FACULTY- LED PROGRAMS 

Summer 2010 

 
Exploring International Development
through Service Learning

South Africa provides one of the most vibrant spaces to explore social change. The apartheid system of severe racial stratification dominated virtually every aspect of social life in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.  Since the historic 1994 national democratic elections, South Africa is considered one of the world's most successful models of post-conflict reconciliation.  Notably, the redress of severe race and gender inequalities has remained central to the ongoing restructuring of society, even as sharp socio-economic divisions persist in daily life.

The role of women in South Africa's history and transitional democracy provides a rich case study to explore this paradox throughout the course.  At the public level, women's rights remain central to the building blocks of democracy.  Despite policies to promote gender equity at all levels of government, however, women in South Africa continue to incur disproportionately heavy burdens.  For example, the growing rates of male unemployment coupled with the ravages of HIV/AIDS mean that women carry increased responsibility for family survival, even though their earning options are still confined within the former apartheid system of menial pay. These contradictions in women's experience will become a central lens to explore the multiple layers of social change and development in South Africa. 

Participants in this course will share in enriching opportunities to contribute to social development projects as they learn from local experts within a variety of contexts-including parliament, nongovernmental organizations, schools, health care facilities, women's centers and labor unions.  This study abroad opportunity takes you into the daily lives of community leaders in South Africa who continue to actively engage with the process of rebuilding society in the aftermath of severe racial conflict.  Through direct contact with local organizations and social development projects, students will gain first-hand experiences with a culturally complex society in ways unavailable as an outside tourist. 

 *Students must register and pay for WMS 495 (undergraduates) or WMS 595 (graduates) (summer registration) in order to participate in this program.
   

HIGHLIGHTS Learn through providing service to organizations in the areas of women's rights, international development and health care Contribute to the ongoing process of rebuilding South Africa following the apartheid era Understand the central role of women in both the struggle to end apartheid and the development of South Africa Explore the many faces of Cape Town - one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the world Experience the diversity of social life in South Africa through daily cultural immersion activities, including music, art, dance, drama, market life, food production, homestays and historical community walks

Faculty Leader:                                                                                                              ODU Women's Studies Professor, Dr. Jennifer Fish, has been working in South Africa since 1995.  She has lived in both Cape Town and Port Elizabeth for extended periods in 1995 and 2000.  Dr. Fish maintains active working relationships with a number of South African organizations and community leaders in a variety of diverse contexts.  This course builds upon these long-term community relationships to provide the richest learning material for students throughout the course.

ITINERARY July 17: Depart Norfolk July 18: Arrive Cape Town July 19-22: Cultural Orientation July 23-25: Orientation to Service Learning Organizations July 26-27: Travel to rural village July 28- August 1: Service Learning with Local Organizations August 2-3: Excursion to Kleinmond Beach August 3-6: Service Learning and Final Project Completion with Local Organizations August 7: Depart for Norfolk August 8: Arrive in Norfolk *Subject to Change: The office of Study Abroad reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Prof. Jennifer Fish                             OR         Office of Study Abroad Women's Studies                                             Spong Hall, 2nd Floor BAL 6027                                                          Bolling Ave. and Hampton Blvd. 757-683-4908 or jfish@odu.edu                   757-683-5378 or studyabroad@odu.edu WMS 495/595 (3 credits) (summer term registration) Priority Application Deadline: February 15, 2010 Cost Information Download Application  (Turn in application with $250 deposit to the Office of Study Abroad, Spong Hall, Room 212, Norfolk, VA 23527)