This class is taught in English.

Understand the Historical Context: Develop an understanding of the historical context of Cuba, including its pre-colonial indigenous cultures, colonial period, and struggle for independence.
Examine Key Events: Explore significant events in Cuban history, such as the Cuban Revolution, the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, analyzing their causes, consequences, and impact on Cuban society and global affairs.
Explore Revolutionary Figures: Investigate key figures in Cuban history, including Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and José Martí, examining their roles in shaping Cuban society and the revolutionary movement.
Analyze Socio-Political Dynamics: Analyze the socio-political dynamics of Cuba, including its governance structures, political ideologies, and relations with other nations, particularly the United States.
Examine Socio-Economic Issues: Investigate socio-economic issues in Cuba, such as poverty, inequality, healthcare, education, and the impact of economic sanctions, exploring their historical roots and contemporary manifestations.
Critically Evaluate Sources: Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating primary and secondary sources related to Cuban history and revolution, assessing their reliability, bias, and historical significance.
Engage in Civil Discourse: Cultivate skills in respectful and informed discourse, fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored and debated with civility and mutual respect.

In addition to my firsthand experience visiting Cuba,I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. My academic journey included a wide range of courses focusing on various political and historical aspects of civilizations from different time periods and regions around the world. This comprehensive study allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of past and present societies.

Furthermore, I pursued a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary Social Sciences, which provided me with advanced knowledge in teaching history, political science, and related subjects. I obtained certification from the state of Alabama, qualifying me to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12.

Over the course of my teaching career, I have gained extensive experience instructing students in US and World history; dedicated to delivering engaging and informative lessons in these subjects. Additionally, I have conducted extensive research in both history and politics for over 20+ years, allowing me to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields.

My educational background, teaching experience, and research expertise have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and political dynamics while encouraging critical thinking and a passion for learning in my learners.

0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: included
Feedback: as needed
Details: Optional assignments, such as case studies based on specific events or figures in Cuban history, will be offered. Learners will analyze primary sources, historical documents, and scholarly interpretations to understand the context and implications of various historical events in Cuban history.
Assessment
Frequency: included
Details: Assessments can be conducted upon request and throughout the course to evaluate learner progress and understanding. These assessments will primarily rely on learners' contributions in weekly examples and discussions.

The purpose of assessments and/or grades is to offer feedback on student learning and measure their achievement. Active participation in assessments is vital for learners to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Letter Grade
Frequency: included
Details: Upon request feedback, numerical and/or letter grades will be provided.  Parents and learners are strongly encouraged to reach out about their preferred method of grading before the class begins. This ensures that the assessment methods align with the educational goals and preferences of each learner and family.
Progress Report
Frequency: included
Details: 

Cuba Libre!: Che, Fidel, and the Improbable Revolution That Changed World History by Tony Perrottet 
Cuba: From Columbus to Castro and Beyond by Jaime Suchlicki 
A History of the World by Andrew Marr
Heroes, Martyrs, and Political Messiahs in Revolutionary Cuba, 1946-1958 by Lillian Guerra
The Origins of the Cuban Revolution Reconsidered (Envisioning Cuba) by Samuel Farber 
Voices from Mariel: Oral Histories of the 1980 Cuban Boatlift by José Manuel García 
Global Media Outlets & Publishers
New Literacy Project
Various Fact Checkers
Multiple Peer-Reviewed Journals
International Organizations Reports & Summaries
Primary and secondary sources encompassing texts, writings, and works authored by notable figures throughout Cuban history.