Objectives: The course is designed to familiarize the students with the concepts of national and cultural identities, nation, tradition, national ideologies and national culture focusing on Puerto Rico. Cultural phenomena in Puerto Rico will be analyzed comparatively –with the Caribbean and Latin America as frames of reference– and in relation to economic, political and social processes. The class will survey issues and theoretical questions related to Puerto Rican culture from a multi-disciplinary social sciences perspective. The focus of the class is on critical comparisons on how the selected reading materials address similar questions and concerns.

Requirements & Grades

There will be two exams during the semester (Mid-term & Final). In addition, students are expected to write a short research paper (2000 words, typed) on specific questions to be given by the instructor. Students will share their work with the rest of the group by giving a 5-10 minutes class-presentation. Class participation is highly encouraged. Students are responsible for being up-to-date in their readings.

Exams: Examinations are based on required readings. An examination missed is graded as a zero. Make-up tests won’t be given, and the so-called "curves" won’t be used to grade exams in this class. The grading system is simple. All examinations are scored on a 100-points scale.

Grades: I follow the college’s grading system as stated in the catalogue. I don’t change final grades; neither do I accept last minute work for "extra credit". No incompletes will be given. Non Credit only for students who have fulfilled all class requirements (paper and exams), including a minimum of 80% of class attendance during the semester.

Final Grading:

Exams: 70%

Paper-presentation: 30%

Class Grade: 100%