MESSAGE TO STUDENTS

History as a discipline has three aspects – its content, its organizing principles and its methods of enquiry. The content of Caribbean History is based on the activities of the peoples of the islands from the Bahamas to Trinidad as well as those of the people of Belize and the Guianas, from the coming of the indigenous Americans to 1985. A thematic approach has been adopted because it lends itself for detailed treatment of the type that allows the student to practice the various skills of the historian. During the course of two years (4 semesters), you will study 3 themes along with 10 core topics. The syllabus seeks to maintain chronology as an important aspect of the study of history.

 Goals/Objectives: The objectives towards which students will work have been grouped under three main heads. 1) Knowledge and Comprehension 2) Use of Knowledge and 3) Enquiry and Communication  
Aims:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of the experiences of the common people of the Caribbean
• Develop an appreciation of the creative contributions of individuals and groups in their own territory and in other territories of the Caribbean
• Sensitize students to the concerns peculiar to their own territory and circumstances which shaped them
• Produce students who will have faith in their own abilities and capabilities
• Facilitate a willingness by students to consider new ideas and points of view
• Encourage tolerance of the viewpoints, beliefs and ways of life of other peoples
• Stimulate sensitivity to the social, economic and political issues, conflicts and achievements in Caribbean life
• Encourage students to examine and explore their attitudes and values and those of others in relation to the Caribbean historical experience
• Encourage students to express their own points of view on matters of national and regional concern
• Stimulate willingness and a desire to read historical material on their own initiative as a leisure time activity or to update information.

---