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The Caribbean: It's History, Music, Art, and Culture

This 8 week course will guide students through the dynamic and multifaceted cultures of the Caribbean. We will dive into the colorful world of Caribbean music, art, dance, and festivals.
Tiffany Mendoza
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(1)
New on Outschool
Class

What's included

8 live meetings
6 in-class hours
Mastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. included
Grading
included

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 9
This course will guide students through the dynamic and multifaceted cultures of the Caribbean. We will explore the history of the Caribbean islands, including the indigenous cultures, the impact of colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the struggle for independence. We will also dive into the colorful world of Caribbean music, art, dance, and festivals. By understanding the history, music, and art of the Caribbean, students will gain a deep appreciation for the resilience, creativity, and diversity of the region.
Learning Goals
Appreciate the cultural contributions of the Caribbean, particularly in music, art, and literature.
Explore how Caribbean societies have shaped their unique identities through festivals, food, and art.
learning goal

Syllabus

8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
The Early History of the Caribbean and Indigenous Peoples
 Introduction to the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, such as the Taíno, Arawak, and Carib tribes.
Overview of the pre-colonial societies, their beliefs, social structures, and ways of life.
Key Concepts:

Indigenous languages, art forms, and early cultural practices.
The first encounters with European explorers.
Activity:
Students will create an illustrated map showing the locations of key indigenous groups in the Caribbean. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Colonization, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and its Legacy
 The European colonization of the Caribbean by the Spanish, French, British, and Dutch, and its impact on the indigenous population.
The introduction of the transatlantic slave trade and how it reshaped Caribbean societies.
Key Concepts:
The legacy of colonization and the rise of plantation economies.
How African heritage shaped the cultural and social life of the Caribbean

Activity:

Students will write a reflective essay or create an art piece representing the effects of colonization and the 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Caribbean Independence Movements and Nation-Building
 The fight for independence in the Caribbean, focusing on key events like that of Haiti  and others.
The impact of independence on culture, politics, and society.
Key Concepts:

The emergence of new national identities and cultural pride in post-colonial Caribbean nations.
The role of music and art in expressing resistance and resilience.
Activity:

Students will create a timeline highlighting the key moments  in Caribbean independence movements. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Caribbean Music - Reggae, Calypso, Soca, and More
 Introduction to the diverse musical genres of the Caribbean, including Reggae from Jamaica, Calypso from Trinidad and Tobago, Soca, and more.
Exploring the cultural significance of these musical genres and their ties to resistance, identity, and social commentary.
Key Concepts:

How music reflects the political and social struggles of the Caribbean.

Students will create a playlist of Caribbean music, selecting songs that represent the culture of different islands and writing a short explanation 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Discussion of Human displacement, Atlantic Slave Trade, war in history
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
1. "The Caribbean: A Brief History" by Brian Dyde: o Perspective: Historical o This book provides an accessible introduction to Caribbean history, covering the key events, migrations, and cultural evolutions. It examines the region from the colonial and post-colonial viewpoints, touching on the effects of European colonization, African enslavement, and the Caribbean independence movements. 2. "Slave Society in the Danish West Indies: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix" by Neville A. T. Hall: o Perspective: African Diaspora o Focuses on the African slave experience in the Caribbean, particularly in the Danish-controlled islands, shedding light on how enslaved Africans and their descendants shaped the cultural landscape. 3. "Sugar and Slaves: The Rise of the Planter Class in the English West Indies, 1624–1713" by Richard S. Dunn: o Perspective: Economic and Colonial o Explores how the sugar plantation economy shaped the islands' political and cultural dynamics, offering a lens into the economic history of the Caribbean. 4. "Caribbean Cultural Identity: The Case of Jamaica" by Rex Nettleford: o Perspective: Local Caribbean o Written by a Jamaican scholar, this book explores the formation of Caribbean cultural identity through the lens of post-colonialism, music, religion, and the arts. It’s a strong local voice advocating for Caribbean self-definition and expression. 5. "Caliban and Other Essays" by Roberto Fernández Retamar: o Perspective: Post-Colonial and Latin American o These essays look at the impact of colonialism on Caribbean and Latin American identity, using "Caliban" from Shakespeare’s The Tempest as a metaphor for the region's cultural and social struggles. 6. "Haiti: The Aftershocks of History" by Laurent Dubois: o Perspective: Haitian o A detailed look at Haiti's role in Caribbean history, from the revolution that made it the first Black republic to modern-day challenges, offering a distinct perspective on Caribbean independence and resilience. Documentaries & Videos: Diverse Cultural Experiences 1. "Caribbean: Crossroads of the World" (Museum of the City of New York Exhibition): o Perspective: Multicultural and Artistic o This documentary looks at the Caribbean as a cultural crossroads, highlighting art, music, and migration. It emphasizes the region's rich cultural syncretism due to the blending of African, European, Asian, and indigenous influences. 2. "Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind" (PBS): o Perspective: Pan-African and Political o Focuses on Marcus Garvey, a key figure in the African diaspora and Caribbean political thought, and the rise of Black nationalism and pride in the early 20th century. 3. "Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music" (BBC): o Perspective: Music and Cultural Identity o Examines the evolution of reggae and its roots in Jamaican society, linking the music to political and cultural movements, including Rastafarianism, anti-colonialism, and social justice. 4. "Caribbean Voices: Literature of the Caribbean" (BBC): o Perspective: Literary and Cultural o A documentary that explores the literary contributions of Caribbean authors, showcasing the range of voices that emerged post-independence. Writers like Derek Walcott and V.S. Naipaul are featured. 5. "Caribbean Journeys: The French Islands" (BBC Series): o Perspective: French Colonial Legacy o This documentary series explores the French islands of the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique, focusing on their history, colonial past, and the blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. 6. "Le Cri des Neg'Marrons" (The Cry of the Black Sailors): o Perspective: Afro-Caribbean and Post-Colonial o This documentary focuses on the rich Maroon culture in the French West Indies, descendants of escaped slaves who maintained African traditions and fought for independence from colonial rule. 7. "Haitian History Before Haiti" (PBS): o Perspective: French Caribbean Independence o While focusing on Haiti, this documentary provides insights into the French colonial period, the Haitian Revolution, and its reverberations in other French Caribbean territories Audio & Music Resources: Diverse Musical Traditions 1. "Afropop Worldwide" (NPR Podcast): o Perspective: African Diaspora and Caribbean Music o This podcast focuses on the relationship between African music and Caribbean music. Episodes explore genres like salsa, merengue, reggae, calypso, and soca, connecting Caribbean rhythms to their African roots. 2. "Buena Vista Social Club" (Album and Documentary): o Perspective: Cuban and Afro-Cuban Music o This classic album and documentary showcase the Cuban music scene, particularly traditional "son" music, while also touching on Cuba’s cultural revolution and its impact on the arts. 3. "Carnival: The Sound of a People" (Album & Documentary): o Perspective: Trinidadian and Caribbean Diaspora o This focuses on the sounds of Carnival, a celebration that encapsulates the fusion of African and European traditions in the Caribbean. It highlights calypso, soca, and steelpan music. 4. "Spotify: Caribbean Beats" Playlist: o Perspective: Pan-Caribbean Music o This playlist showcases a range of genres, from the steelpan of Trinidad to the salsa of Cuba. It offers a sonic tour of the Caribbean, touching on the diversity of its music. Online Resources and Platforms 1. Caribbean Cultural Institute (CCI): o Perspective: Multidisciplinary and Scholarly o This institute offers a variety of resources on Caribbean history, art, music, and literature, including research papers and online exhibitions. It’s a great academic resource for diving deeper into cultural and historical aspects. 2. The British Library: Caribbean Collections: o Perspective: Archival and Historical o The British Library houses a large archive of Caribbean artifacts, letters, books, and maps, offering primary source material from the colonial period to the present day. It’s useful for exploring the European perspective alongside indigenous and African influences. 3. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (Caribbean Entries): o Perspective: Global and Cultural Heritage o Offers insights into cultural practices like Jamaica’s Maroon heritage, Haitian Vodou, and Trinidadian Carnival. It’s an international perspective recognizing the global importance of Caribbean cultural expressions Books • Caribbean Cultural Thought: From Plantation to Diaspora by Yanique Hume & Aaron Kamugisha This book explores how different cultures have contributed to Caribbean identity, focusing on colonialism, migration, and cultural synthesis from Europe, Africa, and Asia. • A History of the Caribbean by Frank Moya Pons A comprehensive history that includes discussions of European colonization, the slave trade, and the migration of Indian and Chinese laborers post-emancipation. • The Middle East and the Americas: Transnational Exchanges and Diasporic Communities by L. Fawaz, C. Bayoumi This text examines the Lebanese and Syrian diaspora's migration to the Caribbean and their influence on commerce and society. • Indigenous Resurgence in the Contemporary Caribbean: Amerindian Survival and Revival by Maximilian C. Forte Focuses on the survival and revival of Indigenous cultures in the Caribbean, particularly their cultural, spiritual, and social contributions. 2. Academic Articles & Journals • “The Coolie Experience: The Indentured Labourers of the British Caribbean” This article details the migration of Indian laborers (referred to as "coolies") to the Caribbean after the abolition of slavery and their contributions to the region’s economy, culture, and cuisine. • “The Chinese in the Caribbean” by Walton Look Lai Explores the history of Chinese migration to the Caribbean, their contributions to the region’s agricultural labor force, and their long-lasting cultural impact. • “Indigenous Peoples and the Caribbean: From Historical Erasure to Cultural Revival” Discusses how Indigenous communities such as the Taíno and Carib influenced early Caribbean societies and their cultural contributions to contemporary Caribbean identity. 3. Documentaries and Films • Coolies: How Britain Reinvented Slavery (BBC Documentary) A powerful documentary detailing the story of Indian and Chinese indentured laborers in the Caribbean and their role in reshaping the region after the end of slavery. • Sugar and The People: A Caribbean History Focuses on the sugar plantations of the Caribbean and highlights the labor provided by both African slaves and later Asian indentured workers. • Black Indians: An American Story Explores the history of Indigenous peoples and their interactions with enslaved Africans, focusing on the Caribbean and the Americas. 4. Websites and Databases • The Caribbean Memory Project This digital archive includes personal stories, photographs, and documents that highlight the multicultural nature of Caribbean society, including contributions from Middle Eastern, Asian, Indigenous, and European communities. caribbeanmemoryproject.com • The National Archives: Caribbean Histories Revealed A collection of primary documents and resources that explore the influence of European colonization, Asian migration, and Indigenous peoples on Caribbean history. nationalarchives.gov.uk/caribbean • The Virtual Museum of Caribbean Migration and Diaspora A digital museum that explores various migratory waves in the Caribbean, including those from Asia and the Middle East, as well as the Indigenous peoples of the region. 5. Culinary Resources • Food, Identity, and Culture in the Caribbean by Hanna Garth A study of how migration and cultural blending have shaped Caribbean cuisine, including the contributions of Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern flavors. • The Caribbean Table: Rediscovering the Richness of Island Food by Ramin Ganeshram
Joined July, 2024
5.0
1reviews
New on Outschool
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am of Caribbean descent with ancestry from multiple islands each with a distinctive culture. Thru lived experience in addition to years of historical and genealogical research I  am grateful to have learned to appreciate my Caribbean origins.

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Live Group Course
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$20

weekly or $160 for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
5-10 learners per class

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