Studying Canadian history… in Cuba

by Nicole Findlay

Marvin Glass, professor of philosophy is marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Cuba by delving into Canada’s history.

Over the past five years Glass has been loaning history books to the Cuban Embassy in Ottawa to help situate recently relocated Cuban staff. It was through his work with the embassy that he met Karin Diez an associate professor of History, University of Havana in Cuba. Intrigued by her efforts to launch a new course in Canadian History, Glass volunteered to gather Canadian history books that would provide the basis for the course material. The course will be offered at the University of Havana beginning in the Fall of 2006. Once the course is established, it may be promoted to Cuban diplomats.

Since then Glass has been gathering both donations and books to help build a curriculum for the course. These donations, along with some support from the office of the Dean, FASS, allowed Glass to purchase additional books. The owner of Benjamin Books was so impressed by the cause, he both donated additional books and personally contributed to the fund Glass had developed.

Glass has also found support from Carleton University librarian Heather Matheson. Matheson took up the charge and agreed to supply books as well. The Cuban Embassy has agreed to arrange to ship the books on a regular basis.

If you have books you would like to donate, below is a list of topics that would be of particular interest to the University of Havana:

General history,
Topics focusing on the relationship between Quebec and Canada,
20th century history,
The labour movement in Canada,
Relationships with Cuba,
Women’s history.

Glass hopes the program will lead to increased interaction between the two universities, including an exchange program.

For additional information contact Marvin Glass marvinglass@carleton.ca