Schedule Notes: Begins Tuesday, 9/26/2023 9:30-11:30 AM Runs 10 weeks
Location: Zoom
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this seminar is to gain a better understanding of Central America and Caribbean countries (the region in North America south of the United States) and the role the United States has played in their history.
DESCRIPTION:
The countries of Central America and the Caribbean have a long and rich history. From the time of the Aztecs and the Mayans to the present they have made important contributions to the world’s culture and our own. Unfortunately we Americans have paid inadequate attention to what is going on in that region. and when we have paid attention it is often for the wrong reasons and, frequently with tragic consequences. The immigrant crisis at our southern border is the latest example. This seminar is intended to give participants an opportunity to become better informed about this important part of our world. We will explore a broad range of issues including history, culture, economics, geopolitics and interactions with the United States. We will also spend some time studying the ancient civilizations of the Mayans and the Aztecs to better understand the cultural context of the region.
ROLE OF PARTICIPANTS: The participants will read some collateral material suggested by the moderator. They will also deliver a 30-40 minute presentation on one of the countries and lead a discussion of their topic. The moderator will distribute a list of recommended countries.
RESOURCES:
Participants will be asked to read “Central America’s Forgotten History” by Aviva Chomsky as well as some articles taken from the Internet.
ABOUT THE MODERATOR: In the 20 years since Jim joined FCLIR he has led over 40 seminars, a number about other countries, cultures and time periods.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Many Americans have only a sketchy acquaintance with the regions called Central America and the Caribbean. This seminar will attempt to increase our understanding of these regions which are specially important to us because of their proximity. An example of their importance is the immigrant crisis on our Southern border, which, arguably is a crisis, at least partly, a result of our indifference to serious issues which have caused citizens of a number of countries to flee their homeland.
We will look at a number of countries- their histories, cultures, geography, arts in addition to whatever part they play in the immigrant crisis
referred to above.
Some possible topics for presentations:
Mayan Civilization
Aztec Civilization
Mexico
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Panama
El Salvador
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago
Spanish Colonialism
American Interventions
Immigrant and Asylum Seekers crisis
