Caribbean Studies Program Courses
CAR120Y1 Introduction to Caribbean Studies [48L/24T]
Explores the complex and diverse languages, geographies, regional and national histories, cultural practices, intellectual traditions and political and economic landscapes of the Caribbean region, its people and its diasporas. Students will be introduced to the main questions, themes, and debates in Caribbean Studies. Lectures and readings develop the skills to take an interdisciplinary approach to Caribbean Studies.
DR: HUM, BR=1+3
CAR220H1 Comparative Caribbean Literature I – Canonical Readings (Formerly NEW222Y1) [24L]
Introduction to the rich and multi-linguistic literary traditions of the Caribbean and its diaspora, focusing on canonical texts of Caribbean literature. Texts not originally written in English are read in translation.
Exclusion: NEW222H1, NEW223Y1
Recommended Preparation: CAR120Y1
DR: HUM, BR=1
CAR221H1 Comparative Caribbean Literature II – Contemporary Readings [24L]
Focuses on recent literary production, written in the last decade, from the Caribbean, insular and continental, and its diaspora. Texts not originally written in English are read in translation. While CAR220H1 is an excellent companion course, CAR221H1 can be taken independently.
Exclusion: NEW222H1, NEW222Y1, NEW223Y1
Recommended Preparation: CAR120Y1
DR: HUM, BR=1
CAR225H1 Caribbean Societies [24L/12T]
Offers an interdisciplinary introduction to Caribbean sociology, focusing on the writings of thinkers and scholars from the era of colonization to the more contemporary period. Themes may include: colonial encounters in the making of Caribbean societies; the role of religion; popular consciousness; histories of capitalism and exploitation; the relationship between political institutions and the wider society; “development”, dependency and “underdevelopment”.
Recommended Preparation: CAR120Y1
Exclusion: NEW224Y1
DR: HUM, BR=2
CAR226H1 Caribbean Political Thought [24L/12T]
Examines currents of Caribbean political thought from the Haitian Revolution to the present. Themes may include: struggles for independence and liberation, particularly the Haitian and Cuban Revolutions; theories of dependency; Caribbean political systems; regional integration; contemporary political issues facing Caribbean societies today; analyses of capitalism by Caribbean thinkers.
Recommended Preparation: CAR120Y1
Exclusion: NEW224Y1
DR: HUM, BR=2
CAR259H1 World Music Ensemble: Steel Pan [48P]
Rehearsal, performance and study of Steel Pan ensemble.
Prerequisite: permission of the Caribbean Studies Program Director
Recommended Preparation: CAR120Y1
Exclusion: PMU272H1
DR HUM; BR=1
CAR315H1 Caribbean Foodways Across History, Culture and Diaspora [24L]
Examines the historical roots of regional Caribbean food from the colonial period to the present day, and then moves to study Caribbean food in the global and Caribbean-Canadian diasporas, in the literary imagination, as a marker of personal, group and national identity, and as cultural expression.
Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 FCE
Recommended Preparation: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
DR HUM; BR=2
CAR316H1 Caribbean Religions [24L]
Explores the complex and dynamic practices, philosophies and political and cultural contexts of Caribbean religions. Topics may include the profound impact – in both the Caribbean and its diasporas – of Caribbean Christianities, Hinduism and Islam as well as Afro-Creole religions such as vodou, Rastafari and Santeria.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
Exclusion: NEW329H1 Special Topics in Caribbean Studies: Caribbean Religions
DR HUM; BR=2
CAR317H1 Caribbean Women Writers [24L]
A critical feminist reading of selected works of fiction, poetry and essays by Caribbean women writers. The aim is to appraise the development of this literature, situate texts within the key social and political debates which have influenced the region’s literary output, as well as to consider the implications of the environments within which these writers function.
Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 FCE
Exclusion: WGS330H1
Recommended Preparation: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
DR HUM; BR=1
CAR321H1 Caribbean Visual Arts, Social Media and Performance [24L]
Explores themes relating to visual arts, social media and theatre in the Caribbean. Topics may include: theatre, film, mixed media arts, the role of the internet and online publishing in the arts and the relationship between artists, the state and wider society.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
DR HUM; BR=1
JHN323H1 Indigeneity in the Caribbean [24L]
Explores the legacies of the pre-Columbian era, as well as the post-1492 experiences of people of pre-Columbian Caribbean ancestry. Examines the origins and consequences of the Caribbean’s narrative of “indigenous absence”, as well as the relationship between indigeneity, globalization and diaspora.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/INS201Y1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
DR HUM, BR=3
CAR324H1 The Contemporary Caribbean in a Global Context [24L]
This upper level course examines the interplay between wider global processes and intra-regional responses that together help shape contemporary Caribbean realities. Topics include: economic crisis and structural adjustment; tourism; the agricultural sector; the Caribbean Single Market and Economy; migration and diaspora.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
Exclusion: NEW324Y1
DR HUM, BR=3
CAR325H1 Caribbean Women Thinkers [24L]
An examination of the historical and political significance of writings (literary, political, scholarly) by Caribbean women who engage problems within Caribbean culture and provide insights into the endeavours of the peoples of the region.
Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 FCE
DR HUM; BR=1
JLN327H1 Regional Perspectives on the Hispanic Caribbean [24L]
Explores the Hispanic areas of the Caribbean including the Caribbean areas of continental Spanish-speaking America. Topics may include: regional politics, stage and economy; revolutions and authoritarian regimes; popular culture, the arts and media; religion and society; gender and sexuality; state structures; diasporas and migration.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/LAS200H1/LAS201H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
DR SOC SCI; BR=3
CAR328H1 Caribbean Indentureship and its Legacies [24L]
Explores indentured migration and its legacies from the 17th century through to the present. Encourages students to think comparatively and transnationally about indentureship and diaspora, as well as indentured migration’s relationship to contract and labour law.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
Exclusion: NEW326Y1
DR HUM; BR=3
CAR329H1S Special Topics in Caribbean Studies
An upper level course. Topics of study vary from year to year.
CAR332Y0 – Puerto Rican Culture and Environment [48L]
Based on readings, lectures, experiential activities and discussions, CAR332Y0 examines the cultural and environmental history of Puerto Rico. The course explores debates on colonialism, capitalist modernity, development, ecosystems, religion, race and politics. Such analysis will help with the consideration of Puerto Rico as the last colony of the Americas within the larger context of the Caribbean. The course will include on-site excursions related to the lectures and reading material covered. This course will be taught in English.
Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 credits
DR HUM, SOC SCI; BR =1 & 3
JQR360H1 The Canadian Census: Populations, Migrations and Demographics [24L]
Examines the Canadian population census through the experience of diasporic groups in Canada. Approaches the census as a statistical tool, an historical source and an ideological project of citizenship and nationalism. Uses census data to explore mathematical and statistical concepts and to integrate numerical ways of thinking with qualitative analysis. (Jointly sponsored by African Studies, Caribbean Studies, Diaspora and Transnational Studies, Equity Studies, and Latin American Studies)
Prerequisite: DTS200Y1/HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/AFR150Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1/CSE240Y1
DR SOC SCI; BR=3
CAR421H1 Global Perspectives on the Haitian Revolution [24S]
Examines the colonial pre-history of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). Explores how this transatlantic revolution unfolded, including the emancipation of slaves, Toussaint, Louverture, and the roles played by Spain, the United States and Britain. A reflection on the Revolution in contemporary literature and film.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
DR HUM or SOC SCI; BR=3
CAR426H1F Special Topics in Caribbean Studies
An upper level seminar. Topics vary from year to year, depending on the instructor.
JLN427H1 Advanced Topics: The Hispanic Caribbean [24S]
Explores, in depth, a country in the Hispanic Caribbean or a theme relating to the Hispanic Caribbean. Topics vary each year and may include: Cuban society; Hispanic Caribbean revolutions; Hispanic Caribbean music, art and popular cultures; Hispanic Caribbean diasporas.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/JLN327H1/LAS200H1/LAS201H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
Exclusion: NEW427H1
DR HUM; BR=3
CAR428H1 Caribbean Migrations and Diasporas [24S]
Examines Caribbean migration in the post-slavery era. Topics include: Caribbean diasporas in the West; labour migrations such as the Panama Canal migration; Caribbean migrant communities in Central America; intra-regional migrations between the Caribbean islands; ‘guest worker’ programs; remittances and their impact; heritage tourism and ‘return’ migrations.
Prerequisite: HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
DR HUM; BR=3
CAR429H1 Caribbean Diaspora in Canada [24S]
Explores the transnational circuits through which the Caribbean diaspora makes a living and makes life in contemporary Canada. How do we make sense of the Caribbean experience in Canada? What might an engagement with the Caribbean teach us about Canada as a diasporic space?
Prerequisite: CDN355H1/HIS230H1/HIS231H1/CAR120Y1/CAR220H1/CAR221H1/CAR225H1/CAR226H1
Exclusion: NEW329H1 (if taken in Summer 2013 or Summer 2014 as “The Caribbean Diaspora: Travels and Tribulations”)
DR SOC SCI; BR=3
2022-2023 Special Topics Courses
2022-2023 Special Topics CoursesCAR423H1S Special Topics in Caribbean Studies
2022-2023 Topic: Caribbean Diasporic Narratives: London, Paris, Toronto, Berlin, New York
Travel, migration, and global circulation are indispensable facets of the creation of the modern Caribbean. Understandably, concepts of mobility have also been vital to the production of Caribbean literature in the 20th and 21st centuries. Focusing on London, Paris, Toronto, Berlin and New York as major conduits through which the migratory flow of Caribbean literary production takes place, this course will explore both foundational and emergent works of fiction from the English, French and Spanish Caribbean. We will also analyze relevant theoretical texts which address concerns of border crossings, transnational geographies and the negotiation of diasporic identities. [The French and Spanish texts will be studied in translation]
Texts: Andrea Levy Small Island; Gisèle Pineau Exile According to Julia [translated by Betty Wilson]; Cristina García Here in Berlin; David Chariandy Brother; Angie Cruz Let it Rain Coffee; Rita Indiana Papi [translated by Achy Obejas]. Additional readings (available during the sessions) will include essays and short stories by Austin Clarke, Dionne Brand, Sonia Rivera-Valdés and Edwige Danticat.
JLN427H1 Advanced Topics: The Hispanic Caribbean
Explores, in depth, a country in the Hispanic Caribbean or a theme relating to the Hispanic Caribbean. Topics vary each year and may include: Cuban society; Hispanic Caribbean revolutions; Hispanic Caribbean music, art and popular cultures; Hispanic Caribbean diasporas.
Past and Future Caribbean Studies Special Topics Courses (not offered in 2022-2023)
CAR329H1S Special Topics in Caribbean Studies
2021-2022 Topic: Revolution, Decolonization and Social Change in the Caribbean
Seemingly overnight, Covid-19 has changed the world as we know it. Perhaps most importantly it has made clear the longstanding contradictions that exist in the “business-as-usual” Caribbean. Countries designed to be dependent on tourism revenue to import food now find themselves in a situation where they have neither. Political leaders who count on remittances and migrant work as a way to avoid making tough, but needed political changes at home, now face the closure of borders. It is a time where the champion of “democracy” and “free markets” intervenes to stop shipments of much needed respirators to the region, knowingly deporting Covid-19 positive Haitians back to a country that they helped destroy. On the other side of the spectrum, we see an “official state sponsor of terrorism” sending doctors not just around the region, but to some of the richest countries in the world, demonstrating the potential of a different path centered around people, not profits.
This is not just a course about the Caribbean and the Diaspora. This is a course in which we talk and think about where, why and how we are living the way we do, but most importantly how we want to live.
In order to do this, we will be using a combination of Caribbean theorists, historical analysis and critical engagement in class discussions to learn about not just the legacy of revolution and resistance in the region, but its necessity in pushing social change forward. Each class we will interrogate, argue and analyze our present situation through the ideas presented to appreciate and understand that history is not dead, gone, past or forgotten – and continues to deeply influence our ideas of freedom, democracy, independence and justice.
CAR426H1F Special Topics in Caribbean Studies
2021-2022 Topic: From Wretched to Revolution: The Life and Political Thought of Frantz Fanon
This course examines the life and philosophical and political writings of Martinican Frantz Fanon, one the most influential thinkers on decolonization and revolution. Discussion will focus on Black Skin, White Masks (1952), The Wretched of the Earth (1961) and selections from his posthumous book Toward the African Revolution (1964) in order to highlight the legacy of Fanon’s ideas in contemporary debates on racism, resistance, neocolonialism, violence, hybridity, double-consciousness, diaspora and black Atlantic theory.