plant dedicated to animal husbandry and cattle raising (Canadian Holsteins) located in Nazareno and visit to the Finca Guayabal (farm) of the UNAH.

Day 11. Wednesday, May 18
9 A.M -11 A.M - Lecture on "Production and Organization of State Farms" given by Professor José Antonio Vega Alonso (Engineer in Agronomy).

P.M. - Visit to a state farm named "Empresa Valle Rojo" linked to a pre-university school.

Day 12. Thursday, May 19
Full day visit to three important Cuban agricultural research centres.

A.M. - CENSA (Animal and Plant Health).

P.M. - INCA (Agronomic Science) + ICA (Animal science).

Day 13. Friday, May 20
9 A.M -11 A.M - Lecture on "Coops related to the private sector" (small farmers) given by Professor Ángel Mario Suero Rodríguez (Master in Agro-Ecology and Sustainable Agriculture)

P.M. - Visit to a CPA (Coop) and meet with private farmers.

Evening - Farewell activity and dinner at the Casa Cojimar Restaurante with Cuban students and professors (buffet style).

Day 14. Saturday, May 21
Free day. Possibility of an optional excursion.
Beach at Playa del Este, east of Havana;

Day 15. Sunday, May 22
Transfer to José Martí Airport in Havana. Meet with Art & Science students at the airport for common departure to Toronto.

Accommodations. Please click on Colina Hotel.

Photo Gallery, May 2003

Photo Gallery, May 2004

PHOTOS OF THE AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY OF HAVANA (UNAH), PROFESSORS AND TRANSLATORS

Photo Gallery, May 2005

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