South Africa: Social and Political Transformation

Coursework

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research

In this interdisciplinary program, lectures and discussions in the Social and Political Transformation seminar aim to provide students with a solid grasp of the historical background of South Africa's apartheid system, contemporary developments leading to the dismantling of that system, the visions for post-apartheid South Africa, the political, economic and social structure of the future South Africa, and an anthropological and cultural look at South African society. A central premise of the seminar is the interconnected nature of issues of reconciliation and development in South Africa; it is difficult to analyze one without considering its relationship to the other.The Field Study Seminar addresses culturally appropriate, ethical field methodologies, in preparation for the Independent Study Project (ISP). Zulu study opens windows into the cultural base and theme of the program.

The following syllabi are from a recent semester of this program. 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 and Political Transformation Seminar - syllabus
(AFRS 3000 / 8 credits / 120 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course conducted in English, with required readings, examining the historical background of South Africa’s apartheid system; contemporary developments leading to the dismantling of that system; visions for post-apartheid South Africa; and the political, economic, and social structure of a future South Africa.

Introductory Language Study: Zulu - syllabus
(ZULU 1000 / 2 credits / 30 class hours)
Emphasis on beginning speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction, complemented by discussions of Zulu history and culture.

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; 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 (PDF)
(ISPR 3000 / 4 credits / 120 class hours)
Conducted in Durban or in another approved location appropriate to the project. Students may choose to complete either an Independent Study Project or a practicum paper resulting from an internship with an affiliate organization working in social and/or political transformation. Sample topic areas: AIDS in South Africa; peace efforts in KwaZulu-Natal; democracy as seen by South Africans; education policy reform and implementation; the prison system in South Africa; prenatal and primary health care; independent churches and religion; trade unions and the ANC alliance; township jazz and political resistance; land reform; Zulu traditional healing and Western medicine; Afrikaner identity.