Ghana: Culture and Heritage in Ghana
May 31 – July 3, 2014 (Summer Session I)
This four-week program introduces students to African history, culture and contemporary issues. The country's ancient Ashanti culture, peaceful democratic atmosphere and steady economic growth make Ghana an ideal African country for American students to visit. The program explores trans-Atlantic history and culture, including the Atlantic slave trade, as well as issues surrounding pan-African identity, anti-colonial struggles and globalization and its manifestations in the art and literature of Ghana. The program begins in the capital city, Accra, where lectures and readings will be complemented by visits to cultural and historic sites such as the DuBois Center, the National Museum and the National Art Center. After an initial introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of Ghana, the participants will travel to Kumasi, the center of the Ashanti cultural region. There participants will immerse in the study and practice of Ghanaian culture through music and dance workshops and lectures with Ghanaian and Brooklyn College professors at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on subjects ranging from development economics, contemporary politics, gender studies and Ghanaian art history. Students will also participate in a four-day service-learning component based in a peri-urban village that will include hands-on teaching and learning activities. Visits to kente weaving and craft villages, as well as traditional Ashanti cultural events will highlight our stay in the Ashanti region. During the month abroad, students will travel to Cape Coast and visit the Kakum Canopy walk and coastal slave forts. Students will be accommodated in hostels on or near the university campuses. Individual research projects can be arranged.
This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, all majors. Applicants should have 30 college credits or more.
Program Dates
May 31 – July 3, 2014
Program Fee
$3,200 (includes international airfare, CISI health/travel insurance, program-related transportation in Ghana, excursions, housing, two meals per day, and all lectures and speakers)
Program Fee Payment Schedule:
- Nonrefundable Deposit Due: March 26, 2014 — $400
- First Payment Due: April 4, 2014 — $1,400
- Final Payment Due: May 1, 2014 — $1,400
Additional Costs
$615, plus Brooklyn College tuition. Non-tuition out-of-pocket costs include estimated costs for personal expenses, required vaccinations, visa, Internet/phone, laundry and out-of-pocket meals.
Courses and Credits
Undergraduates will register for six credits, and graduate students will register for three or more credits; all selecting from among the courses listed below. Final course offerings will be dependent on course enrollment.
- AFST 3225/THEA 2502 — Black Theater
- AFST 3290 — Special Topics in Literature, Culture, and the Arts
- AFST 7040X — Summer Seminar in Africa (graduate students only)
- CORC 3110 — Literature of the African Diaspora
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Financial aid may apply, and alternative loans are available. Scholarships that apply to this program are: SASA, Gilman, Tow and Furman, among others (see Scholarship Opportunities).
How to Apply
- Complete the IEGE Notification of Study Abroad/Brooklyn College Study Abroad Application (pdf) and submit via e-mail to the International Education and Global Engagement office, or in person at the IEGE office, 1108 Boylan Hall.
- Contact the program director to express your interest in joining the program.
Application Deadline
Monday, March 17, 2014 Deadline extended to Friday, March 28, 2014
More Information
Dale Byam (Program Director)
Department of Africana Studies
3105 James Hall
P: 718.951.5597
International Education and Global Engagement
1108 Boylan Hall
P: 718.951.5189
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Please read and understand the IEGE Cancellation and Refund Policies Information and note that a participant wishing to cancel their program participation must send written notification to IEGE to officially withdraw. Program withdrawal will be official from the time and date that the written communication was received by IEGE.
Please note that all information listed above is subject to change.
