USAC Cuba: La Habana - Cuban History, Society, Politics, and Culture

The Havana program offers an unparalleled opportunity to visit this enchanting island and legendary city to learn about its culture and society. It will also provide a unique occasion for understanding—firsthand—the multiple layers of history that make Cuba significant in North America and in Latin America. The courses will examine not only the history of former Spanish colonies, but also the twentieth-century, during which Cuba played a significant geopolitical role. The Havana summer program will give you the opportunity to experience the past, present, and future realities of Cuban society and its fusion of Spanish, African, and American flavors to create a rich culture of its own. The Havana program consists of one 4-week session offering academic coursework in history, society, politics, and culture studies. Many of these courses include enticing field trips offering hands-on experience with the subject matter, such as Old Havana, Matanzas, Pinar del Río, a tobacco factory, and Varadero Beach. The session begins with several days of orientation and lectures in Costa Rica before departure for Cuba. The courses for the Havana program focus on the history and society of Cuba, with particular attention focused on exploring the impact of slavery and Cuba’s African roots on its culture and religions, as well as the present-day political and economic factors Cuba faces in its future. If you are interested in studying Spanish language in preparation for several weeks in Cuba, the first summer session in Costa Rica can be paired with the Havana summer session for intensive language study.