CUBAN CULTURE:
RACE, GENDER, AND POWER
ANTH 4020/5020-003, Spring 2008
Anthropology Department
MWF 11:00 – 11:50 am, Hellems 241
Professor L.K. Roland (rolandl@colorado.edu)
Office: 444 Hale Hall, (303) 492-8022
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 1:00 – 3:00 pm (or email for appointment)
This course seeks to ground students’ understanding of contemporary Cuba within the global context.
How do those outside the island imagine Cuba and why? What are the realities? In a world of U.S.
dominated globalization, we maintain a forceful economic blockade on the island: What does the U.S.
mean in the Cuban imaginary, both in the past and in the present? To attend to global processes as they
affect local (Cuban) experience, we will draw on texts from anthropology, history, policy, Cuban and
Cuban-American literature, film, and music. In the process, students will learn how longstanding
patterns regarding race, color, class, and gender relations have evolved in(to) the socialist, and now the
“post-socialist,” context.
Class Format:
The instructor will summarize and raise theoretical questions from the readings for class discussion.
Students are expected to read and develop their own interpretations of the texts under review in order to
contribute to discussion through comments about the readings and to participate actively in class
discussions. As an upper level seminar, the course is designed to be highly interactive and requires a
high level of student participation. To that end, there are reflection papers assigned at the end of each
module (see description of “Reflection Papers” below). Students are graded based on the depth of their
analyses and the strength of their oral and written arguments. The objective is to see that learning
(rather than replication) is taking place.
Course Requirements:
Participation 15%
Reflection Papers 60%
Exit essay 25%
Final Grade Scale for ANTH 4020-002
A
93-100
A90-92.9
B+
87-89.9
B
83-86.9
B80-82.9
C+
77-79.9
C
CD+
D
DF
73-76.9
70-72.9
67-69.9
63-66.9
60-62.9
<60
Grades are non-disputable. Prior to the distribution of the exit essay students may conference with the
instructor to know her/his overall status and to determine how to improve the final grade. Students may
also track their grades through the course’s CULearn site.
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Class Participation grade is based on attendance and contribution (15 pts total)
Attendance - Students are expected to be present at every class. Three un-excused absences will result
in a ½ grade deduction (i.e., B+ to B). In addition, three tardy arrivals is the equivalent of one unexcused absence.
Contribution – Each student is expected to make at least one thoughtful contribution to class discussion.
The instructor makes note of contributions – and negative participation (i.e., inattentiveness, sleeping) –
after each class and considers them in the final grade tally.
Reflection papers (60 points; 12 per paper) - It is important that you read the assigned material critically,
as well as for specific content (see handout “A Personal Note to Undergraduates”). In order to assist
with this, you are asked to do formal critical analyses of the course texts. Here you will be asked to
consider the readings/films in the context of the entire module: How do the theoretical points of the
readings relate to one another? Which of the texts did you find most useful in the development of your
understanding of Cuban culture? Consider the theoretical strengths of a given position, as well as the
gaps that it leaves in its wake. Students are invited to use their analyses as platforms for in-class
discussion. These analyses should be 3 to 5 double-spaced pages. Late papers will not be accepted.
The grading rubric for the reflection papers is as follows:
1. Module comprehensiveness (4 pts): demonstrates student read (and viewed) all texts in the
module and recognizes how they interrelate
2. Interpretation & analysis (4 pts): demonstrates student’s attempt to understand & think
through material in the module in his/her own terms
3. Writing (4 pts): demonstrates ability to communicate at collegiate level (i.e., argument structure,
grammar, spelling, punctuation); though a bibliography is not required, in-text citations of direct
quotes from course materials (i.e., Kutzinski, p. 58 OR Perez 1999:172) are required; also pagination,
and adherence to length restrictions.
Exit Essay (25 pts) - This paper asks students to do some introspection as to what they have learned in
the course of the semester. The essay is to be no more than 5 pages.
Graduate Student Final Paper – Students may explore an area of Cuban culture that interests them
personally – i.e, music, dance, religion, literature, political economy – and fully investigate it. The
paper will be 10 to 15 pages in length. PLEASE NOTE: the last date to confer with Prof. Roland
about paper topics is Friday, April 4th.
***
Note 1: The College will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students
should notify the Counselor for Students with Disabilities, Disability Services Office, located in Willard 322
(phone 303-492-8671) and their instructors of any special needs. Instructors should be notified the first day of
class. Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with me during
the first two weeks of class.
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Note 2: The University of Colorado Policy on Sexual Harassment applies to all students, staff and faculty. Sexual
harassment is unwelcome sexual attention. It can involve intimidation, threats, coercion, or promises or create an
environment that is hostile or offensive. Harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite gender
and between any combination of members in the campus community: students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Harassment can occur anywhere on campus, including the classroom, the workplace, or a residence hall. Any
student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been sexually harassed should contact the Office of Sexual
Harassment (OSH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550. Information about the
OSH and the campus resources available to assist individuals who believe they have been sexually harassed can
be obtained at: http://www.colorado.edu/sexualharassment/
Note 3: I adhere to the Honor Code of this University and others (http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html).
If I find you plagiarizing or cheating, I will give you an “F” on the assignment and, depending on how egregious
the violation, an “F” in the course.
Readings:
Three books are available at The CU Bookstore as well as The Colorado Bookstore. The remaining
readings are available on e-reserves (http://libraries.colorado.edu/screens/coursereserves.html) and
through CULearn. I strongly recommend downloading and printing the readings at the beginning of the
term. Create a computer folder with all the PDFs of the readings, or a physical coursepack of printed
copies.
Pérez, Louis A., Jr. 1999. On Becoming Cuban: Identity, Nationality and Culture. Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina Press.
Garcia, Cristina. 1992. Dreaming in Cuban. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1992.
Rosendahl, Mona. 1997. Inside the Revolution: Everyday Life in Socialist Cuba. Ithaca:
Cornell.
Films:
Because Cuba remains a place that most students in the United States have never visited, it is useful to
“bring the place to life” through multiple media. To that end, the following nine films will be shown in
class on the dates noted below. Students are expected to attend these class sessions with the same level
of attentiveness as during any other class (see participation above). In the case of an absence on
a film day, students remain responsible for viewing the films – in such cases, please check the library
before asking Prof. Roland. If you must borrow Prof. Roland’s personal copy of a film, you must sign it
out and return it to her the next class session in the same good condition in which it was received.
Reflection papers should consider the films as supplementary (that is, not central) to the module.
- Buena Vista Social Club (3/17 & 19)
- Café con Leche: Voices of Exile’s Children (3/3)
- Cuba Va: The Challenge of the Next Generation (3/31)
- Fidel, the Untold Story (2/4 & 6)
- Fresa y Chocolate (4/25 & 28)
- Lista de Espera (2/25 & 27)
- Roots of My Heart (1/23)
- Soy Cuba/I am Cuba (2/13 & 15)
- Suite Habana (4/16 & 18)
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Topics and Assignment Calendar:
NOTE 1:
NOTE 2:
I.
The reading listed on each date is to be completed for discussion on that date.
(GS) = Graduate Student additional assignment
Race, Gender, and Nation Formation in Cuba
Mon. 1/14
Introduction, in-class entrance questionnaire
Wed., 1/16
Moore, Robin. 1997. Nationalizing Blackness, Ch. 1. (e-reserves)
[GS de la Fuente, Alejandro. 2001. A Nation for All: Race, Inequality, and Politics in
Twentieth Century Cuba, pp. 24-53. (e-reserves)]
Fri., 1/18
Helg, Aline. 1995. Our Rightful Share: The Afro-Cuban Struggle for Equality, 18861912, Ch. 6 (pp. 162-191; e-reserves)
Mon., 1/21
MLK Holiday – NO CLASS
Wed., 1/23
FILM: Roots of My Heart
Helg, Aline. 1995. Our Rightful Share: The Afro-Cuban Struggle for Equality, 18861912, Ch. 7 (pp. 193-226; e-reserves)
Fri., 1/25
Kutzinski, Vera. 1993. Sugar’s Secrets, pp. 54-80. (e-reserves)
Mon., 1/28
Martínez-Alier, Vera. 1974. Marriage, Class and Colour in Nineteenth
Century Cuba, Introduction (pp. 1-19; e-reserves)
Wed., 1/30
Discussion/Catch-up/Current Events in Cuba
DUE DATE: Reflection #1
II.
Background to Cuban Culture
Fri., 2/1
Pérez, Louis. 1999. On Becoming Cuban, Introduction (pp. 5-15) & Ch. 3 (pp. 165-218)
Mon., 2/4
- Continue Pérez 1999 - Ch. 4 (pp. 219-238)
- FILM: Fidel, the Untold Story (Part I)
Wed., 2/6
- Continue Pérez 1999 - Ch. 5 (pp. 279-353)
- FILM: Fidel, the Untold Story (Part II)
Fri., 2/8
Finish Pérez 1999 - Ch. 6 & 7 (pp. 354-432; pp. 445-477)
Mon., 2/11
Discussion/Catch-up/Current Events in Cuba
DUE DATE: Reflection #2
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III.
Living with the Revolution (Cuban & Cuban American Perspectives)
Wed., 2/13
FILM: Soy Cuba (I Am Cuba)
Fri., 2/15
FILM: Soy Cuba (I Am Cuba)
Mon., 2/18
Rosendahl, Mona. 1997. Inside the Revolution, pp. 1-77.
[GS Pérez, Louis. 1988. Between Reform and Revolution, pp. 337-381 (Pt. 1; ereserves)]
Wed., 2/20
Continue Rosendahl, pp. 78-134.
Fri., 2/22
Finish Rosendahl, pp. 135-182.
Mon., 2/25
FILM: Lista de Espera (Part I)
Wed., 2/27
FILM: Lista de Espera (Part II)
Fri., 2/29
- Behar, Ruth. 1995. Bridges to Cuba, Introduction (pp. 1-18; e-reserves)
- Lisandro Pérez. Cubans and Cuban Americans: An Irreconcilable Relationship? (ereserves)
Mon., 3/3
- Garcia, Cristina. 1992. Dreaming in Cuban, pp. 3-56.
- FILM: Café con Leche: Voices of Exile’s Children
Wed., 3/5
Garcia, pp. 57-160.
Fri., 3/7
Finish Garcia, pp. 161-245.
Mon. 3/10
Discussion/Catch-up/Current Events in Cuba
DUE DATE: Reflection #3
IV.
“Soul” of the Revolution (Blackness, Religion, & Music)
Wed., 3/12
- Jorge, Angela. 1991. “Cuban Santeria” African Creative Expressions of the Divine, pp.
105-120. (e-reserves)
- Murphy, Joseph. 1988. Santeria: An African Religion in America. Pp. 92-100 (ereserves)
Fri., 3/14
VIDEO: Santeria (Matanzas 2002)
Mon., 3/17
FILM: Buena Vista Social Club (Part I)
Hernández, Tanya Katerí. 2002. “The Racial Politics of Nostalgia” in Latino/a Popular
Cuture. (e-reserves)
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Wed., 3/19
FILM: Buena Vista Social Club (Part II)
[GS: Moore, Carlos. 1988. Castro, the Blacks, and Africa, pp. 41-53 (e-reserves)]
Fri., 3/21
Aparicio, Frances R. 1998. Listening to Salsa: Gender, Latin Popular Music and Puerto
Rican Cultures, pp. 125-153. (Pts. 1 & 2, e-reserves)
3/24 - 3/28
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
Mon., 3/31
- Domínguez García, María Isabel. 1997. “Generations and Participation in Cuba” in
Studies in Third World Societies (Cuba in the Special Period: Cuban Perspectives). No.
60 (June):1-12. (e-reserves)
- FILM: Cuba Va: The Challenge of the Next Generation
Wed., 4/2
Pérez-Sarduy, Pedro and Jean Stubbs, Afro-Cuban Voices, “Introduction” (pp. 1-38),
“Tackling Racism in the Performing Arts and the Media” (Ch. 7, pp. 108-117), AND
“A National Cultural Identity” (Ch. 12, pp. 154-161) (CULearn)
Fri., 4/4
Discussion/Catch-up/Current Events in Cuba
DUE DATE: Reflection #4
[GS – Last date to confer about final paper topics]
V.
Race, Gender and the Special Period
Mon., 4/7
- Trumbull, Charles, 2000. “Economic Reforms and Social Contradictions in Cuba” in
Cuba in Transition, ASCE, Vol. 10, pp. 305-320. (e-reserves)
[GS: Pérez, Louis A. 1988, pp. 381-406. (Pt. 2, e-reserves)]
Wed., 4/9
- Schwartz, Rosalie. 1997. Pleasure Island, pp. 204-212.
- Scarpaci, Joseph L. 1998. “The Changing Face of Cuban Socialism: Tourism and
Planning in the Post Soviet Era” in Yearbook, Conference of Latin Americanist
Geographers. Vol. 24, pp. 97-109.
Fri., 4/11
- Fernández, Nadine. 1997. “Back to the Future? Women, Race and Tourism in Cuba” in
Sun, Sex, and Gold: Tourism and Sex Work in the Caribbean, pp. 81-89. (e-reserves)
- Bengelsdorf, Carollee. 1997, “Re-Considering Cuban Women in a Time of Troubles” in
Daughters of Caliban: Caribbean Women in the Twentieth Century, pp. 229-255. (ereserves)
Mon., 4/14
Roland, L. Kaifa. 2006. “Tourism and the Negrificación of Cuban Identity.”
Transforming Anthropology Vol. 14(2)
Wed., 4/16
FILM: Suite Habana (Part I)
Fri., 4//18
FILM: Suite Habana (Part II)
[GS: “Epilogue” Wizards & Scientists]
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Mon., 4/21
VI.
Discussion/Catch-up/Current Events in Cuba
DUE DATE: Reflection #5
(Distribute Grad Exit Essays)
Questions of Masculinity
Wed., 4/23
- Hodge, Derrick. “Colonization of the Cuban Body: the Growth of Male Sex Work in
Havana.” NACLA: Report on the Americas 34(5):20-28. (e-reserves)
- Kutzinski, Vera. 1993, “Sublime Masculinity” in Sugar’s Secrets, pp. 163-198.
(CULearn)
Fri., 4/25
FILM: Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate; Part I)
Mon., 4/28
FILM: Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate; Part II)
Bejel, Emilio. “Attempting a Difficult Rectification” in Gay Cuban Nation, pp. 156-168.
(e-reserves)
Wed., 4/30
Discussion/Catch-up/Current Events in Cuba
(Distribute Undergrad Exit Essays)
Fri., 5/2
Last class – Fiesta/Wrap-up
Grad Students - Turn in Exit Essay
EXIT ESSAY /GRAD FINAL PAPER DUE (NO LATER THAN)
MONDAY, MAY 5TH 1:00 PM
Deliver final papers to Hale 444
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