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

Political, Social and Natural History of Southern Africa
 

May 21 - June 27, 2008

Travel Dates June 9-June 27, 2008

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2008!

 Take a look at Dr. Ungar's photos from the 2006 trip to the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Swaziland, the Kruger National Park, and the Cradle of Mankind.

Program Description

Course Offerings

Faculty

Accomodations

Program Costs

Payment Schedule

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Eligibility

Deadline

Further Information

How to Apply

Program Description

 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 Swaziland and KwaZulu Natal, from the battlefields of Shaka Zulu to the sites of non-violent civil disobedience by Mahatma Gandhi in Durban.  Finally, we will explore Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, touring Robbin Island with an ex-political prisoner, 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 &ANTH 3433 Topics in Anthropology and Human Evolution

ANTH 4486 Individual Study in Anthropology

HUMN 3923H & ENGL 3923H Humanities and English Colloquium

ENGL 3903 & HUMN 4253 Special Topics in English and Humanities Colloquium

HUMN 4256 Humanities Colloquium

Faculty

Charles Adams, cadams@uark.edu, Professor of English and Associate Dean of Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, University of Arkansas

Peter Ungar,pungar@uark.edu, Professor 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 luxury safari tents in the Cradle Wildlife Reserve to standard American-style chain hotels in 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:  $5100 + UA Tuition*

UA Tuition:  $918.06 (6 credit hours undergraduate), $1,619.94 (6 credit hours graduate).

*Tuition discounts are not allowed.

Program fee includes airfare between Fayetteville and South Africa, 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, 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

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2008!  A deposit is required upon acceptance into 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 Professor 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 to http://www.uark.edu/~arsc/students/SAfrica.html 

How to Apply

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: 9/19/07