Defining the Caribbean
Diversity
An invented region
Colonialism and neocolonialism
Colonies of settlement and colonies of exploitation
Diasporas
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Define the Caribbean � geopolitically, historically, and culturally.
Explain the diversity of the region and how this diversity came about.
Make a distinction between colonies of settlement and colonies of exploitation.
Describe the differences between colonialism and neocolonialism.
Describe some of the different Caribbean identities.
Define the meaning of diaspora.
Required Readings
Hernandez-Ramdwar, C. (2016). Introduction. In Introduction to the Caribbean: Diversity, challenges, resiliency.
Girvan, N. (2001). Reinterpreting the Caribbean. In B. Meeks & F. Lindahl (Eds.), New Caribbean thought: A reader (pp. 3-23). Mona, JA: University of the West Indies Press.
Hall, S. (2001). Negotiating Caribbean identities. In B. Meeks & F. Lindahl (Eds.), New Caribbean thought: A reader (pp. 24-39). Mona, JA: University of the West Indies Press.
Assignments
Discussion board participation
Tests/Exams
None this week.
Week 2 (May 11, 2019)
Module 2
First Peoples of the Caribbean
Topics
The place of Indigenous people in Caribbean history
First societies
European intrusion
Caribbean Indigenous presence today
Indigenous identities
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Describe the migration of first people into the Caribbean region.
Define and compare some of the main characteristics of Ta�no and Kalinago societies.
Explain the impact of European intrusion into the Caribbean region.
Define the meaning and presence of Indigenous identities today in the Caribbean.
Required Readings
Cultural Survival. (2013). “Yurumein (our homeland): a film about Garifuna cultural renaissance on St. Vincent.” retrieved from: https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/yurumein-our-homeland-film-about-garifuna-cultural-renaissance-st-vincent (Opens new window)
Hernandez-Ramdwar, C. (2016). Chapter 1: First peoples. In Introduction to the Caribbean: Diversity, challenges, resiliency.
Higman, B. (2011). Ancient archipelago. In B. Higman, A concise history of the Caribbean (pp. 9-51). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Forte, M. (2013). Carib identity, racial politics, and the problem of Indigenous recognition in Trinidad and Tobago. In M. Forte (Ed.), Who Is an Indian? (pp. 172-193). Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press.
VIDEO: Ministry of Tourism, Dominica (Prod.) (2007). Carib Reserve: Kalinago Barana Aute. Dominica: LJ Productions [9:01].
Assignments
Discussion board participation
Tests/Exams
None this week
Week 3 (May 18, 2019)
Module 3
Colonialism, the African Slave Trade and the Sugar Plantation
Topics
Indigenous slavery
European indentureship
Sugar and the economics of slavery
African slavery
The Middle Passage
The impact of African slavery on Africa and Europe
The sugar plantation
Plantation societies
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Describe the era of European indentureship and its significance to the Caribbean.
Explain how African slavery was the result of a sugar-based economy.
Describe the journey of Africans across the Middle Passage to the Caribbean.
Define the impact the slave trade and sugar production had on both African and European societies in the Caribbean.
Illustrate life on a sugar plantation and the construction of plantation societies.
Required Readings
Hernandez-Ramdwar, C. (2016). Chapter 2: Colonization. In Introduction to the Caribbean: Diversity, challenges, resiliency.
Williams, E. (1964). �The origins of negro slavery.� In Capitalism and slavery. London: Andre Deutsch.
Mannix, D. (1962). �The Middle Passage.� In Black cargoes. Viking Press.
Leonard, T. & Tomlinson, S. (2013, October 10). 14 Caribbean nations sue Britain, Holland and France for slavery reparations that could cost hundreds of billions of pounds. The Daily Mail.
VIDEO: Allen, D. (Prod.) & Spielberg, S. (Dir.). (1997). Amistad (Motion picture excerpt) [2:43]. United States of America: Dreamworks SKG.
VIDEO: Adetayo Olusoga, D. & Poole, M. (Prods.) & Haggard, S. (Dir.). (2005). The Slavery Business, �Sugar Dynasty� [58:37]. United Kingdom: BBC.
Assignments
Discussion board participation
Tests/Exams
None this week
Week 4 (May 25, 2019)
Module 4
Caribbean Slavery and Indentureship
Topics
Differences between slavery and indentureship
Slave societies
Rebellion and resistance
Emancipation
Portuguese, Chinese and Indian indentureship
Impact of Indian culture on the Caribbean
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Make a distinction between slavery and indentureship.
Illustrate the varieties of slave rebellions and resistance in the Caribbean.
Describe the societies of enslaved Africans developed on the plantation.
Explain the meaning of emancipation in the Caribbean.
Define the differences between Portuguese, Chinese and Indian indentureship.
Express the impact of Indian culture on Caribbean societies and culture.
Required Readings
Hernandez-Ramdwar, C. (2016). Chapter 3: Slavery and indentureship. In Introduction to the Caribbean: Diversity, challenges, resiliency.
Brathwaite, E.M. (1971). �The �Folk� Culture of the Slaves.� In E.K. Brathwaite, The Development of Creole society in Jamaica, 1770-1820 (pp. 212-239). London: Oxford University Press.
Bush, B. (1987). �White ladies�, coloured �favourites�, and Black �wenches�: Some considerations on sex, race, and class factors in social relations in White Creole society in the British Caribbean.� Slavery and Abolition, 8(2): 245-62.
VIDEO: Sehgal, D. (Dir.). (2005). Coolies: How Britain Re-invented Slavery [58.31]. United Kingdom: BBC 4.
Additional Readings
Craton, M. (1997). �Slavery and slave society in the British Caribbean.� In M. Craton, Empire, enslavement and freedom in the Caribbean. Jamaica: Ian Randle Publishers.
Assignments
Commentary is due
Discussion board participation
Tests/Exams
None this week
Week 5 (June 1, 2019)
Module 5
Haiti and Cuba � Two Revolutions
Topics
Definition of a revolution
Haitian Revolution and its legacy
Cuban Revolution and its legacy
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Make a distinction between a rebellion and a revolution.
Describe the events that led up to the Haitian Revolution, and the key points in the revolution�s timeline.
Explain the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution and how it relates to the condition of Haiti today.
Describe the events that led up to the Cuban Revolution, and the key points in the revolution�s timeline.
Explain the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution and how it relates to the condition of Cuba today.
Required Readings
Hernandez-Ramdwar, C. (2016). Chapter 4: Two revolutions. In Introduction to the Caribbean: Diversity, challenges, resiliency.
Sample Solution
