Established in 1995, Caribbean Studies is the only program in Canada with degrees specifically dedicated to the study of the Caribbean and its people. The program consists of courses in Caribbean history, literature and thought which deal with a wide range of issues including gender, religion, politics, culture, ethnicity, race, development, language, colonialism, environment and regional common markets. Students have the option of pursuing a formal course of study through different levels of specialization. There is a specialist program (ten specified courses), a major program (seven specified courses) and a minor program (four courses). Others may be chosen from a broad list of courses including those taught by the departments of Anthropology, English, History, Political Science, French or Spanish and Portuguese. The Caribbean Studies program has a close relationship with the Caribbean Studies Students’ Union (CARSSU). Members of CARSSU sit on the Caribbean Studies Program Advisory Committee and are in frequent contact with the program director.
The Centre for Caribbean Studies hosts many exciting and informative events for students and members of the community throughout the year. Some examples of our ongoing events include:
The Forum for Caribbean Writers and Readers: This is a series of conversations with Caribbean writers. Award-winning Jamaican author Curdella Forbes launched the forum with a reading and discussion of her fiction. Other guests include Guyanese author Oonya Kempadoo, and Grenadian author Merle Collins.
Forum For Caribbean Writers and Readers: October 23, 2023
The Caribbean Studies Annual Research Seminar: The 2024 seminar, entitled, The Transcendent Caribbean, led by Dr. Bernardo García-Domínguez.
Caribbean Studies Research Seminar: April 2, 2024
Caribbean Grad Student Reading Group: This monthly reading group is open to graduate students interested in discussing research related to the Caribbean and its people.