The Caribbean Studies syllabus defines the Caribbean region in terms of its geographic, common historical experiences, participation in the global community, intermixing of diverse ethnic and racial groups, and its continuing struggle for survival and sovereignty.  The region comprises the small island states and mainland territories, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and all the other islands in the Caribbean sea (including the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, islands of the Francophone Caribbean and the islands of the Netherlands Antilles).  It includes also, Belize, Suriname, Guyana and Cayenne.

This interdisciplinary subject provides students with the opportunity to study issues relevant to the distinctive physical, political and socio-economic challenges facing the small states which comprise the region.  Such study integrates perspectives from various disciplines including, sociology, history, international relations, government and politics, physical and human ecology, cultural studies and ethics as a tool for understanding Caribbean society and culture.

Students who successfully complete a course in Caribbean Studies will have developed an appreciation for the challenges and potential of being Caribbean citizens.  They will understand their own roles and responsibilities in preserving and contributing to their Caribbean heritage.  They will have attained the understandings and competencies that will help them to fulfil those roles and responsibilities.  They will also have acquired skills of enquiry that will enable them to succeed in their academic careers and the world of work, and that will foster the development of their Caribbean identity.  Finally, they will recognise that this identity is continually evolving out of the interaction taking place among the countries and cultures of the Caribbean region, and between the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

The syllabus aims to:

• Develop an understanding of the factors which influence the evolution of Caribbean society and culture;
• Develop and awareness of how current global trends affect, and are affected by, the Caribbean region;
• Analyse issues which are important to the development of the Caribbean region;
• Encourage reflection on how factors which have shaped the Caribbean region have influenced their own lives and the lives of their communities;
• Develop a respect for other cultures and for their contribution to the region’s development;
• Develop an appreciation of the importance of dealing justly and equitably with other groups and individuals;
• Develop the capability to investigate and report on issues which promote a better understanding of the Caribbean region;
• Develop the ability to apply acquired skills and abilities in making decisions and responding to challenges in their personal lives.

The syllabus comprises three Modules, each requiring at least 50 contact hours.

• Module 1: Caribbean Society and Culture
• Module 2: Issues in Caribbean Development
• Module 3: Investigating Human and Social Development in the Caribbean