Academics
Get introduced to South Africa’s rich and complex history through courses that are grounded in the experience of living and learning in a dynamic society in transition.
Students often find that by the end of the semester, the combination of academic course work and internships in Cape Town’s diverse communities have enabled them to become participants rather than observers in the new South Africa.
Courses
HNRS 390: Natural History, Human History, and the Conservation of Sub-Saharan Africa’s Biodiversity (Fall 2024, 3 credits)
Professor: Todd Vision
Making Connections: Beyond North Atlantic (BN) and Historical Analysis (HS)
IDEAs in Action: FC-GLOBAL or FC-NATSCI (pending review)
This course introduces students to the natural history of sub-Saharan Africa, the ways its biological resources shape and are shaped by human affairs, and how the region serves as a lens to view issues in conservation that are globally relevant. It will also introduce you to some of the tools of conservation science, and how knowledge from this multidisciplinary field is used in the management and policy sectors. By the end of the course, it is my hpe that you will have an appreciation for the biological heritage of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as honed your skills for analyzing and evaluating solutions to complex problems in conservation and sustainability.
HNRS 390: Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Post Urbanism in South Africa: Reflections on Contemporary South Africa (3 credits)
Professor: Rike Sitas
Making Connections: World Beyond the North Atlantic (BN) and Social Science (SS)
IDEAs in Action: FC-Power
As the world transitions to an irreparable urban future, its focal point has moved into the global South cities of Asia and Africa, which combined will account for 86% of all growth in the world’s urban population over the next four decades. This unprecedented increase will be detrimental to socio-economic and environmental urban development. Thus, this course will aid students to have a comprehensive understanding of postcolonial urbanism in the South African context which cannot be understood with 20th century concepts and epistemologies. Through a combination of guided learning in small group seminars, experimentation in various spaces of urban practice and independent assignments and presentations, the programme provides a truly unique opportunity to ground students in the realities, theories, and practice of cities of South Africa.
HNRS 393: Internship (6 Credits)
Making Connections: Experiential Education (EE)
IDEAs in Action: HI-INTERN
The internship component of the Honors Semester in Cape Town is designed to provide participants with valuable educational experiences in a cross-cultural context and contribute to the social well-being of Cape Town and South Africa. Internship placements combined with academic coursework allow students to engage more actively with South African society and make connections between theory and practice. On this program, you will work four days a week with a non-government or government agency that best suits your interests and skills. Internships are available but not limited to the following fields: Public Health, Education, Children’s Rights, Public Policy, Conflict Resolution, Legal Advocacy, and Human Rights, Development Agencies, Media and Journalism, Environmental Conservation and Ecology, City Planning, Gender-based Programs, the Arts, and more. Placements are based on students’ interests, career goals, previous coursework, and skills.
HNRS 388: Reflective Practice (2 credits)
Professor: Juanitill Pettus
A semester-long program of reflection, skills development activities and peer-to-peer learning designed to enhance the student’s experience in South Africa and help them to integrate it into their broader future goals and development.
