People, Politics, and Power in Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Faculty Leader
Vanesa Ribas is Associate Professor of Sociology. Born and raised in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, her teaching and research interests include race and ethnicity, migration, Latin American-Caribbean-Latinx Studies, politics, labor, social inequalities, and qualitative methods. In past work, Professor Ribas examined the incorporation of Latina/o migrant meatpacking workers in the U.S. South, demonstrating the conditioning role of the social organization of labor and the "prismatic" character of white supremacy. She is currently working on a book about Puerto Rican political subjectivities.
Courses
- SOCI 189GS: Making of a Modern Colony: Puerto Rico in the Twentieth Century (pdf) - DEI approved
- SOCI 190GS: Contemporary Problems, Politics, and Potentialities in Puerto Rico (pdf) - DEI approved
Why you should go
Many people don't realize that Puerto Rico remains a colony of the United States. While much of the world had decolonized by the 1960s, Puerto Rico's path would be different. This global seminar traces important aspects of Puerto Rico's history and present, and introduces students to a variety of social movements and community organizations working for change. The first course will be a historical and sociological overview of the main political, economic, and social conditions and events since Puerto Rico became a U.S. possession in 1898. The second will be an exploration of “decolonization” in contemporary Puerto Rico, centering the struggles of marginalized communities and alternative political, economic, and social visions of Puerto Rico’s future. The excursions and guest speakers will enrich students’ engagement with the course materials and provide them with meaningful real-world experiences.
Who should go
All majors are invited to apply. Students interested in social inequalities, social movements, Latin America and the Caribbean, colonialism, history, sociology, and politics would be especially suited for this Global Seminar. It is expected that both courses will fulfill the DEI requirement.
Information Sessions
- Tuesday, Jan. 23, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
- Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.
- Information session presentation (pdf)
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Sat., June 29, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Arrival: | Sun., June 30, 2024 |
| Mandatory Orientation: | Mon., July 1, 2024 |
| First Day of Class: | Mon., July 1, 2024 |
| Last Day of Class: | Fri., August 2, 2024 |
| Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel): |
Sat., August 3, 2024 |
Flight Information
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
- Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.
Global Seminar Fees
All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.
| UCSD | Other UC | Non-UC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Cost: (includes $500 administrative fee) |
$4,867.33 | $4,867.33 | $4,867.33 |
| Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees: |
$2,514.43 | $2,564.43 | $3,454.43 |
| Total: (not including airfare or personal expenses) |
$7,381.76 | $7,431.76 | $8,321.76 |
Budget Sheet
Funding Options
See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.
Local Site Visits
- Old San Juan walking tour including World Heritage Site, Castillo El Morro, and the San Cristóbal fortress
- Full day excursion to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the United States, and Luquillo beach, where you can sample food from Los Kioskos de Luquillo
- Tour of Central Aguirre Historic District and sugar mill ruins
- Antonio Martorell studio visit
- Tour the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center
- Visit Hacienda Macini agra-ecological coffee farm
- Casa Pueblo community-based organization focused on sustainable development
- San Juan Port half-day tour
- Centro de Apoyo Mutuo - Mutual aid disaster relief
- Cantera & San Juan estuary
- Guest speakers from Furia, Inc.
- Service learning in Loiza organized communities
- Visit to Samuel Lind Art Studio in Loíza, and lunch and free time at Piñones beach
Housing
- Private room with one bathroom shared between two rooms at Plaza Universitaria in front of the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras campus
- Student housing close to restaurants and train station
- Refrigerator and microwave in each room and kitchen on each floor
- Air conditioning, WiFi, and laundry available in student housing
- Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.
Included Meals
- Welcome breakfast
- Farewell dinner
Classroom and Computer Access
- Classroom at the School of General Studies, University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras campus
- WiFi in classroom
- Computer lab access with student ID
- Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.
Transportation
- Airport pick up and drop off at SJU Airport for students who arrive in specified pick-up window
- Group transportation for included excursions.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- The provider we coordinate with requires all participants to provide proof of vaccination prior to departure.
- All students must register for UC travel insurance. This is free coverage, but registration is required prior to departure.
- An in-depth orientation will be given on the morning after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
- Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours.
