Two categories of companion courses are available in Havana: required and elective courses. Students earn 6-14 points from the following courses.
Required Companion Courses
Students are required to enroll in the following two courses.
Arts and Culture of Cuba
H39.0961.001/H39.2961.001 • 4 points
Instructor: Ludwig Foundation.
This course provides a multifaceted understanding of Cuban history, culture, and arts from the period of Spanish colonialism, through the wars of independence and the Revolution, and into the “Special Period” of the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It examines the many political and cultural transformations and, consequently, how the country’s artistic legacy manifests the spirit of an era through literature, photography, music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
In addition to class discussions and readings, students interact with the country’s leading artists, writers, and performers. Students also attend lectures, performances, and exhibitions at the Ludwig Foundation, ICAIC, and the National Theatre of Cuba.
Introductory Spanish
H39.1959.001 • 2 - 6 points
Instructor: University of Havana.
Designed for beginners who need to acquire the basic language skills for functional and practical proficiency, the course introduces pronunciation, vocabulary, useful expressions, and fundamental grammar that allow communication and provide opportunities for expanding the range of one’s conversational ability.
Note: More advanced Spanish courses are available to students based on the results of a placement exam administered by the University of Havana.
Elective Companion Courses
Students must select one of the following courses.
Cuban Art History
H39.0970 • 4 points
Instructor: Ludwig Foundation
This course explores three areas of Cuban art history, including: architecture, photography and visual art.
Through a series of lectures and city tours, students examine Havana’s architecture dating back to the 16th century. City planning and expansion until 1950 is studied, and particular emphasis is placed on the evolution of architecture and city planning following the revolution.
Documentary, conceptual, and contemporary photography also is studied, and the country’s leading photographers present lectures and lead discussions with students.
The final series of lectures surround visual arts in Cuba following the revolution, including design, cinema and imagery.
History of Documentary Film in Cuba
H32.1960.001/H33.1960.001 • 4 points
Instructor: Ludwig Foundation.
Students examine the history of ICAIC and its role in the development of national Cuban cinema, Latin American documentary filmmaking, and the careers of filmmakers such as Álvarez, Alea, Pérez, and Solas.
