Nation Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind

Fall Semester: mid-August through early December

OR

Spring Semester: mid-January through early May

Namibia and South Africa provide a rich context in which to explore the them of nation-building. as these two countries demonstrate that the transition to independence is both a beautiful and painful  process. Students learn about historical and present-day challenges in creating national identity,  an inclusive multi-party democracy, and a model for development.  Studying Namibia and South Africa’s model and approach to such issues provides a useful context for understanding globalization and nation-building struggles throughout the world. Gain hands-on work experience in a development agency. Earn credit in Political Science, Religion, Interdisciplinary Studies, or History.

Location

Namibia and South Africa’s emergence from a long history of genocide, colonization, and oppression sets the stage for nation-building and development today.

This program is based in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, a modern city of 200,000 located in the geographical center of the country. The city reflects the German colonial influence and the impact of apartheid and South African occupation, as well as the presence of 11 different ethnic groups. The program also spends several days in South Africa during short-term travel seminars.

Learn About

• The process of building a nation and identity amidst challenges such as underdevelopment, extreme inequality, and painful racial and colonial legacies
• The impact of gender, race, culture, and identity on democratic processes, human rights issues, and social and economic advancement today

Course Offerings

• Political and Social Change in Southern Africa (Political Science 353)
• Racism and Resistance in Southern Africa and the U.S. (History 327)
• The Development Process in Southern Africa (Interdisciplinary Studies 312)
• Religion and Social Change in Southern Africa (Religion 346)
• Lifetime Fitness – Yoga
• An internship or independent study for credit

Engaging Conversations

Students will meet with members of the African National Congress and opposition parties, church leaders, feminists, human rights activists, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) representatives, and students and professors from the University of Namibia.

Regional Travel

• An orientation in Johannesburg, South Africa to visit various sites of resistance and to meet with activists involved in the liberation struggle and current social justice issues
• A seminar in Cape Town to learn about the history of slavery, the formation of coloured identity, and the unique challenges facing the city today
• A trip to the Atlantic Coast to learn about Namibia’s role in international trade and the impacts of foreign investment
• Excursions to rural Namibia to learn about Community Based Natural Resource Management as well as other income-generating projects created for rural Namibians

Housing and Homestay

Students will live in the CGE study center in Windhoek, Namibia. The program also includes a weekend homestay in Soweto Township, South Africa, a week-long homestay in an urban household in Windhoek, and a homestay in rural Namibia.

Application Deadlines

Early application is encouraged to ensure a place in this competitive and selective program. Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. Deadlines are October 15 (spring term) and April 1 (fall term).

Student Blog

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