Puerto Rico
SST, One Course at a Time
Course Description
GLST 251: Cultural Perspectives, Puerto Rican Identities
During this 3-week May Term course in Puerto Rico, you will reflect on your own identities while learning about the many ways history, indigenous heritage, colonialism, religion, and global politics have shaped the identities of people who call Puerto Rico their home. You will live with a host family in the picturesque mountain town of Aibonito. Prepare yourself for being immersed in the Spanish language and Puerto Rican cultures as you land on “La Isla del Encanto”!
Course Overview
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE/LEARN/DO. . .
- Explore Old San Juan and visit El Museo de las Américas as you reflect on the ways the Taíno heritage, Spanish colonialism, and U.S. imperialism have shaped Puerto Rican Identities
- Experience dorm life on the campus of la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón while living with a Puerto Rican student.
- Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and investigate how Puerto Rican identities are reflected in works of art
- Attend a Catholic mass and a church service at la Iglesia Menonita Summit Hills and compare and contrast the ways that the Catholic and Mennonite churches have shaped the identities of Puerto Ricans in San Juan
- Live with a host family in Aibonito and experience the daily lives of Puerto Ricans
- Partner with a student at Academia Menonita Betania and experience the rhythms of academic life at a Mennonite school
- Reflect on the many ways history, indigenous heritage, colonialism, religion, and global politics have shaped the Puerto Rican identities and your own identities