Cameroon: Social Pluralism and Development

Coursework

Prerequisites:
Three recent semesters of college-level French or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in French, as assessed by SIT.

This program introduces students to a broad variety of issues related to Cameroon’s culture and development via an interdisciplinary format that includes lectures, seminars, meetings with experts and practitioners, hands-on learning, research projects, excursions, and homestay experiences.  The thematic seminar is taught in French and English, and intensive language study allows students to engage more fully with the community in Cameroon.  The Field Study Seminar addresses ethical and culturally appropriate research methodology, in preparation for the Independent Study Project (ISP).

The following syllabi are either from a recent session of this program or for an upcoming session. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Social Pluralism and Development Seminar - syllabus
(AFRS-3000 / 6 credits / 90 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course conducted primarily in French, with required readings, examining social, economic, and political development patterns in one of West Africa's most ethnically and geographically diverse countries. Resources utilized in the delivery of course content include the University of Dschang, the Center for Development and Research of Ngaoundéré, the University of Yaoundé, and MUFFA , a microfinance institution for women based in Yaoundé.

Intensive Language Study: French - syllabus
(FREN 2000 - 3000 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)
Emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing skills through classroom and field instruction. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in intensive intermediate or advanced classes, with additional language practice in homestays, lectures, and field visits. Students also receive basic oral instruction in Fulfulde while in Ngaoundéré.

Field Study Seminar - syllabus
(ANTH 3500 / 2 credits / 30 class hours)
A course in the concepts of learning across cultures and from field experience. Introduction to the Independent Study Project. Material includes cross-cultural adaptation and skills building; project selection and refinement; appropriate methodologies; field study ethics and the World Learning/SIT Human Subjects Review Policy; developing contacts and finding resources; developing skills in observation and interviewing; gathering, organizing, and communicating data; maintaining a field journal.

Independent Study Project - syllabus
(ISPR 3000 / 4 credits / 120 class hours)
Conducted in Yaoundé or in another approved location appropriate to the project in Cameroon. Sample topic areas: education in a Cameroonian village; traditional healing; bilingualism and the media; the makossa style of music; oral history of the Bamiléké people; a women’s village cooperative; influence of oil on Cameroonian economy and society.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research