For Students

African Drumming Ensemble

The UNC Asheville Drum Ensemble started as a lab for the first-year ILS introductory course, Introduction to Contemporary Africana Music (AFST 179).  This group has existed for just over seven weeks, during which time they have performed at many functions, including Gear Up, the International Education Week, and a UNC Asheville Women's Basketball half-time show.  The ensemble will continue to grow and add to the diversity of UNC Asheville.

Study Abroad in Ghana!

This four-week summer study program offers students the opportunity to study and interact with the people of Ghana.  Visit the Study Abroad website for more information.

Students visiting a cocoa farm in Ghana

Program Objectives

Curriculum

While in Ghana, students will take two courses (CHEM 273 and EDUC 273). Additionally, students are required to take LIT/AFST 273 in preparation in the Spring 2011 semester.

AFST 273/LIT 273: Introduction to West African Literature and Arts (Emphasis on Ghana)
This is a special topics course designed to be an introduction to the people and culture of Ghana, West Africa. The goal is to prepare students for the summer study abroad experience in Ghana and will focus on the traditional and contemporary aspects of the Arts, Humanities and Sciences of that country.

EDUC 373: Introduction to West African Education
Comprehensive study of primary and secondary schooling in Ghana and Nigeria. Involves critical writing and discussions, analysis of materials and strategies, and field experiences in primary and secondary schools in Ghana. This is a three-hour course designed to provide an introduction to the teaching profession as practiced in Ghana and Nigeria. This will include an examination of current issues faced by teachers, as well as influences on the profession, and influences on curriculum design and planning. Students will reflect on their observations and compare the U.S. education system to Ghanaian and Nigerian systems.3898

Visiting with teachers at Mintakrum Basic School

CHEM 273: ST: Science in Ghana
By studying and interacting with people who are working in Chemistry and the Natural Sciences in Ghana, students will have the chance to examine which parts of the activities of science may be examined from a cultural context and which parts can be viewed independent of the cultural context.

Kari Slagle learning about the Akan adinkra stamping tradition

Application Procedures

Applications are available in the Study Abroad Office, 248 University Hall. Completed applications are due no later than February 10, 2011. Please turn in the application, with the $125 processing fee, to the Study Abroad Office.  Non-UNCA students are also required to complete a visiting student application (application fee waived) and send it to the Study Abroad office.  For questions, contact the study abroad office at studyabroad@unca.edu.

Faculty

All faculty are from UNCA.  Their contact information is:

Dr. Dee James, Literature & Language Dept., 209 Karpen Hall, djames@unca.edu, 828-251-6581
Dr. Charles James, Chemistry Dept., 246B Robinson Hall, james@unca.edu, 232-5171
Dr. Agya Boakye-Boaten, Africana Studies, 207 Zeis Hall, aboaten@unca.edu, 828-350-4564
Reid Chapman, Education, 119 Zeiger Hall, rchapman@unca.edu, 828-251-6768

Resources

• www.allafrica.com
• www.africatoday.com
• Centers for African Studies
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Michigan State
  • Rutgers University

Kelsey Cain playing football with students at Matter Ecclesias School in Ghana