La Habana Courses – 2025 Summer Session II
Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.
Courses
You may take three to four credits. At least one 3-credit course is required each session you are enrolled. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.
Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.
Cuban History, Society, Politics, and Latin American Culture Studies
The following courses are designed to familiarize you with the region and provide a multi-disciplinary perspective to your studies.
- Summer Session IISociology Women's Studies / Gender Studies 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Women's activism gained strong visibility in the past few years. This movement was enhanced by the power of new technologies and the Internet. This course provides an introduction to gender theory and women movements. Additionally, students will explore the more recent strategies utilized by feminists and women's movements to rally support and fight against gender violence of all kinds. Students will examine how feminists have used the Internet and social networks as a powerful tool to rally support. The interaction with some of the local main characters of this new ways of activism will provide the students with the opportunity to discuss these topics first hand, addressing as well the new forms of 'Internet violence' that emerge as a reaction.
- Summer Session IIDance 100-level 1 credit Taught in Spanish
The objectives of this course are to understand the antecedents of Latin American dance and to learn to perform correctly folkloric dances from Costa Rica as well as the spicier Caribbean salsa rhythms.
Taught in Spanish but appropriate for everyone
- Summer Session II400-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course will explore the socio-political systems and historical context of Cuba and the Caribbean from an anthropological perspective. The course will present contemporary theoretical perspectives that express the complex socio-economic, cultural, and political reality of the area, including topics of culture and "race," daily life, and religion within Cuba and the Caribbean as well other Latin American colonial societies. Students will draw upon the works and anthropological thinking of Fernando Ortiz, Jean Price-Mars, and C.L.R. James.
- Summer Session IISpanish 300-level 1 credit Taught in Spanish
A course that complements the development of linguistic skills emphasizing the oral mode of the Spanish language. It aims to improve students' ability to maintain a sustained monologue as well as oral interactions.
Prerequisite: Two semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent, or instructor approval
- Summer Session IICommunity Health Sciences Sociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course offers an overview of the Cuban health system that operates under the principle that health is an inalienable social right. These services are financed almost exclusively with government resources. The Ministry of Public Health is the governing body of the national health system, which manages resources in the three-tiered healthcare system. The primary tier solves approximately 80% of the population's health problems and its services are mainly provided in polyclinics and doctor's offices and family nurses. Approximately 15% of health problems are covered within the second tier. Its fundamental function is to treat pre-existing conditions to prevent complications and perform immediate rehabilitation. Approximately 5% of health problems are covered within the third tier. Treatments within this tier are related to sequelae or complications with certain diseases. This type of care is mainly provided in specialized hospitals or institutes.
The course will begin with an overview of basic concepts about the Cuban Public Health System. Students will be required to complete readings related to the different primary health care programs before the start of each class and participate in discussions based on the readings. The course will also require students to participate in practical activities that complement the course readings.
Note: The evaluation will be systematic based on oral questions, participation in classes and presentation of reports after practical activities.
To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
U.S. Visiting Professors
While most USAC courses are taught by local faculty, the following U.S. professor will also teach in this program:
Summer Session II, 2025
Course: Contemporary Women's Activism
Rae Langes, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
Dr. Rae Langes is Assistant Professor of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Their research focuses on contemporary queer and transgender performance and visual art in the U.S. and Latin America. Dr. Langes teaches courses in LGBTQ Studies and Women’s Gender, and Sexuality Studies, among other topics.
Workshops
(Not for credit)
- Summer Session II
The Cuban Cuisine workshop offers an immersive experience for students passionate about cooking, providing them the chance to learn and prepare traditional Cuban dishes.
Through hands-on cooking sessions, students will not only learn culinary techniques but also practice their Spanish and deepen their understanding of Latin American culture.
The workshop is seasonally adapted based on the availability of fresh market products, ensuring a unique and varied menu with each session.
Vegetarian and vegan participants are welcome, and no previous cooking experience is required.
This workshop has an additional fee.
This workshop requires a minimum enrollment of four students to run.