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.

Cameroon is home to more than 200 ethnic groups and even more languages and dialects, and finding common ground for its national agendas poses an ongoing challenge. Famous for its folklore, art, and diverse environments, Cameroon is striving to preserve its cultural heritage and diversity in the face of globalization and pressing socioeconomic needs.

Against the backdrop of Cameroon's rich ethnic pluralism, students consider:

• 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 using Cameroon as a case study.
• 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.

Cameroon's hilly and verdant capital, Yaoundé, serves as the program base. Students have access to cultural activities, academic resources, and many of the international development organizations headquartered in the city. A two-week stay in the northern town of Ngaoundéré and excursions to western and coastal Cameroon give insight into how social change is manifested in different regions.

In-country resources and program partners generally include:

• University of Dschang
• Center for Development and Research of Ngaoundere
• University of Yaounde
• MUFFA microfinance institution for women

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research