Lifelong Learners
An Independent Collaborative

Lifelong Learners

An Independent Collaborative

Cuba of the Past and Present

Course Leader(s)
Day of Week: Tuesday
Course Length: 5 weeks
Starting: 10/27/2026
Ending: 12/01/2026
Period of Day: Period 2 In-Person
Time: 11:30 - 1:00
Course Fee: $60

Course Description:

Cuba is once again back in the news and facing an existential crisis. The lives of Cubans on the island have been made wretched by a deeply flawed government and economic policy and by the historical and present actions of the U.S. government. This course will examine the history of Cuba and in particular U.S. interventions that brought about the population’s acceptance of Fidel Castro and his Communist revolution. For the last session we will discuss the current situation and the US’s role in resolving or exacerbating this crisis.  This course is an updated version of one taught in 2021; a lot has changed since then.

The class will be a mixture of lecture, YouTube videos, and discussion.  Optional preparation time should be an hour weekly, in the optional book or in articles sent by email.

Books and Other Resources:

Ferrer, Ada. Cuba: An American History.  Scribner, 2021  (optional)

Course Leader Bio(s)

Carole Levy

In December 2019 I took a trip with family to Cuba. I had known nothing about Cuba and was shocked and disturbed by what I saw. The trip was led by a very amiable and knowledgeable guide and driver, but, while trying to put a very positive spin on everything, they couldn’t hide the dysfunction that was everywhere. When I got back, I decided to research the history and all things Cuban and so I created this course which I taught at LLAIC in 2021. I am a former high school educator of English and History. I love to read and always want to keep myself busy, whether taking courses or leading them or simply enjoying the company of my fellow LLAIC members. I am a wife and proud mother of three daughters and six grandchildren.