The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is offering a new professional development course that takes participants into the intellectual, political and social forces that helped shaped Trinidad and Tobago during the nineteenth century.  It examines how that history continues to influence the society we know today.

Entitled "Trinidad and Tobago Intellectual Thought in the Nineteenth Century", the 24-hour course will be facilitated by Professor Selwyn R. Cudjoe, O.R.T.T., Executive Chairman and Chairman of UTT, together with Dr Solange Kelly, Associate Professor and Assistant Vice President, Undergraduate Studies at UTT.

The course will examine the ideas, personalities, institutions and historical developments that contributed to the evolution of Trinidad and Tobago during the post-emancipation and colonial periods.  Particular attention will be given to issues including identity formation, colonial governance, education, race relations, nationalism, labour, literature and the emergence of Trinbagonian intellectual thought.

Professor Cudjoe said the course provides an opportunity for participants to look beyond historical events themselves and consider the ideas that helped to shape the country's development.

"To understand Trinidad and Tobago as it exists today, we must understand the ideas, struggles and intellectual traditions from which our society emerged.  The nineteenth century was a critical period in that development and this course invites participants to examine that history and consider how it continues to influence our daily lives."

Through readings, discussion and historical analysis, participants will explore the impact of emancipation and colonialism on Caribbean society, the influence of race, class, religion and labour on national consciousness and the contributions of local scholars.  The course will also connect Trinidad and Tobago's intellectual history with wider Caribbean development and the historical origins of contemporary social and political issues.

The course is designed for historians and educators, public-sector professionals, policy analysts and cultural practitioners, researchers and writers, UTT Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy students, as well as members of the public interested in Trinidad and Tobago's history, and Caribbean thought.

Delivered in an interactive and dialogical format, the course encourages participants to build understanding through reading, dialogue and discourse rather than simply studying historical events.  Guest lecturers will also be invited to contribute specialised perspectives on selected topics.

Classes will be held in-person at UTT's Chaguanas Campus on Wednesdays from September 23 to November 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The course comprises 24 contact hours and costs TT$3,000. Participants who achieve at least 80 percent attendance and successfully complete the assessment will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Persons interested in registering or obtaining further information may contact UTT Outreach and Industry Relations at 642-8888 ext. 24110 or email outreach@utt.edu.tt.