Puerto Rico: History, Diversity, & Community

Puerto Rico: History, Diversity, & Community explores the history of diversity and community under the lens of Puerto Rico’s political, societal, and cultural context. You will have the opportunity to learn outside the classroom by engaging in different activities and visiting sites around the island that celebrate Puerto Rico's Taíno, African, and Spanish heritage. From learning how to play Batéy (Taíno sport) to dance Bomba (Yoruba dance) and engaging in place-based learning, you will experience the richness and complexity of Puerto Rican culture. Finally, you will engage in discourse with Puerto Rican government representatives to better understand the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. By the end of this course, you will understand the sociopolitical issues between Puerto Rico and the US and recognize, as cultural beings, the attitudes and beliefs that you hold and can detrimentally influence perceptions of and interactions with other communities.

This program is designed to both encourage you to think critically about diversity and community and to provide you with an opportunity to learn about other cultures. The topic of diversity in a different country will allow the class to compare and contrast personal, academic and professional experiences between the United States and Puerto Rico.

You will be staying at a hostel in the metropolitan area of Puerto Rico. The accommodations are similar to “dorm living”. You will share rooms and bathrooms with other students, but you will have your own bed. All meals are your responsibility. You will have access to local cuisine that accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences.

January 15, 2024

May 2024: May 11–18, 2024

OLPD special topics course

Puerto Rico: History, Diversity, & Community looks at different methods, theories and practices of leadership, politics, and diversity. You will learn to become agents of social change and advocacy, and thereby promote societal understanding and appreciation of diverse views against the damaging effects of individual, institutional, and societal forms of oppression and discrimination.

María C. Pabón Gautier received her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in Educational Psychology. Her work has focused in areas of ethnic/racial identity and equity, microaggressions, anti-racist education, organizational development, and issues of justice. María serves as the vice president for talent, equity, and culture at Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis where she oversees human resources, racial equity, and organizational development. She also served as vice president for equity and inclusion at St. Olaf College. María is originally from Puerto Rico. She is an avid reader, loves traveling, road trips, and trying new foods.

• Taíno Heritage—Caguana Ceremonial Park: learn how to play Batéy as well as the history of the indigenous people from Puerto Rico 
• Spanish Heritage—El Morro, Old San Juan: learn why the Spanish colonized Puerto Rico and analyze the impact of colonization in modern times
• African Heritage—Bomba Lesson, Loiza, Hermanos Ayala: learn the history of the Yoruba people and the impact of art and music in achieving freedom from slavery
• Puerto Rico Supreme Court: speak to government representatives and learn about Puerto Rican politics and the relationship with the US. 
• El Yunque Rainforest: visit this Puerto Rican rainforest to learn about environmental justice and its relationship with racial justice.

For more information, contact María Pabón at [email protected]

Spring Break 2024 Cost of Participation forthcoming