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 2009 program cost is $17,150. That cost includes:
- 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).
| STGH 209: Religion, Family Life, and Human Services in Ghana and West Africa | |
| This course is designed to examine the role of religion, family life, and government and non-governmental organizations in addressing basic human needs in Ghana and West Africa. Particular emphasis is given to how Christianity and aspects of African primal religion and worldview influence these institutions and helping processes. Students will take part in home stays with Ghanaian families and participate in service learning activities at human service programs and schools, working directly with program recipients. | 3 semester hours, fulfills Persons in Community core |
| 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 has been extended to April 15, 2009.
Contact
Program Director Fall 2009:
Prof. Beryl Hugen, Sociology and Social Work
616.526.6716
