INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

Department of Minority Studies

Department of Women's and Gender Studies

Département des langues modernes

Spring 2026

 

Printable version of this syllabus is available right here

 

AFRO-208 / WGS-302 / F-312                                                           

The African Caribbean: Intro to Caribbean Studies

Class hours: Monday and Wednesday, from 1:00 to 2:15

Classroom: Hawthorn 104-105, and occasionally via Zoom, if/when necessary

Zoom link: https://iu.zoom.us/j/2764538796 

 

Instructor:

 

Dr. Scooter Pégram

Office: Hawthorn 463 (message for hours and availability). 

Zoom address at all times: https://iu.zoom.us/j/2764538796 

Phone / Voice Mail / FaceTime: 219-980-6532 (office)

e-mail: spegram@iu.edu

French programme webpage: www.facebook.com/IUNFrenchStudies 

 

My name is Dr. Scooter Pégram, but you can call me "Scooter," or "Professor Scooter," or "Doctor Scooter," or even "Doctor/Professor Scoots" if you want. Just do not call me by my last name :) Nice to meet you! You can reach me at any time via a variety of mediums. You can e-mail me (spegram@iu.edu), you can call or text message me anytime, including at night (number will be sent in an Announcement, via WhatsApp only if I am overseas, I will alert you when I am back in North America when you can text me normally). Should you be interested, you can learn about me here, and.....and here as well. 

 

ZOOM ADDRESS FOR MEETINGS (etc): https://iu.zoom.us/j/2764538796 

 

And read this before contracting any of your professors for the first time (before we get to know you): https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087 

 

Required Textbooks (included here on Canvas):

 

Higman, Barry. W. (2010). A concise history of the Caribbean. Cambridge University Press.

 

Required Textbooks (please buy ASAP, ):

 

Fernandez-Olmos, M. (2005). Creole Religions of the Caribbean: An Introduction from Vodou and Santeria to Obeah and Espiritismo, Second Edition. New York: NYU Press.

 

Hebdige, R. (1999). Cut `n' Mix: Culture, Identity and Caribbean Music. London: Routledge.

 

Recommended Textbook (recommended only, not required):

 

Scarano, F. and Palmié, S (2011). The Caribbean: History of a Region and its peoples. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. 

 

Course Description:

 

This class will introduce students to the history and culture of the islands and countries of the West Indies. Students will become familiar with the diverse African and “afro-caribé” peoples of the Caribbean region. This introduction will examine the region from the arrival of the Europeans in 1492 through the contemporary period. Students will study historical issues relating to colonisation, colonialism, and occupation, examining topics including (but not limited to): the introduction and extension of slavery and slave-based systems; the reliance on the plantation economy of sugar through the use of slave labour; freedom, emancipation and the abolition of slavery; revolution and change; and such contemporary topics relating to nationalism and independence. Other more contemporary social, cultural and political topics will also be examined, such as: religions old and new, Pan-Africanism; contemporary “consumption” of the Caribbean; West Indian Film and Literature; the African presence in the Caribbean imagination; and US foreign policy involvement and neo-colonialism in the region. Upon the conclusion of the course, students will have a better cultural and historical understanding of the diverse peoples and societies of the Caribbean region that exist outside of the cruise ship ports and Club Med resorts.

 

Some Further Course Specifics:

 

Exams and Quizzes: The written exams and map quiz will be taken directly from lectures and your books and study materials.  

 

Participation Part I: Your grade regarding “in-class participation” will be based on attendance, your preparedness for the class and your willingness to speak in class. Note that the evaluation is not based on whether or not what you say in class is “perfect” since you will make mistakes, and believe it or not, mistakes are a positive part of the learning process

 

Participation, Part II: Excused absences and/or late work will not be granted, other than exceptions as determined by the instructor and programme supervisor. Examples of these very few exceptions include: an incredibly personal illness (and not the flu, etc), the very serious illness of a dependent, the death or funeral of an immediate family member, required attendance at an official university activity, pigs flying, a nuclear explosion, another Great Chicago Fire, a hurricane in Northwest Indiana, an attack of killer locusts or monkeys in Northwest Indiana, the next Black Plague, or a Cubs vs. White Sox World Series Final. To be classified as “excused,” the absence must be documented authoritatively (for example, the very serious illness as denoted above must be documented by a doctor’s note). 

 

Attendance: Attendance in class is required. If you are not in class, you cannot participate, strengthen your speaking skills, or receive immediate feedback. You will be graded via “participation points” forward from day #1, and absences will affect your participation grade as follows: Everyone starts the course with 115% for their participation grade. Your end-of-the-semester participation grade will be lowered by 3.5 points (5%) from the 111% for EACH absence regardless of any excuse. Because you start with 111%, this gives you three absences without any detrimental penalty. If you do not miss any days throughout the semester, you will receive extra credit for your homework and / or other assignments at the end of the course, as determined by the instructor. However, if you are absent 4 times and you began with 111% participation, your participation grade would be lowered to 96.5%. If you are absent 6 times, it would be lowered to 88%, etc. Thus, your final participation grade can have a very serious negative effect on your overall course grade if absences are in excess. Regardless of the reason for an absence, you are expected to complete all missed work.

 

NOTE: Please review the attendance policy as set forth by the university (it is available online or in the Bulletin). As per university and departmental policy, students who miss more than 50% of their class meetings and / or who do not attend their enrolled classes during the first four weeks of the fall or spring semesters are subject to administrative withdrawal from their courses, regardless of their class level, grades, or standing. This withdrawal may affect your financial aid and scholarships in future semesters and your good academic standing with the university at large.

In summary: The professor will make learning a positive, relaxing and stimulating activity, and in return, you will participate in all scheduled class activities.

 

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected of all students. Students are responsible for knowing how to maintain academic honesty and for abstaining from cheating, the appearance of cheating, and permitting or assisting in another’s cheating. Students must especially avoid plagiarism. The Indiana University Code of Student Rights defines plagiarism as “presenting someone else’s work, including the work of other students, as one’s own” (http://studentcode.iu.edu/responsibilities/academic-misconduct.html).

 

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. All students must turn in their papers and exams to Canvas. TurnItIn on Canvas will check the submissions for common sentences that could be signs of plagiarism. Plagiarism on a paper or an exam will result in a score of zero. If you are uncertain about whether your writing crosses the line into plagiarism, please contact your instructor.

 

Academic integrity: As noted in the IU and IUN Bulletin and Catalogue, any student who is dishonest in any academic work and in any way is liable to receive a wide variety of sanctions and / or punishments. Simply put, you are here at university to learn, so please make sure that the work that you do turn in is all your own. For more information, please see: http://www.iu.edu/~code/code/responsibilities/academic

 

Statement and Rules with respect to use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.):

• In this class, the expectations for the use/non-use of AI vary depending on the assignment. It is crucial to follow the specific guidelines for each assignment to maintain academic integrity. If you use generative AI in a manner that is not authorized for the assignment, it will constitute academic misconduct; there will be an academic sanction, and the incident will be reported.
• You should be aware that all large language models (which are the basis of Generative AI) have a tendency to make up facts, create fake citations, produce inaccurate information, or generate biased or offensive content. You are responsible for any inaccurate, biased, offensive, or otherwise unethical content you submit regardless of whether it originally comes from you or a Generative AI platform.
• All Generative AI tools must be appropriately acknowledged and cited. The disclosure of use of Generative AI for spelling and grammar checkers is not necessary, but all other uses require proper acknowledgment and citation. (see example below)
  • APA Citation: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (September 1 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
• The use of Generative AI tools without disclosure will be considered plagiarism and/or cheating and will be reported to the Dean of Students (Office of Student Conduct) and handled according to university policies. Sanctions for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on the assignment, a reduction in your final course grade, or a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities. If you have any questions about the acceptable use of Generative AI tools, please consult with me prior to submitting your work. 
• With the understanding of the limitations and necessary acknowledgments, you are encouraged to use Generative AI for brainstorming or to organize your ideas. Using Generative AI to enhance learning is an emerging skill and it is to your advantage to learn how to use it well. Generative AI can be a valuable tool for complementing human decisions, but it is not a replacement for critical thinking.
• Please be aware that instructors have different policies on the appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence. The above policy applies only to this class. It is your responsibility to check with each of your other instructors if ever you are unsure about what constitutes academic honesty in their courses.

 

Additional Course Policies

Right to Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities

Indiana University is committed to creating a learning environment and academic community that promotes educational opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Course directors are asked to make reasonable accommodations, upon request by the student or the university, for such disabilities. It is the responsibility of students with documented physical or learning disabilities seeking accommodation to notify their course directors and the relevant campus office that deals with such cases in a timely manner concerning the need for such accommodation. Indiana University will make reasonable accommodations for access to programs, services, and facilities as outlined by applicable state and federal laws.

 

Campus support office:

Student Support Services location: Hawthorn Hall 29, 219-980-6798
Student Support Services online: www.iun.edu/~supportn

 

IU Northwest Attendance and Course Commitment Policy

This course has been approved to enforce the IU Northwest Attendance and Course Commitment Policy and the full text of this policy is available at http://www.iun.edu/registrar/attendance-policies.htm.

 

As a student in this course, you are expected to attend scheduled class meetings and actively participate in all class activities. Students who miss the first week of the semester or who do not attend 50% of the scheduled class meetings before the end of the fourth week of the semester may be subject to administrative withdrawal. Regardless of attendance, students who do not actively participate in this class by not submitting a majority of their assignments by the posted due date are subject to administrative withdrawal. Students who are administratively withdrawn from this class after the fourth week will not be eligible for a tuition refund. Administrative withdrawals may have an impact on the student’s financial aid awards and visa status.

 

IU FLAGS (Student Performance Early Alert System)

This semester I will be using IU’s Early Alert System to provide real-time feedback on your performance in this course. I will be entering data on factors such as your class attendance, participation, and success with coursework, among other things. This information will provide feedback on how you are faring in the course and offer you suggestions on how you might be able to improve your performance. You will be able to access this information in the student center at One.iu. If there is no entry, then no concerns have been reported about your academic performance.

 

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: IU does not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence.  If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help.  It is important to know that federal regulations and University policy require faculty to promptly report complaints of potential sexual misconduct known to them to their campus Deputy Title IX Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available.  The University will work with you to protect your privacy by sharing information with only those that need to know to ensure the University can respond and assist.  If you are seeking help and would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with a Mental Health Counsellor on campus (contact information available at http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/employee/confidential.html).  Find more information about sexual violence, including campus and community resources at http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/. 

 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS OF CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR: A classroom is analogous to a professional environment. Students are expected to behave professionally so that everyone can engage fully in the educational process. This means that disruptive behaviour during class is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, arguing with the instructor about grades or assignments, arguing with other students, bringing up individual concerns with the instructor in the middle of class, or using language or exhibiting other behaviour that distracts others from engaging fully in the academic enterprise. A student who disrupts the learning environment will be asked to stop the behaviour immediately; if the disruptive behaviour continues, the student will be asked to leave the class session.

 

Everyone needs to read this: https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087 

 

If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask! Here is where you can seek it:

 

First, check the day-to-day announcements. If what you need is not there, please ask me! You can find me in my office (Hawthorn 463), by text message or voice (773-717-6487), office phone (219-980-6532), via e-mail (spegram@iun.edu), or on Facebook, or carrier piegon (if you are really savvy). 

 

In addition, Indiana University Northwest has an incredible Counselling Centre that is available for students at NO COST. Find out more here: http://www.iun.edu/counseling-services/ 

 

Academic Success and Achievement Programs:  http://www.iun.edu/academic-success/index.htm

Anderson Library:  http://www.iun.edu/library/

Career Services:  http://www.iun.edu/career-services/

Counseling Services:  http://www.iun.edu/counseling-services/

Financial Information: http://www.iun.edu/financialaid/links/index.htm

Student Advising Center: http://www.iun.edu/student-advising/index.htm  

Student Support Services: http://www.iun.edu/student-support/

Technical Support:  http://www.iun.edu/technology/

Veteran Services:  http://www.iun.edu/veterans/

Writing Center:  http://www.iun.edu/english/writing-center/

 

 

Course evaluation will be as follows:

 

Reflective Essays: 10%

Map Quiz: 10%  (study guide available here)                                                                    

Research Paper or Dinner: 25%                                            

Midterm Exam: 20%                                                        

Attendance and Active Participation: 5%                            

Reading Quizzes: 5%                                                                                

Final Exam: 25%

TOTAL: 100%                                                              

                                                                                                                                                          

Course Calendar

 

(subject to modification as we proceed forward)

 

Monday (week one):                       

Introductions, Impressions, Overview of course; Background, Geography and Context; The Caribbean pre-contact: East meets West

 

Wednesday (week one):                  

European Settlement: Establishment of Colonies and Colonial Systems; Beginnings of the African Slave Trade

 

Monday (week two):                  

No class. Happy MLK Day!

 

Wednesday (week two):             

The Arrival of Africans: Mercantilism, Capitalism and Slavery; Background of the Atlantic Slave Trade: From the African shores, to the horrors of the Middle Passage, to the realities of forced labour in the West Indies

 

Monday (week three):                  

Sugar is King: The Plantation System, Slavery and the Sugar Economies and their Legacy

 

Wednesday (week three):             

Restricted Trade and Colonial Grumblings; Slave Uprisings and Insurrections; the “Maroons” and Free-persons of Colour

 

Monday (week four):                 

From the Bondage of Slavery to African Power. Saint-Domingue and its aftermath: The Birthplace of the Black Republic of Haiti and its effects on the West Indies and elsewhere

 

Wednesday (week four):            

The Attitude to Freedom; Abolition of the Slave Trade; “Free but with no place to go aside from the hated plantation.”

 

Monday (week five):                 

Map Quiz; Film Assignment: “La Ultima Cena” (Cuba, 1991); Continued lecture. 

 

Wednesday (week five):          

The need for new labour sources: The arrival of East Asians to the West Indies and “indentureship”Conclusion and Discussion of the film “La Ultima Cena”

 

Monday (week six):                

The Fall of Spanish Domination and the Rise of a New Colonial Power: Introduction to US Involvement and Colonialism in the West Indies: the case of Cuba and Puerto Rico

 

Wednesday (week six):          

“Big Stick” Diplomacy and the New Colonisers of the West Indies: US Involvement and Occupations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic; Colonial Systems at the turn of the Century, The Rise of Imperialist Control; Racism and early Caribbean Labour Issues

 

Monday (week seven):                

Unity in the Struggle: Marcus Garvey, George Padmore and the theory of Pan-Africanism; “Négritude” and the Rise of Black Pride, Power and Resistance in the Twentieth Century: Aimé Césaire, Franz Fanon and C.L.R. James

 

Wednesday (week seven):             

Marcus Garvey (cont.); Constitutional Change and Post World War II emerging Nationalist Demands; Growing Desire for freedom and liberation movements throughout the West Indies; Caribbean Nation Building and Struggle: The Anglophone and Dutch Caribbean

 

Monday (week eight):                

Caribbean Nation Building and Struggle: Fidel Castro, the Cuban Revolution and the Hispanic Caribbean

 

Wednesday (week eight):                

Letting Go: West Indian Independence and its Consequences; Caribbean Nation Building and Struggle: Haiti and the Francophone Caribbean

 

Monday (week nine):                     

Midterm Examination

 

Wednesday (week nine):                

Pas de classe (Research Day)

 

SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!!

 

Monday (week ten):                   

Caribbean Music: from “slave dances” to Reggae. How Pan-Africanism and other Social Movements Influence Caribbean Music

Wednesday (week ten):              

Caribbean Music (continued) Rasta, “Rude Boys” and Bob Marley

 

Monday (week eleven):                         

Bob Marley (cont.); Religion in the West Indies: From Vaudou through Christianity to Rastafarianism

 

Wednesday (week eleven):              

Religion in the West Indies: From Vaudou through Christianity to Rastafarianism

 

Monday (week twelve):                       

Religion in the West Indies: From Vaudou through Christianity to Rastafarianism

 

Wednesday (week twelve):                  

The Politics of Colour and Gender in the West Indies: From Colonisation to the Contemporary Era

 

Monday (week thirteen):                     

Film: “Rue cases nègres” (France / Martinique, 1988).

 

Wednesday (week thirteen):               

Conclusion and discussion of the film: “Rue cases nègres.”  

 

Monday (week fourteen):                     

Caribbean Politics; The West Indies Today: Contemporary Caribbean International Relations and the Future; Forced Caribbean Migrations

 

Wednesday (week fourteen):                

The West Indies Today: Contemporary Caribbean International Relations and the Future; Forced Caribbean Migrations; Research Paper Due today.

 

Monday (week fifteen):                     

Caribbean Migrations and Life Abroad: Struggles in the Caribbean Diaspora in North America and Europe

 

Wednesday (week fifteen):                

Tourism and “Consuming” the Caribbean: From Cruise Ships to Club Meds 

 

Monday 4 May:                   

Final Examination to be given in class, from 10:00