Presented by: J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

Political, Social and Natural History of Southern Africa

May 19 - June 24, 2009

Travel Dates: June 9-June 24, 2009

2009 Program Application & Flyer

Program Description and Photos

Course Offerings

Faculty

Accomodations

Program Costs

Payment Schedule

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Eligibility

Deadline

Further Information

How to Apply

Program Description and Photos

Take a look at Dr. Ungar's photos of people and wildlife from the summer '08 trip, as well as the photos, and more photos, from the summer '07 trip.

 The Republic of South Africa is a land of contrasts, from the breathtaking Drakensburg Mountains to the unspoiled beaches of KwaZulu Natal and the Cape Peninsula; from the rich biodiversity of the lowveld game parks to the stark beauty of the Kalahari.   This nation boasts some of the most progressive social programs in the world, yet a small minority of the population controls the vast majority of its rich resources.  The opulence of Sun City is unparalleled on the continent, yet the poverty of Soweto seems hopeless.  South Africa created the oppressive and contemptible apartheid system of racial discrimination, yet has also given us champions of human rights, such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.  South Africa is an awesome place, and no one who visits leaves untouched. This program will present students with an introduction to this unique nation.  We will take a holistic approach to understanding the social, political and natural factors responsible for this land of contrasts.  In the backdrop of all this is the Cradle of Humankind, and the pristine natural ecosystems of the Kruger.  An appreciation of these will help students understand better the natural world and our place in it.

This program will combine classroom instruction with a tour of South Africa.  The first part of the course will entail two and one half weeks of classroom instruction at the University of Arkansas.  Charles Adams will lecture on the social and political history of South Africa from initial European colonization to the post-apartheid government.  Peter Ungar will lecture on the natural history of the country, from the fossil record of human evolution to ecology of large mammals found in its natural reserves today.  This instruction will be followed by a two and one half week trip to South Africa, experiencing its cultures, wildlife and landscape.  We will visit the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, and stroll the same paths that early human ancestors walked millions of years ago.  We will take a three day photosafari, studying the ecology of large mammals in the jewel of African game parks, the Kruger.  We will visit important cultural and historical sites in KwaZulu-Natal, including important battlefields from the Zulu-Boer, Anglo-Zulu, and Anglo-Boer wars.  Finally, we will explore Cape Townand the Cape Peninsula, the penguin colony at Simons Town, and the Cape of Good Hope at the “bottom” of the Old World. 

Course Offerings/Descriptions

6 hours from the following

ANTH 3903 Topics in Anthropology and Human Evolution

ANTH 3923H Topics in Anthropology and Human Evolution

HUMN 3923H Special Topics in Humanities Colloquium

HUMN 425V Special Topics in Humanities Colloquium

Faculty

Charles Adams, mailto:cadams@uarkedu, Professor of English and Associate Dean of Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, University of Arkansas

Peter Ungar,pungar@uark.edu, Professor and Chairman of Anthropology, University of Arkansas

Safari Outfitter (through Durban): 

Graham Ewing, African Safaris Unlimited

Accommodations

Accommodations will be provided in South Africa.  These will vary from primitive camping (i.e. no running water or heat) in safari tents in the Cradle Wildlife Reserve, to safari tents in campgrounds offering full amenities in Kruger, to resort lodges at Lesheba and Zinkwazi, to hotels in Dundee and Cape Town.

Most meals will be provided, and you can expect a memorable culinary experience.  Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced notice.

Program Costs

Program Fee:  $3,300 + Airfare (est. $2,000) + UA Tuition*

*Tuition discounts are not allowed.

Program fee includes accommodations in South Africa, transportation in South Africa, admissions and fees for scheduled tours and game reserves, and most meals.  We will coordinate the transatlantic trips and secure a group rate if possible.

Program fee does not include UA tuition, airfare between Fayetteville and South Africa, expenses in the United States, accommodations in transit if necessary, or incidentals.  You must have a valid US passport with at least one blank page to visit South Africa.

Payment Schedule TBA

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Financial aid and scholarships are available to UA students.  Visiting students must apply for financial aid through their home university.  Honors students should apply for study abroad grants through the UA Honors College.  Contact the UA Office of Study Abroad for applications and deadlines or visit the Honors website.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 24 hours by the beginning of the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or better.  One academic recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor is also required.

Deadline

Enrollment in the program is limited to 20 participants, and the deadline for registration is January 15, 2009.  Applications will be considered after this date on a space available basis.  A deposit is required upon acceptance to the program.

Further Information

For assistance with applications, costs, travel arrangements, etc., contact:

Laura Moix
UA Faculty Led Short Term Programs
Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange
lmoix@uark.edu 
479-575-7582

For additional  information about courses or program content, contact:

Dr. Charles Adams or Dr. Peter Ungar
MAIN 425
575-3711 or 575-6361
or by e-mail at cadams@uark.edu or pungar@uark.edu

For additional information, go tohttp://www.uark.edu/%7Earsc/students/SAfrica.html 

How to Apply

Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad, 722 W. Maple, Fayetteville, AR 72701 or by clicking on the links at the top of the page

The University of Arkansas reserves the right to alter program costs or content, or to cancel the program should extraordinary circumstances require it.

Last Updated: 09/26/08