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 390.02S: Race, Empire, and Resistance

Professor: Sarah Shields
Making Connections: Beyond North Atlantic (BN) and Historical Analysis (HS)
IDEAs in Action: FC-PAST, FC-GLOBAL

This course introduces students to the history of empire, the role of race in creating and sustaining it, and the ways that people have resisted the imposition of outsider control. It will also introduce you to the methods historians use to understand the past. By the end of the course, you will not only have learned about the history of race, imperialism, and resistance, but also developed the analytical skills you will need to present your ideas effectively and coherently.

HNRS 390.03S: Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Post Urbanism in South Africa: Reflections on Contemporary South Africa

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)

Connection: Experiential Education (EE)