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Academic Year 2003/2004

Haiti: Myths and Realities
AFAM 176 SP
Crosslistings:
ANTH 176

Haiti has long been regarded as something of an oddity within the Caribbean. Branded the "nighmare republic" since it gained independence in 1804, in current popular imagination, it remains conceptually incarcerated as a failed republic incapable of self governance, the poorest nation in the western nation and the birthplace of "voodoo". This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to deconstruct the myths and realities in these and other popular representations of Haiti. In addition, it critically examines the differences and similarities that Haiti shares with other countries in the region. The course also emphasizes the continuing impact of the island's colonial history on the present. The topics covered include but are not limited to slavery and independence; the state and the nation, politics and socio-economic changes; gender/race/color/class and identity; religion and popular culture and migration and the diaspora.

MAJOR READINGS

Karen McCarthy Brown, MAMA LOLA: A VODOU PRIESTESS IN BROOKLYN
Edwidge Dandicat, BREATH, EYES AND MEMORY
Alex Dupuy, HAITI IN THE WORLD ECONOMY: CLASS, RACE AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT SINCE 1700
CLR James, THE BLACK JACOBINS
Melville Herskovits, LIFE IN HAITIAN VALLEY
Liza McAlister, RARA: VODOU POWER AND PERFORMANCE IN HAITI AND ITS DIASPORA
Jacques Roumain, MASTERS OF THE DEW
Michel Rolph-Trouillot, HAITI: STATE AGAINST NATION
Jennie Marcelle Smith, WHEN THE HANDS ARE MANY

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Short papers, presentation, final research proposal.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS ANTH    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Ulysse, Gina    
Times: ..T.R.. 09:00AM-10:20AM;     Location: FISK116
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 19)
SR. major: 0   Jr. major: 0
SR. non-major: 0   Jr. non-major: 0   SO: 0   FR: 19

Special Attributes:
FYI:    First Year Initiative:Seminar
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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