Temple in Ghana

July 7 - August 13, 2010

Deadline: February 22, 2010

 

The Program

The program is intended to investigate aspects of the historical, literary and artistic bases of West African civilization. It offers a special opportunity for all students interested in classical and contemporary African history, politics, literature, music, dance and theater to learn about these subjects through academic study and personal cultural experiences. The program is based at the University of Ghana, Legon-Accra.

The courses are taught by Dr. Abu Shardow Abarry, Associate Professor of African American Studies at Temple University, and coordinated by Dr. Emmanuel Quarcoo, professor of English at the University of Ghana. Courses are supplemented by lectures given by faculty members from the University of Ghana in Legon, the University of Cape Coast and the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. These three Ghanaian universities are among the most reputable higher education institutions in West Africa.

 

The Courses

Undergraduates enroll in two courses, African American Studies 4115: African Aesthetics (3 cr) and African American Studies 2100: African Civilization (3 cr), for a total of six credits.

Graduate students enroll in two courses, African American Studies 8007: African Aesthetics (3 cr) and African American Studies 8002: African Civilization (3 cr), for a total of six credits.

The first course, African Aesthetics, seeks to explore the philosophical, cultural and aesthetic expressions of African peoples on the continent, and their impact on the communities and artistic expressions of Africans in the United States and the Caribbean. Readings from textbooks are augmented with lectures, observation and participation in traditional and contemporary theater and other artistic performances such as oratory, singing, music and dance, as well as the arts and crafts of kente cloth weaving, carving and batik.

The second course, African Civilization, provides an intensive investigation of the origins of several major African civilizations from ancient to contemporary times. Emphasis is placed on the medieval empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhai, the transatlantic slave trade, the colonial impact, independence and contemporary Ghana.

Students who have already taken these courses or have special needs due to their major/disciplinary requirements may discuss the possibility of an independent study with the program director.

 

Application and Eligibility

In addition to completing an application form, students are required to submit transcripts for all college/university work completed to date, an academic reference from a faculty member, and a one or two page typed statement describing your expectations and interests regarding the Ghana program, and specifying what you ultimately hope to gain from your study abroad experience. Non-Temple students must also submit the home college approval form and a non-refundable application fee.

Early application is encouraged; applications are considered on a rolling-admissions basis. When possible, candidates are interviewed; telephone interviews are conducted for those who cannot be interviewed personally. Participants must have a minimum cumulative g.p.a. of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and may not be on academic nor disciplinary probation. Although not essential, experience of Africa-related subject matter is desirable. Students will be selected mainly on the basis of their intellectual purpose and emotional maturity.

Successful candidates will be notified by mid-March. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required for all admitted students in order to reserve their place but the amount will be credited toward the final cost of the program. Students with questions about financial aid should contact the financial aid office at their home institutions.

 

For Application and more information please visit International Programs Ghana Page

 

For further information, contact:

Dr. Abu Abarry
Department of African-American Studies
Temple University
tel: 215-204-8496

abu.abarry@temple.edu or

International Programs
Temple University
200 Tuttleman Learning Center
Philadelphia, PA 19122
tel: 215-204-0720
study.abroad@temple.edu