Stockholm university
Gå till denna sida på svenska webben

Postcolonialism and power relations in the Caribbean

Explore how postcolonialism has shaped the Caribbean through power dynamics, identity, and resistance. This course delves into history, politics, and culture, offering a rich understanding of the region’s struggles and legacies.

A_General_Chart_of_the_West_Indies-_With_Additions_from_the_Latest_Navigators
A General Chart of the West Indies. With additions from the latest navigators. Foto: Speer, Joseph, Public domain, via Wikimedia

The course Postcolonialism and Power Relations in the Caribbean examines the complex history and politics that have shaped the Caribbean, from colonization to modern times. By exploring key concepts such as race, identity, and resistance, students will gain insight into the region’s colonial past and how it continues to influence present-day society. We will study pivotal moments in Caribbean history, such as slavery, independence movements, and the rise of political ideologies that challenged Western dominance.

Through an interdisciplinary lens, the course engages with critical thinkers like Frantz Fanon and Marcus Garvey, analyzing their impact on Caribbean identity and decolonization efforts. Students will also explore how these power dynamics manifest in cultural expressions, literature, and social movements across the region, deepening their understanding of how the Caribbean navigates the legacies of its postcolonial experience. This course provides a nuanced view of the region's ongoing struggle for self-determination and justice.

  • Course structure

    The overall document for a course is the course syllabus. The syllabus can be found in the menu on the right. In this description, we clarify how to complete the course in practice. The course description should provide good guidance, but is not comprehensive. Further clarifications in oral or written form are given by the teacher during the lessons. Do not hesitate to ask the teacher if questions would remain. To see which teachers teach the course, and for information about the schedule and examination, see further under "Schedule". Information about Literature Lists can be found under Course literature.

    Teaching format

    This course consists of seminars.
    The course is conducted online.
    The instruction is in English. 

    Assessment

    The examination is given in English.

    The course is examined through a written assignment as well as an oral presentation.

    For general information about cheating and plagiarism, see also Stockholm University's rulebook on rules for examinations and guidelines for disciplinary matters at Stockholm University.

    Examiner

    Andrés Rivarola Puntigliano

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
  • Contact

    Andrés Rivarola Puntigliano, Christophe Premat