University of Havana
Annual Study Trip
Development Studies

Accompanied by Professor Jacqueline Davies of the Faculty of Philosophy (JD9@post.QueensU.CA) and by Lyse Hébert, Translator.,

On April 29, 2006, Queen's University will be organizing its 6th annual credit-bearing study trip to Cuba in collaboration with EduToursToCuba.com

After having examined the objectives of the study trip and the itinerary in Cuba, below, we suggest that you also visit the following to get a full appreciation, including testimonials by Lyse Hébert, Dr. Susan Babbitt and students, and the Photo Galleries of the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 study trips.

Objectives:

As a core course in the Development Studies, and as a course counting toward a Philosophy degree, IDIS 309* is directed toward students interested in the conceptual issues involved in theories of development, in particular, with the challenge of adequately accommodating within such theories the developmental priorities of Third World societies. A central objective of this course is recognition of the importance of both theoretical and practical engagement with social, political and cultural issues of "the South". To achieve such recognition, students will familiarize themselves with specific issues addressed and still struggled with in Cuba's attempt to maintain its independence and build a just society. As a result both of formal lectures and more informal meetings, excursions and conversations, students will acquire understanding of the situation, history and current challenges of a particular Latin American society but they will also, perhaps more importantly, discover the moral inspiration of relating intellectually and personally with perspectives grounded in a history, economic reality, cultural richness and global situation that is different from our own.

"Development ethics" is sometimes about what is right and wrong within development policies. More interestingly, though, it has focused on questions about what we mean when we talk about development, quality of life, choice, freedom, self-determination, democracy. Particularly when we consider countries like Canada, which ranks at or near the top of the United Nations Human Development Index, we discover reason to ask what "development" means. For it is recognized that Canada has failed to prioritize questions about poverty, treatment of aboriginal peoples and the situation of women. The Canadian government, for instance, has indicated that it is concerned with questions about how to properly incorporate into development policies the relevant needs of women and minority groups, as well as concern for the environment. Such issues have strongly suggested that development is much less a question about economic growth than it is a question about what is involved in promoting human well-being, freedom and dignity, and about what these mean.

One of the ways in which consideration of the situation of women and minority groups has complicated development theories (e.g. Nussbaum, 1996, in the readings) is that in such cases development, for instance, is often limited by interiorized norms and values, by self-conception. Choice and access to opportunity is undermined, not by lack of resources, but by lack, or inappropriateness, of expectations. Thus, development economists (e.g. Amartya Sen, Ken Cole) have raised philosophical questions about the nature of meaningful choice. Such questions, of course, have implications for the role of culture, education and health in the development of values, as well as for the nature of participation and the demands of independence.

In this course, we examine the ways in which some of these questions have arisen and been addressed in the case of Cuba. As several of our speakers will point out, it is impossible to understand the current development process in Cuba without understanding the very long, painful and often inspiring struggle for Cuban independence, a struggle that extends back several centuries, and informs Cuban national identity, culture and intellectual traditions. Moreover, it is not possible to understand the structuring role of the nature of that struggle in Cuba without understanding something about Latin American history and geography, and Cuba's self-definition in terms of it.

Lectures at the University of Havana will be given by different speakers on different, although overlapping, topics. Although it will up to us to make some of the connections to issues that have been discussed elsewhere, in other DEVS courses, say, students are encouraged to ask questions of the speakers about the connections between specific topics as they have emerged in the Cuban context and broader Latin American or Third World concerns. The University of Havana has distinguished itself, among other things, for its teaching of and research into political and development issues as they arise from a distinctively Third World perspective. As in any classroom situation, instructors are interested in and often dependent upon students' questions for the orientation of the sessions.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM AND ITINERARY IN CUBA
From April 29 - May 13 2006

FLIGHTS SCHEDULE

With Cubana airlines

DAY 1 - Saturday April 29

Arrival at the José Martí International Airport in Havana. Reception at the airport by the Cuban representative and Cuban guide who will be with the group during the two weeks study period. Transfer by coach and check-in at the hotel Colina.

DAY 2 - Sunday April 30

9:30 A.M. - Short information meeting at the bar of the hotel Colina with Cuban representative, Cuban guide, Moises Pérez of Hotel Colina Public Relations, University of Havana professor Thalia Fung and Arnold August and Luc Lavoie of EDUTOURSTOCUBA.
** Please bring your program to the meeting.

10:30 A.M. - Bus tour of Havana City, Modern and old Colonial Havana with comments by Cuban guide. Visit of Old Havana by walk and return to the hotel Colina on your own. (Lunch not included).

DAY 3 - Monday May 1

Statutory Holiday in Cuba: optional participation in May Day public events based in the Plaza de la Revolución. From 8h00 to approximately 12h00-14h00.

DAY 4 - Tuesday May 2

Over-view of the role of culture in the development for Cuba

09h00 - 10h15 A.M. - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: 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.
Topic: "An entirely new perspective: The impact of the revolution of 1959 on the Cuban people"

10:30 A.M. - Short visit of the University and meeting and chat with Cuban university students in the park in front of the central library of the University.

1:00 - 2:30 P.M. - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Dr. Carmén Gomez, Professor of the University of Havana, Researcher of the Academy of Sciences, Vice-president of the Cuban Society for Philosophical Research, specialist in contemporary Cuban social thought.
Topic: "Literacy as the Basis for a Profound Cultural Revolution"

2:30 - 5 P.M. - Visit to the Literacy Museum in Ciudad Libertad. Accompanied by Dr. Carmén Gomez and Cuban guide.

DAY 5 - Wednesday May 3

The intellectual roots of the role of culture in the development in Cuba

9 A.M. - Noon - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Dr. Rigoberto 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.
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 struggle 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.

Conceptualization of democracy - Part I

2 - 5 P.M.- Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Dr. Jesús García Brigos, first degree in Physics from the University of Havana, 1973 and 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).
Topic: "The organization of popular power"
In order to resolve pressing national problems, Cuba could not rely upon the liberal government forms that had failed democratically. Problems resulting from dependency and underdevelopment required alternative government structures established constitutionally in the '70s. There has been an effort to build human capacities through organizations promoting community participation at a number of levels and in relation to a range of social problems.

7:00 P.M. Meeting with your course instructor at the Fernando Ortiz Foundation.

DAY 6 - Tuesday May 4

Conceptualization of democracy - Part II

9 A.M. - Noon - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Sonia Enjamio, Associate professor of History and masters in her field. Author of chapters and articles on the history of the Cuban revolution. Area of research is participatory forms of community organization. Has also spoken a number of times at Queen's University, Kingston.
Topic: "Problems of democracy and independence"
Cuba's democratic system arises from a history of struggle for independence. Without understanding the importance and the difficulties of maintaining independence, it is not possible to understand the demands of democracy.

1:30 P.M. Visit by walk to the School of International Relations in Vedado. Address: Calzada #308 between H & I.

7:30 P.M - Lecture at the Fernando Ortiz Foundation.
Lecturer: Simon Wollers from Radio Habana (To be confirmed)
Topic: "Aids and gay rights in Cuba"

DAY 7 - Friday May 5

Women and development

10 A.M. - 1 P.M. - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Inés Rodríguez, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Masters, and member of the Canadian Studies program and long-time member of the Federation of Cuban Women. Area of research is women and labour. Has spoken several times at Queen's, York University and Carleton University.
Topic: "The Presence of women in social development"
Issues explaining and arising from the process of incorporating women into Cuban society, involving participation in the literacy campaign, formation of Federation of Cuban Women extending to the more recent cultural campaigns, for instance, the Universidad para Todos.

1:30 P.M. - Visit by walk to MINREX, the Ministry of External Affairs that will receive the group for discussion on Canada/Cuba and USA/Cuba relations. The group must leave from the hotel Colina at 12:45 at the latest.

DAY 8 - Saturday May 6

08h00 - 17h00
8 A.M. - 5 P.M. - Excursion to Las Terrazas in the countryside in order to get a first-hand look at the life and work in an agricultural cooperative and the surrounding area. In Las Terrazas, province of Pinar del Río. Lunch included.

DAY 9 - Sunday May 7

Day free.

DAY 10 - Monday May 8

Culture, Participation and Community

9 A.M. - Noon - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Dr. Elsie Plain Rad-Cliffe, Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, B.A in Political Science, assistant full professor at the Faculty of Philosophy and History at the University of Havana and at the Higher Institute of International Relations, scientific secretary of the Masters Program, University of Havana, member of the National Administrative Council of the Cuban Society of Philosophical Investigation and the co-author of several books dealing with the issue of family, socialization, political culture and youth. In the context, she has also dealt with the issue of youth suffering from social integration problems and the role of the community in solving this.
Topic: "Culture, Participation and Community"
Cuba has had a unique experience in the development of community organization. During the nineties, because of the economic crisis, there has been a movement toward "horizontalization" of participation that is, toward promotion of initiative and creativity. The relationship between culture, participation and community constitute a fundamental thrust of Cuba's development strategy at the community level.

1:30 P.M. - Excursion to the Escuela Latina America de Medecina (ELAM). Cuban and Latin American students study there, accompanied by Thalia Fung.

DAY 11 - Tuesday May 9

Conceptualization of Participation

9 A.M.-Noon - Lecture at the University of Havana.
School of Social Workers. Cuban students will talk about their experience.
The School of Social Workers located in Cojímar is one of the 150 educational sites directed toward youth who cannot enter the university or cannot find work because of a variety of social reasons. Cojímar is where Hemingway wrote The Old Man and the Sea.

2 P.M. - Excursion to the San Isidro Community, accompanied by Professor Sonia Enjamio. (Transportation in collective taxi to be coordinated by Queen's).

7:30 P.M. - Lecture at the Fernando Ortiz Foundation.
Speaker: Julián Gutiérrez Alonso of the Instituto Superior Politécnico, CUJAE. (to be confirmed)
Topic: "Education System in Cuba"

DAY 12 - Wednesday May 10

The Role of Sport in the Development of Social Values and Individual Potential

9 A.M. - 3 P.M. - Excursion: Visit to the International School of Sport with Julio Enrique Lopez Alfonso, Professor at the Higher Institute of Physical Education, specialist in the teaching of Physical Education. The new International Sport School in Havana, inaugurated 2 years ago, arises out of cooperative discussions between various Latin American nations. Although we sometimes theorize as though physical development is separated from personal and moral development, there are those who think that physical development promotes personal and moral development. The new International Sport School is also an attempt to bring Latin Americans together.

Exhibition sports between Canadians and Cubans, exchange and conversation. Time for questions and discussion at the end with Professor Julio Enrique Lopez Alfonso.

DAY 13 - Thursday May 11

Environmental Issues in the Conceptualization of Development

9 A.M.-Noon - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Dr. Carlos Jesús Delgado Díaz who received his doctorate in Philosophy at the University of Havana. Teaches philosophy courses at the University of Havana. His research is in the Philosophy of Science and Social Philosophy. His most recent publication is Un Diccionario Temático del Che (2001). Has won the State International Award on Environment.
Topic: " Ecological and Marxist thinking "
There is a cultural barrier that makes it impossible to resolve environmental problems, even when there is political will and resources. Education is not enough: People know what they are doing when they build higher towers, so that they can spew the pollution higher up, instead of resolving the more problem more effectively. There is a connection between ecological thinking and Marxist thinking.

Afternoon free.

7:00 P.M. Meeting with your course instructor at the Fernando Ortiz Foundation.

DAY 14 - Friday May 12

Role of the community in the development

9 A.M.-Noon - Lecture at the University of Havana.
Speaker: Lourdes Perez, assistant Professor at the University of Havana, B.A. in Philosophy, 1986; Master in Organisational Development, 1998 and Master in Applied Politics Studies, 2003.
Has done research in the following fields: Local development, community work, women participation and decentralization and public politics. Has given many conferences, especially at the University of Valencia in Spain, at Queen's University, at the American University, Washington, D.C. and at the Daytona University College.
Topic: "Community development organization"
Role analysis of different social organizations and projects and how they operate in transforming the neighbourhoods in the context of urban community development. Through developed community experiences, she explains the importance of the community in the socio cultural action and transformation.

Afternoon free.

7 P.M. - Farewell academic activity with dinner at the restaurant El Conejito, within walking distance of the Hotel Colina, on 17 between L y M (see map of Vedado). Presentation of certificates by Thalia Fung of the Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Havana, by Professor Jackie Davies of Queen's University and Lyse Hébert. Also participating: Professors of the University of Havana, Cuban representative and Cuban guide, Arnold August and Luc Lavoie of EDUTOURSTOCUBA and other Cuban guests. The meal as well as one drink for all of the Queen's participants are included, and the invited guests` meals are being paid for by EDUTOURSTOCUBA as part of the package. Once again, you can invite Cuban students or other collaborators to replace the professors who do not attend.

9.30 P.M - Farewell party at the bar of the hotel Colina with Cuban colleagues, collaborators and students. Cover charge of 3 CUC per person including 3 national drinks (to be confirmed). The Canadians will share the cost for the invited Cuban guests. Cocktails such as Mojitos, pops, juice and Cuban beer: 1 CUC. Imported beer such as Bavaria, Pilsen y Beck: 1.50 CUC.

DAY 15 - Saturday May 13

10:00 A.M. Departure from hotel and transfer to the airport.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS

***Rates are estimated***

Below are some suggestions for activities during your free time. However, it is up to the individuals as to which, if any, activity is to be carried out. Except for the excursion to Playa del Este, all other excursions have to be arranged through your CUBAN representative.

Excursion to Playa del Este beach.
Rate is about 5 CUC per person for the round trip in collective taxi. Minimum of 8 participants required.

Guided full-day excursion to Viñales in Pinar del Río province.
Transportation in an air-conditioned coach. Include: visits to the Mirador del Valle, to the Mural de la prehistoria and to the Cueva del indio with a boat ride. Lunch included at the restaurant Cueva del indio. The decision has to be made by the students at least three days before and paid collectively to UNIVERSITUR. Rate is about 44 CUC per person. Minimum of 10 participants required.

Guided full day excursion to Varadero (lunch not included).
Transportation in an air-conditioned coach. See the north littoral of the Varadero peninsula and swim in the ocean. Stop at the Bacunayagua Bridge. The decision has to be made at least three days before and paid collectively to UNIVERSITUR. Rate is about 26 CUC per person. Minimum of 10 participants required.

Guided full day excursion to Santa Clara (lunch not included).
Transportation in an air-conditioned coach. Includes: city tour of Santa Clara, guided visit to the Mausoleo del Che (Che Guevara Monument) and visit to the Monumento del tren blindado (Armoured Train Monument). The decision has to be made at least three days before and paid collectively to UNIVERSITUR. Rate is about 40 CUC per person. Minimum of 10 participants required.

• Accommodations. Please click on Colina Hotel.
  
• For more details, visit this page http://www.queensu.ca/philosophy/cuba/

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