Race, Class, and Community Development in the New South Africa

Program Overview

During the apartheid era, black South Africans were systematically denied access to basic economic resources and political representation. This changed dramatically in 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected as the first democratic president of a non-racial 'New' South Africa, marking the end of 500 years of colonial rule on the African continent and ushering in an era of new hope and opportunity for historically disadvantaged populations in the country. Since that time, South Africa has undergone a dramatic period of economic and political restructuring, with dynamic new development processes being pursued at all scales, from the community to the nation and beyond.

This course examines processes of community and regional development in the post-apartheid period in South Africa. Based in the multi-cultural city of Durban on the Indian Ocean, this course examines both urban and rural community development challenges and opportunities, with a particular focus on issues of racial justice and sustainability. Developed in collaboration with the Community Development program at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the course is very hands-on. Working closely with local non-governmental organizations and government development initiatives, students will have the opportunity to engage first-hand in development initiatives and residents of historically disadvantaged communities. The course also includes extended field visits to development projects in an around the isiMangaliso (St. Lucia) Wetlands Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mkhuze Game Reserve, and the Drakensberg Mountains.

Courses

Courses TBA