Kenya: Urbanization, Health and Human Rights

Coursework

The program consists of four different academic components: Swahili language study, a Development, Health, and Society Seminar (DHS), a Field Studies Seminar (FSS) and an Independent Study Project (ISP). The DHS consists of a module on Kenyan and East African Society and one module where each student chooses to follow the development or health track. The Field Study Seminar addresses culturally appropriate, ethical field methodology, in preparation for the Independent Study Project (ISP). Intensive language study bolsters student ability to interact in the community and to understand the culture more deeply.

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.

Health and Community Development Seminar - syllabus (PDF)
(AFRS 3000 / 6 credits / 90 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course conducted in English, with required readings, examining the social, political, and cultural underpinnings of development and health in Kenya. Resources utilized in the delivery of course content include the University of Nairobi and the National Museums of Kenya. The seminar covers a wide array of topics related to Kenyan health, development, culture, and society.

Intensive Language Study: Beginning Swahili - syllabus (PDF)
(SWAH 1000 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)
Emphasis on speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Students with no previous knowledge of Swahili are placed in intensive novice classes, with the possibility of advancement to the intermediate level with further language practice in and outside the homestays. Daily classes during the first two weeks of the urban homestay are followed by the rural Swahili community stay, which provides an opportunity for additional Swahili language practice.

Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Swahili - syllabus (PDF)
(SWAH 2000 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)
Emphasis on speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Based on an in-country evaluation that includes oral proficiency testing, students are placed in intensive intermediate classes, with additional language practice taking place through homestays, lectures, and field visits. Daily classes during the first two weeks of the urban homestay are followed by the rural Swahili community stay, which provides an opportunity for additional Swahili language practice.

Field Study Seminar - syllabus (PDF)
(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; field study ethics and the World Learning/SIT Human Subjects Review Policy; developing contacts and finding resources; field study methods; developing skills in observation and interviewing; gathering, organizing, and communicating data; maintaining a field journal; participatory evaluation and appraisal techniques.

Independent Study Project - syllabus
(ISPR 3000 / 4 credits / 120 class hours)
Conducted in Nairobi or in another approved location appropriate to the project within Kenya. Sample topics areas: rural women's cooperatives; Nairobi's informal economy; oral history of the Maasai; grassroots development programs; education in Nairobi; primary health care options in Nairobi; prenatal health care; family planning in rural Kenya; HIV/AIDS peer education; girls' education in Nairobi; nutrition and health programming in Kisumu.