Cameroon: Social Pluralism and Development

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Examine social, economic, and political development patterns in one of West Africa's most ethnically and geographically diverse countries.

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Home to more than 200 ethnic groups and even more local languages and dialects, Cameroon faces the challenge of finding common ground for its national agenda. Famous for its folklore, art, and natural environment, Cameroonians are striving hard to preserve their cultural heritage and diversity in the face of globalization and the country’s socioeconomic needs.
Against the backdrop of Cameroon's rich ethnic pluralism, the program explores:

• Cameroonian history including Cameroon before colonization; German, French, and British colonization; the fight for independence; the impact that colonization has had on Cameroonian society today
• Development theories and approaches in the specific context of Cameroon
• Gender including the role and place of women and men in Cameroonian society; contemporary gender roles and existing gaps between modern and traditional roles
• Minorities including the "place" of the Anglophone in Cameroon and prejudices against Anglophones; culture and traditions of the Pygmies
• Art, tradition, and cultural expression including history and traditional ceremonies of the Bamilékés and traditional structures like the Chefferies
• Islam and traditional power in the Grand North including examining the interaction of traditional authorities, political power, and modernity

The program is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon's political capital. Students have access to cultural activities, academic resources, and many of the international development organizations headquartered in the city. 

The program also spends extensive time in other regions of Cameroon. A two-week stay in the northern town of Ngaoundéré and excursions to western and coastal Cameroon give students insight into how social change is manifested in different regions.  Learn more about the program’s excursions.

In-country resources and program partners typically include:

• University of Dschang
• Centre for Development and Research of Ngaoundéré
• University of Ngaoundéré
• Cercle Socio, anthropologique, histoire, et psycho of the University of Yaoundé I
• Unity Cooperative Society (UNICS), Microfinance Institution
• Peace Corps Cameroon
• OPED (Organization for Environment and Sustainable Development)

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research