January 26, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact: Margo Camilleri,
805-756-7136

Cal Poly Continuing Education Offers Insight into Cuba
in New “Cuban Renaissance” Course

San Luis Obispo -- Though only a short geographical distance from the
United States, Cuba is almost a complete mystery since it has been off
limits to most Americans for more than 40 years. In that time, Cuba has
evolved quite independently of U.S. influence. Its unique cultural,
political and religious history, are the subject a five- session course
being offered this winter through Cal Poly Continuing Education (CPCE).

The course, “Cuban Renaissance,” will meet Wednesdays from January 28
through February 25 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Each of the five sessions will
focus on key topics, which are distinctive to Cuba. A number of Cal Poly
faculty members, from various departments, will lecture on their
specific area of expertise that relates to Cuba.

Session one, taught by James Keese, Ph. D, Kevin Fagan, Ph. D, will
focus on elements of Cuban culture. Lecturers will present a slideshow
and observations from recent trips to Cuba. Session two, led by Norman
Mendel, Ph. D, will identify current religious issues that are specific
to the country. For the third session, Craig Arceneauz, Ph. D will
provide background information about Cuban political development,
contemporary US-Cuban relations, and the challenges facing the country
since the fall of the Soviet Union. The fourth session, with William
Martinez, Ph. D, will discuss the portrayal of Cubans throughout
American literature, music, and film. Ana Hartig-Ferrer, Ph. D will
teach the fifth session, which will focus on Cuban art and dance from
the past 200 years.

For more information on this or any other courses offered by CPCE,
please visit www.continuing-ed.calpoly.edu or call 756-2053.

Cal Poly Continuing Education is a self-supporting unit within the
Academic Affairs division of California Polytechnic State University,
San Luis Obispo. Its mission is to provide lifelong learning
opportunities and services. Cal Poly Continuing Education offers a
variety of certificate programs, individual courses, conferences, and
noncredit opportunities to assist adults to update professional skills,
meet career goals, and engage in personal enrichment. Cal Poly
Continuing Education annually serves between 8,000-10,000 individuals on
campus, online and at off-campus locations. Course descriptions and
schedules can be found at: www.continuing-ed.calpoly.edu.


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