South Africa: Democracy and Development

» General Information

Location:

Stellenbosch, South Africa (outside of Cape Town)

Description:

This program is designed to examine contemporary South Africa democracy, with all its possibilities and challenges. Courses will cover economic development policies, democratization, political reform and human rights issues in the post-apartheid era. Students will also learn about the challenges of development and income redistribution in the face of widespread poverty and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, as well as issues of reconciliation and education reform. Students will learn Xhosa, one of 12 of South Africa’s national languages, which is prominently spoken in the Western Cape. Organized excursions will take students to governmental and non-governmental organizations in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, and to historical sites of note around the Cape region. Students will also spend a week at Kruger National Park and conduct research projects on health and development.

Terms:

Spring Quarter: March 28-June 12, 2011

Sponsor:

Northwestern University Office of International Program Development (IPD) in partnership with Stellenbosch University

Website:

South Africa: Democracy and Development

Program Contact:

Karey Fuhs, IPD Study Abroad Coordinator, International Program Development Office Phone: 847-467-6953

» Related Links

» Other Programs in South Africa

Language Requirements

No language requirement; all courses taught in English.

Program Requirements

Cumulative GPA of 3.0

Academic Specialties

Political Science, Economics, Social Policy, Legal Studies, African Studies, Xhosa language.

Course Type

Program courses take place at Stellenbosch University. 

This is a Northwestern program offering a set curriculum, so students must enroll in the courses listed below:

  • The Political Economy of Africa and South Africa’s Development (1 credit)
  • Constitutionalism and Transformation in South Africa (1 credit)
  • Contemporary South African Politics (1 credit)
  • South African Culture and Language: Xhosa (1 credit)

Housing

Dormitories on campus. Single rooms with shared bathrooms and shared kitchen facilities.

Program Costs

Spring 2011 Program Fee: Please refer to the IPD Program website for Spring 2011 cost information.

Spring 2010 Program Fee: $12,696

  • Includes tuition, housing, excursions, class materials, and international airfare. Students are responsible for the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, health insurance, meals, and personal expenses.
  • This price may fluctuate slightly depending on final airline arrangements.  Students will be responsible for any additional charges incurred by flight requests that carry costs above those budgeted by the program.

Approximate Program Size

12-15 students

Application Requirements

Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
  1. IPD program application and interview with the IPD office.
  2. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in the program.