Students at the Durban Center will take courses that will allow them to learn about the history and culture of South Africa and the region as they hone their skills in field research as well as their knowledge of selected interdisciplinary fields. Courses include:

GSAF 310 South African Studies: (3 credits)
South Africa has undergone a miraculous metamorphosis from apartheid state to rainbow nation and has transformed itself from a global pariah into a global role model. These changes has left the government facing the daunting task of integrating a society divided by several hundred years of white domination and forty-five years of apartheid ideology. These issues are explored in this required course.

GSAF 311 Area Studies of Africa: (3 credits)
This field-based course emphasizes experiential interaction with the local community and is complemented by relevant texts. Students reflect on these activities through discussions and response papers that contain descriptive narration, analytical and reflective prose, and references to the accompanying texts.

GSAF 120 Zulu Language: isiZulu (3 credits)
This required course is based on both classroom sessions and guided, activity-centered learning. The course will cover the basics of grammar, vocabulary, syntax and simple conversation with an emphasis on oral communication.

GSAF 371 Writing Workshop: (1 credit)
This required workshop is conducted on both a one-to-one basis with students and their faculty advisors, as well as in a workshop with student peers. A variety of writing styles and perspectives is explored; which is the raw material for individualized writing study and criticism.

GSAF 330 Peace and Reconciliation: (3 credits)
A required course that examines the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and it’s assistance towards reconciliation and the embracing of cultural heterogeneity.

GSAF 342 Guided Independent Study – Field Placement in Community Organizations: (3 credits)
Students will engage in a service learning program by working in one of the many organizations and agencies that promote community well-being. Placements include areas such as: HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, human rights, education, child welfare, environmental education and management, artistic expression and popular culture and peace programs.