At a glance
Dates:
June 11–July 21, 2012
Application deadline:
Late applicants may be considered. Contact Megan Shutzer for details
Cost:
$7,000
Accommodations:
Dorms
See also
Contact
- Megan Shutzer, email
Harvard Summer Program in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Harvard Summer Program in
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Resilience and transformation
Note: The Mombasa, Kenya program has been changed to the Zanzibar, Tanzania program. The courses have remained the same. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Faculty: Caroline Elkins and John Mugane
This 6-week program, held in Zanzibar, offers Swahili (all-levels) as well as an interdisciplinary African Studies course that examines international development through the lens of resilience studies. Ten to fifteen students engage in class discussions, field work, language training, and a final project.
In the context of Zanzibar—an island that is rich with history and culture—students will explore the concepts of resilience and transformation, examining how households cope with and respond to a variety of economic and environmental challenges that accompany international development. Throughout the course students will traverse Zanzibar’s Stone Town, the epicenter of culture, development, and tourism on the island, as well as the peri-urban and rural agricultural areas of the island.
Courses are taught by a team of Harvard University professors, as well as a supporting local staff. The program seeks to foster an ongoing dialog that will push students to explore the strength of local resilience and the complexity of globalization and development.
Course of study
AAAS S-120s Study Abroad in Zanzibar, Tanzania: Resilience and Transformation (32790)
Caroline Elkins.
(4 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
This course examines the themes of resilience and transformation in rural development in Tanzania. By examining some of the most pressing challenges facing households, students discover the strength of local communities to contend with stresses placed upon their livelihoods, environment, culture, and health. At the same time, students examine the process of transformation, its speed and incorporation of indigenous and imported solutions to challenges. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and field work will feature heavily over the 6 weeks. The course concludes with a capstone research project.
SWAH S-Aa Study Abroad in Zanzibar, Tanzania: Swahili (32789)
John M. Mugane.
(4 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
This half-credit course covers a semester of Swahili for all levels. Using a combination of traditional, classroom lessons and structured assignments that will bring students into conversation with native speakers, this course seeks to integrate Swahili language into the program's other coursework. Students will have the opportunity to maximize their learning experience through dialog with peers—forming a language community that encourages each individual to advance.
Intensive Swahili Option: Students interested in dedicating their afternoons to furthering Swahili skills are encouraged to request the intensive Swahili option. Taught by Professor John Mugane, students in intensive Swahili will participate in 3 hour sessions each afternoon (except Friday the Muslim day of prayer) and will be expected to complete written assignments and undergo oral and written evaluation. This option is for intermediate and advanced students only. Though intensive Swahili does not provide additional course credit beyond that offered to all students in Swa S-Aa, they can expect to advance a full year to Swahili 101ar upon their return to Harvard in the Fall. Students should contatct Megan Shutzer directly if interested in the intensive option.
Hours:
Swahili S-Aa: 2.5 hours in Swa S-Aa = 12.5 hours per week held in the morning
Intensive component: 3 hours in the afternoon MTWTh = 12 hours per week
Total Hours for both = 24.5 hours a week for 6 weeks = 147 hours (assume that 7 hours will be spent in exams and presentations total instructional time = 140 total hours for the intensive Swahili class).
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Caroline Elkins, PhD, Professor of History, Harvard University
John M. Mugane, PhD, Professor of the Practice of African Languages and Cultures and Director of the African Language Program, Harvard University
Application
Late applicants may be considered. Contact Megan Shutzer for details
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due February 3:
- A completed online application that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A statement of interest in the program, including information on relevant coursework and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite, but please be specific about all past international travel)
- Transcripts (student record accepted for Harvard students)
Program directors may ask for interviews.
Students are notified of admission decisions by mid-February.
Cost
There is a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The cost of the program is $7,000 and includes the following:
- Tuition
- Room and some meals
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($195; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Zanzibar
- The cost of passports and visas
- Any immunizations
Suggested budget
See a a sample budget for estimated expenses available soon.
How to pay and funding options
See Funding and Payment for payment deadlines and more information, including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
Students will live in a house with program staff. They will stay in hotels when traveling outside of Zanzibar.
Additional information
Contact Megan Shutzer, mshutzer@fas.harvard.edu.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.
