African Studies

Ghana Society and Culture II is a follow-up to Ghana Society and Culture and builds upon the skills acquired in the first semester. This course is purely a Research class with three-week intensive field work in subject areas such as History, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Public Health, Gender and Development and others. The course has 15 hours of lectures/seminar and over 80 hours of field interactions. 

This course introduces and discusses the dynamic interplay between the various forces of globalization and the impact on culture and identity in Africa. The ideas explored and debates encouraged are expected to contribute towards a more thoughtful, professional practice and critical awareness of social and historical context, particularly the post-colonial context in Africa. From Cape Town to Algiers and Puntland, the course takes a case-study approach, examining a range of different contemporary issues, historical moments, and diverse localities across the continent. It also explores dominant concepts and vocabularies that operate in relation to complex processes of globalization, but which impact everyday life in distinctly different ways. 

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director of Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. Graded P/NP only.