South Africa Human Rights and Peace Building

More Information

Locations

South Africa is a nation of many wonders. It sits between the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic Ocean, which creates a tempestuous climate. It hosts the world’s second most diverse plant kingdom, and is home to the elephant, giraffe, lion and hundreds of species of birds. Part jungle, part desert, South Africa is a land of many contrasts. Its people are equally diverse. Influences of the ancient San and Khoi people continue to shape modern urban centers. A post-colonial society, South Africa recently came through the destructive Apartheid years—an oppressive government that forced ethnic groups to live separately from each. Nelson Mandela became an international symbol of freedom as he led the country into independence after centuries of imperialism and subjugation.

The ASU summer academic program is based in the city of Cape Town—at the tip of Africa. Since independence in 1994, South Africa has become a focal point of field based academic programs for dozens of universities and colleges. The nation is young and serves as a laboratory for democracy, social transformation, peace-building, sustainable community development and civic responsibility.

Eligibility

 

This program is open to students who are motivated to learn about peace building and social healing from a nation that has recently gone through a peaceful transition from a minority dictatorship to a pluralistic democracy. Students will learn about South Africa from South Africans. They will be challenged to navigate through the conflicting perceptions South Africans have about their past, present and future. Readings, group discussions, field trips and lectures will establish a theoretical framework for justice and peace. A portion of assigned reading and reflection will be done prior to departure. Group process and field trips are central to the learning approach and students will need to be active participants in discussion, reflection and dialogue. Students will also participate in sessions at the University of Cape Town with former Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and will participate in practical dialogue workshops that develop peace building capacities.

Field trips include excursions to remote archeological sites of ancient Rock Art, environmental preserves, national heritage sites and communities that suffered from social injustice under the former government. Regular, rigorous out door hikes through mountains and coastal regions are included in the first two weeks of the program.

All students are required to attend four orientation sessions in the Spring. Applications and a $275 (non-refundable) deposit are due by February 5, 2008. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. All applicants are interviewed to determine compatibility with the program.

Academic Program

Each academic class is worth 3 Credits. Students register for both courses.

Living Accommodations

For the first two weeks of the program students will live together in a guest house or retreat center. The setting is dorm style with full access to urban amenities. During the third and fourth weeks of the program, students live in homes (matched up with another student) in Khayelitsha. This setting, near Cape Town, is a community of poverty that is struggling to overcome the inequities of the former Apartheid government. Accommodations are sparse and serve as a growth challenge for students who have not directly encountered or experienced poverty. The final days of the capstone week are spent on a remote environmental preserve along the coast line.

Cost Information

The cost of $2,900 (subject to possible change) includes: all housing, meals, local transportation, excursions, workshops, arranged recreation and organized cultural events. Not included: ASU tuition and fees for 6 credit hours, airfare to and from Cape Town, medical, personal recreation/travel, and personal incidentals.

The Program may allow for time which can be spent in non-Program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

Director(s)

Teri Murphy
Intergroup Relations Center
Arizona State University
Box 851512
Tempe, AZ 85287-1512
Ph: (480) 965-1574
Fax: (480) 965-1347
Teri.Murphy@asu.edu