South Africa: Multiculturalism and Social Change

Beginning Spring 2010, this program will be titled:

South Africa: Multiculturalism and Human Rights


Program Overview


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Focus on identity to explore the sociopolitical debates surrounding South Africa’s multicultural society as it strives for social reform and a sound economy. South Africa is truly a multicultural society, with 11 national languages and numerous ethnic groups. While South Africans have seen tremendous change since the first multiracial elections in 1994, they anticipate a long road before achieving the stated goal of equality.

Cape Town, the program base, was one of the first South African cities to voluntarily promote racial integration. In a typical semester, students complete four homestays —each providing the opportunity to meet and interact with South Africans from different geographic and ethnic backgrounds. The strong emphasis on the homestay as experiential learning complements lectures, discussions, field-based assignments, and excursions to provide a multidisciplinary analysis of the country.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research