South Africa

SOC291: SOCIAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

August 1–22, 2013 (to be finalized)
This three-week international experience is constructed to take advantage of the rich culture and history of South Africa. The focus of the experience will be on peace studies and reconciliation. The class will be limited to 10–12 students.

WHO MAY APPLY?
The seminar is open to students from ALL majors but is particularly appropriate for Sociology majors and students interested in issues of development and reconciliation. Maturity, discipline, and graciousness are absolute requirements in a cross-cultural context such as South Africa.

LOCATIONS

The seminar will focus upon Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa with a possible visit to Harare, Zimbabwe.

A typical day will include some combination of the following:

• Lectures with Professor Ivy George
• Guest lecturers from academics, civic and local ldeaders
• Visits to
• • historic sites
  • safari
  • churches
  • museums
  • historic caves
• Class discussions
• Course journals

Learning experiences will necessarily vary as the course travels.

APPLICATION

Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply. The coursework is particularly relevant to those studying sociology, social work, or psychology. 

• Contact Prof. Ivy George
• Complete an online application (link available to Gordon students only)
• Applications are due no later than February 22, 2013
• Print off the letter of reference form and provide to a Student Affairs staff member at Gordon who knows you well
• Submit a $30 application fee to the GEO.  (Application fee is non-refundable.)

All application materials are DUE BY February 22, 2013. Upon acceptance a $450 program deposit is due to confirm participation.

Request for Student Affairs Reference (PDF)

COURSE FORMAT

Spring Semester 2013, all students must participate in 5 sessions (March, April and May) in preparation for the time on-site.  On-campus work and on-the-ground work earns 4 credits. Sessions meet the weeks of:

• March 4th
• March 18th
• April 1st
• April 15th
• April 29th

All seminar participants must attend a required Safety and Security Meeting either April 29 or April 30.

CORE CREDIT

Students wishing to fulfill Global Understanding core through participation in the South Africa Seminar must:

• Participate in COR210/211 New Perspectives in Crossing Cultures 1 and 2 (0-credit). Lab fees apply as of Fall 2013.
• Register for COR210/211 on the online international seminar application

Pre-Departure: COR210 New Perspectives in Crossing Cultures 1 is a short seminar (a 1-day class in April). For students going studying internationally questions regarding the interpretation of cultural difference, ethnocentrism, and culture’s shaping of behaviour and values are not “academic” questions. They will soon be lived reality. This course equips students to reflect purposefully upon the theory and praxis of what it means to cross cultures.

Re-Entry: COR211 New Perspectives in Crossing Cultures 2 is a short class required upon return to campus (Friday-Saturday). This course equips students to ask the deeper questions of their global experience and reintegration, and take up the challenge of being a citizen-sojourner.

Contact GEO for further details.

COURSE REGISTRATION

Registration for international seminars is handled by the GEO. After accepted students have paid their deposit to the GEO, the GEO will send a list of the seminar participants to the Registrar’s office.

COSTS
Program costs of approximately $4,900 include (to be finalized fluctuation in costs possible due to airfare and exchange rate):

• Tuition
• Round trip airfare to and within South Africa
• Ground transportation
• Meals
• Accommodations
• Excursion fees
• Course materials

Students are strongly encouraged to see their financial aid counselor regarding arrangements for financial payment.