Academic Programs

Certificate in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies

LACC’s Cuban Research Institute offers a Certificate in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies. The certificate program is geared toward students who wish to develop a solid background in Cuban studies. Students gain a broad knowledge of Cuban and Cuban-American history, politics, economics, and culture. All degree-seeking students enrolled at FIU qualify for the certificate, which is awarded upon graduation. It is also available to nondegree-seeking students who hold a B.A. from an accredited institution.

Students are required to take Cuba: 18th-20th Centuries (LAH 4482) and five other courses from four different departments, for a total of 18 credits (6 courses total). Interdisciplinary in nature, the program consists of course offerings from several departments including Art and Art History, Economics, English, History, International Relations, Modern Languages, Music, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, and Theatre and Dance.

To inquire if a specific course meets the certificate requirements, please contact an advisor at the Cuban Research Institute. Courses at the 5000 and 6000 levels qualify for the program; however, undergraduates should consult with the professor prior to taking these courses. One independent study may count toward the certificate provided that the final paper is of thematic relevance. A working knowledge of Spanish is recommended.

Courses applicable for the certificate are listed every semester in the University’s course schedule and posted on-line athttp://sis.fiu.edu/; under Special Programs and Certificate Programs, select Cuban Studies Certificate. Approved courses also are available from the certificate advisor.

Applicable courses offered: Spring 2009

Memo regarding LAH 4482 for Spring 2009

For additional information on the program or to request a certificate application, please contact the CRI:

Cuban Research Institute
Florida International University
University Park, DM 363
Miami, Florida 33199
Voice (305) 348-1991
Fax (305) 348-3593
E-mail cri@fiu.edu

MALACS Track in Cuban Studies

The Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (MALACS) is a multidisciplinary program that requires students to concentrate half their courses in one disciplinary or topical area. Students pursuing this degree now have the option of selecting a concentration in Cuban Studies. Of the thirty credits required to obtain the degree, twelve credits (four courses) must be selected from the graduate offerings of the concentration.

For a sample list of courses offered to MALACS students who choose the Cuban Studies concentration. For courses without a primary Cuban content, students are required to focus their class research project on a topic related to Cuban studies. Click here

Research Travel Grants for FIU Graduate Students

The student travel grant program
has been postponed until further notice.

The CRI regularly awards research travel grants to students whose thesis or dissertation project requires research in Cuba. Awards are for up to $1,500 and are made on a competitive basis, following the guidelines described below. Applications are accepted year-round; the number and amount of awards depend upon available funding.

All students enrolled in a graduate degree program at Florida International University are eligible to apply. The proposed project must have the following characteristics: 1) be an integral part of research for a thesis or dissertation; 2) research in Cuba is essential for the project; and 3) the applicant is ready to conduct the project. However, applicants should not plan to travel to Cuba in August, when most academic, cultural, and other research-related institutions are closed.

The following materials must be submitted by each applicant:

1. A succinct narrative proposal of no more than three single-spaced pages which covers the following areas:
   
   The specific research tasks to be carried out in Cuba. Applicant must demonstrate: 1) the feasibility of accomplishing those tasks through a familiarity with the appropriate resources in Cuba that are critical to the success of the project; and 2) that the research tasks can be uniquely carried out in Cuba. It is desirable, although not required, that the student show that he or she has established contacts in the island which will facilitate the project.
   
   The broader conceptual and methodological research project (thesis or dissertation research) and the relation of the proposed Cuba-based research to that broader project. Applicant may attach to the application packet any completed statement of that project (e.g., thesis or dissertation prospectus, review of the literature).
   
   
2. A budget that does not exceed $1500. Expenses should be limited to travel costs (airfare, lodging, meals, local transportation). They may also include any other anticipated expense in Cuba related to the research process (e.g., photocopying, purchase of critical research materials). It should not include costs for the purchase of equipment.
   
   
3. Two letters of reference. One of them must be from the applicant's principal advisor, supporting the project and certifying that it forms part of the student's thesis or dissertation research.
   

The CRI can assist the student in securing all of the appropriate travel documents and making travel arrangements. The CRI has a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury which authorizes travel to Cuba to all persons traveling under the auspices of the Institute. If necessary, the CRI can assist in securing the Cuban visa and in establishing contacts with an appropriate host institution in Cuba.

For a list of FIU graduate students previously funded by the CRI. Click here

Cuba Study Abroad

The Cuban Research Institute offers a summer course that includes a one-week trip to Cuba. Humanities in Cuba (LAS 6025/4997), open to graduate and undergraduate students, is a 3-credit interdisciplinary course focusing on major movements, artists and works in architecture, visual arts, literature, music, film and dance in Cuba. The curriculum features guest speakers as well as the one-week trip to Cuba, where students benefit from visits to museums, historical sites and cultural activities.

The study abroad program
has been postponed until further notice.

For more information, contact Professor Uva de Aragón at aragonu@fiu.edu.

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