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The Political,
Social and Natural History of South Africa |
Application Form
| Office of Study Abroad
| Fulbright College | Anthropology
Department | English
Department
For more information, contact Professor Peter
Ungar or Associate Dean Charles
Adams.
Program Description: The Republic of South Africa
is a land of contrasts, from the breathtaking Drakensburg Mountains
to the unspoiled beaches of KwaZulu Natal and the Cape Peninsula;
from the rich biodiversity of the lowveld game parks to the stark
beauty of the Kalahari. This nation boasts some of the most progressive
social programs in the world, yet a small minority of the population
controls the vast majority of its rich resources. The opulence of
Sun City is unparalleled on the continent, yet the poverty of Soweto
seems hopeless. South Africa created the oppressive and contemptible
apartheid system of racial discrimination, yet has also given us champions
of human rights, such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
South Africa is an awesome place, and no one who visits leaves untouched.
This program will present students with an introduction to this unique
nation. We will take a holistic approach to understanding the social,
political and natural factors responsible for this land of contrasts.
In the backdrop of all this is the Cradle of Humankind, and the pristine
natural ecosystems of the Kruger. An appreciation of these will help
students understand better the natural world and our place in it.
Details: This program will combine classroom instruction
with a tour of South Africa. The first part of the course will entail
two and one half weeks of classroom instruction at the University
of Arkansas. Charles Adams will lecture on the social and political
history of South Africa from initial European colonization to the
post-apartheid government. Peter Ungar will lecture on the natural
history of the country, from the fossil record of human evolution
to ecology of large mammals found in its natural reserves today. This
instruction will be followed by a two and one half week trip to South
Africa, experiencing its cultures, wildlife and landscape. We will
visit the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, and stroll the same paths
that early human ancestors walked millions of years ago. We will take
a three-day photosafari, studying the ecology of large mammals in
the jewel of African game parks, the Kruger. We will visit important
cultural and historical sites in Swaziland and KwaZulu Natal, from
the battlefields of Shaka Zulu to the sites of non-violent civil disobedience
by Mahatma Gandhi in Durban. Finally, we will explore Cape Town and
the Cape Peninsula, touring Robbin Island with an ex-political prisoner,
the penguin colony at Simons Town, and the Cape of Good Hope at the
“bottom” of the Old World.
Course offerings (choose six hours from the following):
ANTH
3996H: Anthropology Honors Course
ANTH 3903 &ANTH 3433: Topics in Anthropology and Human Evolution
ANTH 4486: Individual Study in Anthropology
HUMN 3923H & ENGL 3923H: Humanities and English Colloquium
ENGL 3903 & HUMN 4253: Special Topics in English and Humanities
Colloquium
HUMN 4256: Humanities Colloquium
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Dr. Ungar discovers a hippo bone.
Dr.
Adams in the Cradle of Humankind. |
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Safari Outfitters: Graham and Debbie Ewing,
African Safaris Unlimited |
For program fees and dates in 2008, visit the Study Abroad
web site.
Accommodations:
Accommodations will be provided in South Africa. These will vary
from safari tents in the Cradle Wildlife Reserve to guesthouses
or standard American-style chain hotels in Durban and Cape Town.
Many meals will be provided, and you can expect a memorable culinary
experience. Specials dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced
notice.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Financial aid and scholarships are available to UA students. Honors
College students should apply for study abroad grants through the
UA Honors College. Contact the UA Office of Study Abroad for applications
and deadlines.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 24 hours by the beginning
of the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or better. One academic
recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor is also
required.
Applications and Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2008 or until the
program fills, whichever comes first. Students are encouraged
to apply early. A non-refundable deposit of $200 will be required
upon acceptance to the program.
Get your application form here!
Highlights: Below find photos of some of the places
we’ll be visiting (taken by Professor Ungar in June, 2005). If
you would like to view photographs from the summer 2006 study abroad
tour, visit these galleries online at Facebook:
Album
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Album
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Album
3
Album
4
Album
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Kruger National Park
The UNESCO World Heritage Site (Cradle of Humankind)
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Cape Town
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