Study Away
Students regardless of major may participate in study away opportunities offered through enrollment in the following DAFS courses: Black Images or Model African Union. Cultural immersion experiences are created through trips organized by faculty to Detroit, Michigan and Washington D. C. respectively. Compared to the study abroad opportunities they are shorter in length and are offered frequently, for example Black Images is offered every semester. Model African Union is offered only in the Spring semester during the African Union Conference. In many cases, through the narrative process used by faculty to document the learning outcomes of the course, it is an experience that changes the way that one views their communities and enhanced cultural awareness.
Course Title: Black Images course number: AFS 20300 3 Credit hours- Detroit, MI
This class examines the historical origins of racial images and anti-black perceptions through newspapers, magazines, songs, plays, literature, textbooks, radio, television, films, comic books, etc. and the role of these images in American culture past and present. Proposed trip itinerary is as follows:
- Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, Host David Pilgrim, Ph.D., Founder.
- Charles H. Wright African American Museum History Host Mama Kuba.
- Motown Museum, Home of Hitsville U.S.A.
View short documentary of Black Images trip
Model African Union Course Number: AFS 37020 3 credit hours- Washington D.C.
Students study past and current issues that confront Africa and the African Union (AU). This course will empower students with the knowledge of Africa's major challenges in the twentieth & twenty-first centuries; African politics "in practice" and the achievements and obstacles of the African Union by meeting with African diplomats and scholars in Washington D.C.; and learn African history by preparing for, attending and writing about a simulated summit of the African Union in Washington D.C. for one week.
While in Washington D.C., students will have the opportunity to visit Howard University, different African Embassies, and work with students and faculty from 30 American universities and colleges who also participate in the Model AU.