Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa; Cape Town, South Africa

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Winter Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

This course will examine South Africa or the "Rainbow Nation", called so because of the many cultures and histories that have come together to create this vibrant democracy. However, South Africa did not always embrace the many colors of its rainbow. Social movements have played an important part in the country’s history and new and emerging political parties are using rhetoric in surprising and skillful ways to frame their arguments. It is not possible to truly understand the current arguments and struggles without looking at South Africa’s past and those who are still living with the repercussions. To help us achieve this understanding we will explore the monuments to the Afrikaans settlers in Pretoria, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and neighborhoods where residents were forcibly removed during Apartheid.  We will also visit current vibrant neighborhoods like Maboneng (place of light) in Johannesburg, where all of the businesses are locally owned and operated. We will tour Khayelitsha township in Cape Town with “Mama Africa” and attend church with local residents. Students will be able to ask questions and have local food throughout the program. Also, while in Cape Town we will experience some of the nature that South Africa has to offer and students can better understand why this part of Africa was sought after by first the Dutch and then the British. The program will offer the students a complex view of South Africa as not only the Rainbow Nation, but also a nation of extremes and complexities.

Credits Offered:

Undergraduate:

• English (ENGH) 488: Topics in Writing and Rhetoric* 
• Conflict Analysis (CONF) 397: Study Abroad Special Topics
• Honors (HNRS) 131: Contemporary Society in Multiple Perspectives
• Integrative Studies (INTS) 399: Study Abroad

*Students seeking ENGH 488 credits must have complete the following prerequisites: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

This program is open to all undergraduate students including students who do not attend George Mason University.

 

Cost:

Program Cost (Winter 2018): $4473 Included: Tuition (3 credits) Guided tours Cultural excursions Some meals (breakfast daily and additional meals as outlined below) Round-trip airfare from Johannesburg to Cape Town Pre-Departure Orientation International Emergency Insurance Not Included: Round-trip airfare Other transportation Personal spending Some meals Recommended or required medications and vaccinations

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes