Connecting with Africa—SNL Travel Course Presents Amazing Learning & Writing Opportunity

Do you enjoy travel writing or journaling? If so, the School for New Learning is leading a study abroad course, “Connecting with Africa: Cultural and Social Issues in East Africa,” this December 2011 term. From November 26^th to December 11^th, DePaul students will have the opportunity to learn about the local peoples, the environment, and cultural practices in Kenya and Tanzania...and then write about them! An excerpt from the syllabus reads,

“A field notebook is required for this course. You are to document your significant cultural observations and experiences while in East Africa. Facts, as well as interpretations and personal reflections should go here…For example, if you were to interview a community leader or visit a politician for a paper on colonialism, your notes and reflections should be recorded in your notebook. Similarly, a discussion with tour personnel or Tanzanian university students about traditional family values could be described in your notebook if you planned to use that information in your final paper. You will also record some day-to-day observations that help inform you about the culture of Kenya and Tanzania, such as the nature of personal interactions, or the manifestations of spirituality, etc.”’

Students are asked to relate their experiences through documenting their observations, interpretations, and reflections:

Observations: What did you see, hear, taste, feel, smell? Think of this as a concrete description.

Interpretations: What is the meaning of the event or observation? This can be from an informed or uninformed position, but you should be clear to indicate what supports or drives your interpretation. You may revisit some of your interpretations later during the course as you gather more information and experiences.

Reflections: What impact did the events have on you? What are your personal impressions of the event?

The experiential learning documented in the journals will also serve as the main source students will use to complete their final papers for the course, with field experiences accounting for about 75% of the documentation for the approximately 20 page paper.

According to the program flyer, “Simple observation serves as a powerful tool for uncovering deeper meanings in everyday events in the lives of Kenyans and Tanzanians.” Through journaling, students are better able to process and absorb their experiences in Kenya and Tanzania; from exploring the Masai market in the urban hub of Nairobi city to visiting the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

To take advantage of this exciting onsite experiential learning program, please apply by June 1^st. For more detailed information, up-to-date costs, and an online application please visit http://studyabroad.depaul.edu or email snlinternational@depaul.edu.