Rhodes University, South Africa, Joint Program
The Washington College/Rhodes University Spring Semester in South Africa (early-February to mid-June) provides the opportunity for students to attend Rhodes University, one of South Africa's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. Rhodes is located in Grahamstown, an historic city located in the Eastern Cape, within an hour of some of the country's most beautiful beaches.
With its rich political, cultural, and historical legacies, South Africa provides an excellent context for students to learn about the challenges of economic development, cultural pluralism, and democratization. Qualified students from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and academic majors will benefit from the program's interdisciplinary focus. Rhodes currently enrolls more than 4,500 students at its Grahamstown campus, studying in 38 departments spread over eight faculties—Humanities, Science, Law, Education, Social Science, Divinity, Commerce, and Pharmacy.
Faculty
Dr. Etienne Nel of the Rhodes University Department of Geography is the Resident Director for the program. Dr. Nel will coordinate the interdisciplinary seminar and field trips required of all participants, conduct orientation sessions, and advise students during their stay at Rhodes. All classes will be taught by regular Rhodes faculty.
Requirements
All qualified sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply for the Spring Semester in South Africa. Applicants should have a strong academic record (recommended 3.0 or above); demonstrate evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation; and possess the ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment.
Living Arrangements and Co-Curricular Activities
Rhodes University will provide housing on its campus grounds. Students will be housed in single rooms in one of Rhodes' 35 residences or "houses" (dorms). Each residence is equipped with its own dining hall, washer/dryer, TV, lounge area, and is located within easy walking distance of Grahamstown's commercial center. Program participants will have full access to campus library, computing, and athletic facilities, as well as the opportunity to become involved in student clubs, societies, and committees.
Curriculum
In addition to a required interdisciplinary course on South Africa and the Eastern Cape, program participants will be required to register for the equivalent of three semester-long Rhodes University courses that feature African or South African content. Courses are available in African language (Xhosa), Anthropology, Drama, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology. A student may be permitted to pursue a course not included in the recommended listing with the permission of the program adviser and the student's academic adviser. A student will not normally be permitted to pursue more than one course that is not among those listed in the recommended course listing.
- Anthropology 105: Anthropology I
- Anthropology 305: Anthropology II
- Anthropology 405: Anthropology III
- Drama 210: Non-literary Traditions in South African Theatre
- Drama 211: Theatre and Society
- Economics 112: Microeconomics
- Economics 211: Intermediate Microeconomics
- Economics 228: Development Economics
- Economics 238: South African Economy
- Economics 422: International Economics
- English 322: English in Africa: West African Literature
- English 323: English in Africa: East and Southern African Literature
- Environmental Studies 292: Natural Systems, Processes, Resources and Management
- Environmental Studies 392: People in the Environment
- History 372: Introduction to African and South African History
- History 373: South African History in the 19th and 20th Centuries
- History 374: Race, Class, Nationalism and Ethnicity in 20th Century South Africa
- International Studies 392: Seminar on South Africa and the Eastern Cape (Note: This course is required of all participants in the Washington College/Rhodes University Semester in South Africa.)
- Political Science 302: International Politics
- Political Science 304: South African Politics and Government
- Political Science 306: Government and Politics in Africa
- Political Science 308: International Relations
- Sociology 101: Introduction to Sociology
- Sociology 201: Intermediate Sociology
- Sociology 259: Industrial Sociology
Cost
Students will be required to pay current Washington College tuition for the semester. Financial aid packages can be applied to this program. In addition, there is a Program (varies each year) to cover the cost of room and meals; student activities and class handouts; international travel between the United States point of departure and South Africa; and all administrative costs associated with the program. Miscellaneous expenses such as local or long distance transportation while in South Africa (except for field trips associated with the required seminar), health insurance, books, passport and visa, and personal expenses are the responsibility of the student.
Approximate Semester Dates
Spring Semester: Early February to late-June