The University of Toronto will offer a study abroad course this summer in Puerto Rico. This opportunity will allow students to earn a full-year credit from U of T in just four weeks.
The U of T Summer Abroad programs are open to North American university students in good standing, as well as U of T alumni. Anyone enrolled at a school other than the University of Toronto may apply as a Visiting Student.
This course will examine the cultural and environmental politics of the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the course will explore debates on colonialism, capitalist modernity, economic development, environmental sustainability, ecosystems, religion, and race, among other issues. A substantial aspect of the course engages with major political issues such as the island’s continued colonization by the United States and its status as a ‘free associated state’, civil rights and civil conflicts, food policy, class struggles and policies on ethnic cleansing. We explore the wealth of Puerto Rico’s musical cultures and incorporate live performances by contemporary artists whose music challenges the social and environmental injustices which have troubled this Caribbean country for centuries. Finally, we bring a transnational dimension to the course by examining the relationship of the island with its diasporic communities in US cities like New York and Chicago.
Field trips, which are designed to complement the course readings, will include visits to the San Juan (Puerto Rico Museum of Arts, Piñones Forest, and Old San Juan tour), a day trip to Adjuntas to visit Casa Pueblo (community-based environmental organization) and La Olimpia Forest School.
Instructor: Dr. Conrad James, Associate professor in Comparative Literature and Director of the Centre of Caribbean Studies.
Please note: The course has limited space and is contingent on adequate enrolment. Classes and mandatory field trips will take place Monday through Thursday.
GENEROUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.
APPLY BY FEBRUARY 3, 2025
For more information, visit https://summerabroad.utoronto.ca/program/puerto-rico/courses