2007-2008 Winter-Break Program in Kenya and Tanzania
January 3-12, 2008

APPLICATION DUE DATE: October 19, 2007

 

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 2006-2007 winter-break opportunity to study in the African countries of Kenya and Tanzania.

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.

To help in this effort two distinct, yet comparable, political contexts will be considered. The case studies of Kenyan and Tanzanian 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, funding agencies, and grassroots medical care providers addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. The course may be taken for audit.

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

Presentations and Highlights

Students participating in this course will experience a variety of unique opportunities including:

• Visit governmental institutions including the Kenyan Parliament and the East African Community (Arusha, Tanzania).

• Discussion with panel at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).

• Visit Nyumbani Orphanage - Kenya

• Discussions with various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) on their role in shaping communities and public policy.

• Wildlife Safari at Amboseli National Park (at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro) with a visit to a Masai community. Focus is on environmental preservation and complex tribal issues as they relate to culture and cultural rights, property rights, individual identity, and national unity.

• Explore museums and cultural centers including the estate of author Karen Blixen, the Bomas of Kenya, the National Museum, the National Archives, Giraffe Park and Sanctuary, and many others.

• Visit and service work at community outreach centers in various "squatter" communities including Kibera and Kangemi (Nairobi).

Site Visits subject to change

Costs:  $3,500.00 (direct expenses)

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 direct program expenses is $3,500.00.  Direct expenses include airfare, hotels, ground transport in Africa, entrance fees, and Kenya and Tanzania visa fees (does not include acquiring a passport). Students will be responsible for their own food purchases and personal expenses while in Africa.

Important Notes and Dates

October 19, 2007: 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.)

November 9, 2007: $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is due for accepted program participants (this is for a non-refundable airline ticket). Can be posted to Bursar account for MU students only.

January 3 & 12, 2008: 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.