DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Institution: Stellenbosch University
Term: Spring Quarter
Application Deadline: October 24, 2011
Language Requirement: None - all classes are taught in English
Academic Interests:
Political Science, Economics, Social Policy, Legal Studies, African Studies
Program Description:
This program is designed for students to explore the possibilities and challenges of South Africa’s transition from an apartheid past to a contemporary constitutional democracy. Students will be introduced to South African and regional economic development policies, democratization and political reform efforts, and human rights issues in an effort to understand the complexities of promoting development and income redistribution in South Africa in the face of widespread poverty and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
Through an extended visit to Johannesburg, organized excursions to governmental and non-governmental organizations in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, and visits to historical and cultural sites around the Cape region, students will have the opportunity to meet with diverse South African citizens, leaders, and change-makers and witness nation-building in action. Students will also spend a week at Kruger National Park to learn about development and health.
The program is based at Stellenbosch University, a top research university located in South Africa’s spectacular Western Cape. Courses are taught in English by Stellenbosch faculty.
Courses:
- Contemporary South African Politics (1 credit)
This course aims at helping students to develop a framework for analyzing South African politics. The course will briefly deal with the apartheid past and the transition to democracy, party politics at present, the politics of race, and the political economy of South Africa. Then, it will concentrate on four important policy issues – HIV/AIDS, gender equality, poverty, and social welfare. The course concludes with the question of whether South Africa can consolidate its democracy.
- South African Culture and Language (1 credit)
This class will introduce the diverse cultures and languages that exist in the Stellenbosch region and throughout South Africa. Learning about the country’s history, culture and language will give students a contextual basis for understanding other coursework as well as their relationships with South Africans at the university and in communities. As part of this course, students will connect with community-based organizations, where they will provide volunteer services as needed.
- The Political Economy of Africa and South Africa’s Development (1 credit)
This class introduces students to the political economy of development in Africa, with an emphasis and focus on the developmental state in South Africa. Current events and the future of South Africa’s government will also be discussed in order to identify the major economic achievements and challenges confronting the continent and to discuss future development scenarios.
- Constitutionalism and Transformation (1 credit)
The objective of this course is to study and reflect on the development and transformative outcomes of constitutional democracy in South Africa since 1994, when the first free and fair general elections were held. Through readings and case studies, students will learn about the formation of the new South African Constitution, the emergence of the constitutional state, the constitutionalization of socio-economic rights and values, and modern legal interpretations.
Program Costs:
2012 Program Fee: $13,500, includes tuition, program-related excursions, and housing. Students should also budget approximately $2,500 in fees (Study Abroad Administrative Fee and HTH insurance), about $1,750 for international airfare, and approximately $2,300 for academic and personal expenses, including meals, non-program transportation, personal travel, and miscellaneous expenses.
Students applying to this program are eligible to apply for select IPD Study Abroad Fellowships.
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Additional Links and Resources:
Contact:
Karey Fuhs
IPD Study Abroad Coordinator
847-467-6953
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