CUBA: THE SPECIAL PERIOD

SPA2CSP

2016

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject students will examine a number of issues central to the sociopolitical, economic and cultural situation of Cuba, since the declaration of the Special Period (1990). These issues will include: the socio-economic crisis; economic reform; political dissidence; jineterismo; the resurgence of racism; Cuban music; religion; homosexuality; and literature. A multidisciplinary approach will be used, drawing from disciplines such as literary studies, history and sociology. This subject is offered bilingually in Spanish or inEnglish.

School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Isabel Moutinho

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: SPA1002 or SPA2004 or SPA3006 or DST1DEV or equivalent/coordinator's approval

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: LAS2CSP, LAS3CSP, SPA3CSP

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: This subject is offered bilingually in Spanish or in English.

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsA nation for all: race, inequality, and politics in twentieth century CubaRecommendedFuente, A.UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA PRESS 2001
ReadingsThe Cuba reader: history, culture, politicsRecommendedChomsky, A., Carr, B. and Smorkaloff, P. M. (eds)DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2003

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. In a team, present orally a properly referenced talk to frame a line of argument about an aspect of Cuba in the Special Period.

Activities:
Group oral presentation
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Speaking(Speaking)
Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

02. Write an individual essay using primary and secondary sources to frame a line of argument about an aspect of Cuba in the Special Period.

Activities:
End of semester essay
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

03. Write brief texts that demonstrate a deep knowledge of specific socio-cultural aspects of Cuba in the Special Period.

Activities:
Four 30-minute tests
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)

Melbourne, 2016, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Isabel Moutinho

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Four 30-minute class tests (1,600-word equivalent)4003
Group oral presentation (800-word equivalent)2001
One essay (1,600-word equivalent)4002