Program Overview
This program studies cultural issues, history, and challenges to development in West Africa, particularly in Ghana. Using field trips, classroom discussions, and hands-on activities, we will focus on the history and culture of the Asante and Akan-speaking peoples of Ghana, the Atlantic slave trade, colonialism, Pan-Africanism, and current debates about development in Africa. Students will be based in Accra, but also visit additional cities and locations in Ghana every week, including Cape Coast, Bonwire, Kumasi, Abiriw, Akosombo, Mampong, and Obuasi. There will be visits to local markets, educational institutions, ecotourism sites, historic monuments, and development projects in Ghana. Students will have many opportunities to interact with Ghanaians by participating in a variety of cultural activities.
Click here to listen to the Podcast of the 2008 info session
Courses
AAS 190. Topics in African and African-Diaspora Studies (4 units)
Lecture/discussion—3 hours; term paper. Prerequisite: upper division standing in African American and African Studies or consent of instructor. Intensive treatment of a special topic or problem in African or African Diaspora Studies. May be repeated once for credit when topic differs.
AND
AAS 198. Directed Group Study (4 units). P/NP Grading only.