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
COMP 380H: Human-Centered Design in Cape Town: Ethics, Technology, and Social Impact (Fall 2025, 3 credits)
Professor: Kris Jordan
IDEAs in Action: FC-VALUES
This course introduces students to the principles of human-centered design and its role in fostering ethical innovation in global contexts. With a focus on Cape Town’s dynamic environment, students will engage with design challenges inspired by their internships, learning to apply techonologies like large language models to enhance communication, education, and social impact. The course emphasizes collaborative design processes, ethical and cultural awareness, and the critical evaluation of creative solutions. Students will leave with practical tools for designing with empathy and impact in diverse, interconnected settings.
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.
