Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: AMERICA'S ISLAND: PUERTO RICAN POLITICS, CULTURE, AND HISTORY (HANSZEN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: With only 54% of Americans aware that Puerto Ricans are citizens of the US, the Caribbean island often gets reduced to a hot tourist destination, the birthplace of Bad Bunny, or the hurricane-prone recipient of FEMA funds. Yet with nearly 130 years of history under United States control, Puerto Rico stands out as a society that doesn’t fit neatly into standard categories – a culture without a country. This anthropological-style course dives deep into the history and culture of Puerto Rico since the start of American control in 1898. Through lectures, discussions, and readings such as Nelson A. Denis’s “War Against All Puerto Ricans” and comic anthology “Puerto Rico Strong”, we will explore topics like emigration, independence movements, and energy infrastructure. We aim to consider the question: How has Puerto Rico’s relationship with the US shaped the island’s society, culture, and identity since 1898? Instruction will be provided in lecture, discussion, and audiovisual formats. Knowledge will be evaluated with brief reading responses and group quizzes, a 5-minute presentation, and a short course synthesis paper.