Eligibility
You must have achieved sophomore status with a grade point average of at least 2.5. to study in Ghana. Preference is given to juniors and seniors when there are more applicants than spots in the program.
Cost
The Fall 2010 program cost will be determined by February 15, 2010. The cost will include:
- Tuition
- Roundtrip air transportation Grand Rapids/Accra
- Full room and board
- Administrative fee
- Program-related excursions
Additional expenses not included in the program fee: passport, visa, medical insurance (required), books and spending money.
Accommodations
You will live on the campus of University of Ghana at Legon (about 7 miles north of the center of Accra) in an international dormitory. You can stay with a Calvin roommate, but you may also choose to live with an international or Ghanaian roommate.
Courses
The following courses are required: (STGH 100 and STGH 101 are taught by instructors at the University of Ghana at Legon).
| Ethics of Development and Cultures of Africa | |
| In this course students will learn about the history, aims, accomplishments, and problems of humanitarian aid to Africa, with particular emphasis on ethical issues that arise in publicly and privately funded development initiatives. The central question to be addressed is: why is helping sometimes harmful? A lively debate is underway between advocates of increasing foreign aid in order to solve Africa’s most pressing problems and critics who argue that foreign aid only protects elites and perpetuates poverty. To understand this debate, it is essential to understand how aid efforts reflect Western ideals and whether they are appropriate to the cultures of contemporary African nations and peoples. Course readings will provide background on West African society, culture, and religion; illustrate opposing positions on the benefits of aid; and assess the ethics of aid and development. Course activities will include individual and group interviews with aid workers, community organizers, and church leaders. Students will gain a better understanding of the nature of humanitarian aid, how it is perceived by donors and recipients, and what ethical principles should guide its planning and administration. Assessment will be based on a course journal, short written essays reflecting on readings and interviews, and an in-class presentation on a selected topic. | 3 semester hours |
| STGH 312 - Culture and People of Ghana and West Africa | |
| A multi-disciplinary course aimed at an appreciation of the rich and diverse culture and history of the peoples of West Africa. Excursions to sites such as slave forts, the Fante homeland, and historic city of Kumase, and the Museum of Ghana are included. | 3 semester hours, fulfills Cross-Cultural Engagement (CCE) core |
| STGH 100 - TWI Language Study (pronounced Che-Wee) | |
| An introductory course in the dominant local language, designed to help students communicate on a basic level as they interact with the people around them. | 2 semester hours, pass/fail, general elective credit |
| STGH 101 - African Drumming and Dance: Practice and Context | |
| This course provides instruction in several traditional dances of the ethnic groups of Ghana, instruction in some patterns of traditional drumming, and lectures on the social and religious meaning of African dance, including its use in Christian worship. | 1 semester hour, fulfills PE level I or II |
Choose one or two elective courses, taught by instructors at the University of Ghana at Legon:
| STGH 279 - Government & Politics in Africa | |
| An historical as well as analytical and comparative study of government and politics in selected African countries, with particular attention to the trends and problems of government and politics in Africa. | 3 semester hours, general elective |
| STGH 217 - West African Literature and Drama | |
| An introduction to African oral literature and drama. Study of dramatic themes and trends will focus on those related to colonial rule and the post-independence period. | 3 semester hours, literature core credit |
All courses may be applied to the Africa track of the African and African diaspora studies minor. Some courses may be used to fulfill elective requirements for the international development studies (IDS) major and minor. The program qualifies to satisfy the study-abroad requirement for the IDS major and minor.
Apply
Submit a preliminary application to the the off-campus programs office. Once your eligibility for the program is determined (within 1-2 weeks), you will be sent an application. The final application deadline for this program is April 5, 2010.
Contact
Program Director, Fall 2010:
Prof. David Hoekema, Philosophy Department
616.526.6750
