2009-2010 Winter-Break Program in Ghana

Applicatications Due September 30, 2009

Beginning in 1994, the Les Aspin Center began conducting study abroad opportunities in Europe and Africa during Marquette University’s winter break. Past programs have taken students to Italy, Greece, Ireland, England, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.  The LAC will continue its international programming with a winter-break opportunity to study Ghana.

Course Description:
Democracy, Culture, & Public Policy

In this Spring term, Session 2 course, students will examine the manner in which culture, values, and identity shape global and domestic politics. Of particular interest is how they can inform and guide public policy efforts to promote democracy, shape periods of political transition and democratization, and provide the foundation for creating policies that will advance the overall welfare of the society.

A case study of Ghanaian politics will allow for a rigorous dialogue about the appropriateness of culture, values, and identity as explanatory variables in shaping political outcomes and policy choices.

This course is designed as an immersion experience that will allow students to integrate theoretical models of politics, culture, and values with first hand observations of these variables in action.

In addition to lectures, readings, and site visits, students will interact with personnel from non-governmental organizations, government institutions, and elected and non-elected officials. Of particular interest, this course will include an examination of the dynamic relationships between governments, NGOs and funding agencies. The course may be taken for audit.

Program Overview:*Please note: all site visits/programing are subject to change.

Students will be staying in Accra, Ghana where they will have the opportunity to visit government institutions, attend cultural events, interact with key personnel working in Ghanaian politics, NGOs, media and educational institutions. While in Ghana, students will also spend time in Cape Coast to learn about Ghanaian history and visit the Cape Coast colonial slave trade castle. Students will also have the opportunity to visit small fishing villages along the coast, learn about what Ghanaian life is like and particpate in a day of service at an orphanage in rural Ghana.

Download Application (PDF) Application can be e-mailed to meghan.lefeber@mu.edu or faxed to (202)544-6265

Costs: $4,250 (direct expenses) *please note this is subject to change depending on airline prices. Please check back soon for final program cost.

This course is registered as a Spring Semester course (Session 2 schedule). Therefore, there is no additional tuition cost for students who remain under the 18 credit semester limit. The total cost for the trip will cover direct program expenses.  Direct expenses include airfare, hotels, ground transport in Africa, entrance fees, and VISAs (does not include acquiring a passport). Students will be responsible for their own food purchases and personal expenses while in Africa.

*The program cost is an estimate that is subject to change due to airline costs.

Important Notes and Dates:

September 30, 2009: Application Due (Note that there will be a rolling acceptance into this program. It is recommended to apply as early as possible. Enrollment is limited to 16 students.)

October 16, 2009: $250.00 non-refundable deposit is due for accepted program participants to hold your spot in the program.

November 2 , 2009: $1,250.00 non-refundable deposit is due for accepted program participants (this deposit is for your non-refundable airline ticket)

Tentative Trip Dates: January 2 - January 14, 2009: Departure and Arrival are from Chicago’s O’Hare airport.  All students must make their own arrangements for drop-off and pick-up from O’Hare.