Rhythm of Resilience: Experience the Transformative Power of African Dance
from the mines to the stage
(40 hours – Multi-culture Credit)
Course Description:
Delve into the captivating history and legacy of the Rhythm of Resilience in this unique course
exploring African dance’s transformative power. Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Southern
Africa and the intricate connection between dance, heritage, and resilience.
The course begins by journeying back to the pre-colonial era, where you’ll gain insights into the
diverse African cultures and how they shaped the behaviors and traditions of its people during
the colonial era. Uncover the profound impact of the Johannesburg mines and the advent of
migrant labor after the discovery of gold, as you explore the struggles and hardships faced by
black mine workers and the segregation prevalent in the mines.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this course is the exploration of how the miners, amidst
their pain and adversity, turned to their traditional performing arts as a means of expression,
solace, and defiance. Discover how they sang and danced underground, in the hostels, and
embraced their collective spirit of resilience.
Witness the birth of a new hybrid dance from the fusion of different cultural influences within
the mines. Learn how this mesmerizing dance form became a powerful symbol of unity, a
testament to the miner’s indomitable spirit, and a way of reclaiming their identity.
Through a blend of theory and practice, participants will master rhythmic movements, develop
their own lyrics, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and history of Southern Africa.
From the iconic elements of boots and bandanas to creating contemporary Gumboot dance
patterns, students will be empowered to express themselves through this captivating art form.
The culmination of the course is a thrilling live performance, highlighting students’ newfound
skills and celebrating the spirit of unity among diverse individuals. Evaluation encompasses
written assignments, active participation, performance analysis, and a final practical project that
includes planning and advertising to showcase the magic of African dance.
Join us on this transformative journey, where resilience, creativity, and cultural celebration
converge. Discover the power of African dance, embrace its historical significance, and become
part of a global movement that honors the traditions, strength, and heritage of Southern Africa.
African Perspectives: Engaging in Social Change through Performance Arts
(40 hours – Arts and Sciences Credit)
Course Description
Transform your understanding of African cultures and immerse yourself in the power of
performance arts with our dynamic eight-week course, “African Perspectives: Engaging in Social
Change through Performance Arts.” Designed to provide students with an enriching exploration
of drama for development and theater for social change, this course offers a unique opportunity
to earn a culture credit while delving into the vibrant realms of African studies.
Unleash your creativity and develop practical skills as you discover the transformative potential
of performance arts in addressing social issues. Throughout the course, you will embark on a
journey of communal living and engaging dialogue to identify and confront prevailing problems
within communities locally and in various African countries.
Our instructors, experts in the field of drama for development, will guide you through the
fundamental concepts and stages of implementing this powerful art form within communities.
Through individual readings and engaging discussions, you will gain insight into the historical
context and real-life examples of African communities utilizing drama for development to enact
positive change. With a strong focus on research and dialogue, you will learn how to effectively
identify and analyze social issues, collaboratively crafting stories that shed light on these
challenges. Through a trial-and-error process steeped in dialogue, you will actively participate in
solving these problems, unleashing your imagination, and fostering deep connections with fellow
students.
Immerse yourself into the storyteller role as you bring these narratives to life – no formal scripts
are required. You will embody the characters and essence of the stories through improvisation,
fostering a powerful connection between the performer and the audience. Engage in multiple
projects, including a whole-class "community" endeavor and smaller group-focused initiatives.
Show the world your creativity and insights through a culminating show, where you will present
the plays born from the vibrant small communities within our class. For those seeking alternative
platforms, a series of short theatrical presentations or producing a short video is also an option.
Beyond the exhilarating hands-on experiences, you will demonstrate your understanding through
quizzes and a thought-provoking individual or group project report. By the end of this
transformative course, you will earn culture credit and cultivate valuable skills in critical
thinking, collaboration, and community engagement. Embark on a journey of artistic expression
and social change. Enroll in “African Perspectives: Engaging in Social Change through
Performance Arts” today and be part of a movement that empowers individuals to have influence
using the captivating world of African theater for development.
Cinematic Insights: Discovering African Culture and History Through Film
(A History and Culture Credit -4)
(40 hours – Culture and History Credit)
Course Description:
Step into the captivating world of African culture and history through the lens of cinema. In this
immersive course, students will embark on a transformative journey, exploring four thought-
provoking films that chronicle the historical odysseys of various regions of Africa. From the 20
to the 21st century, witness the evolution of cultural representation and gain profound insights
into the multifaceted tapestry of this vibrant continent.
Delve deep into the heart of African narratives as each film unravels a rich tapestry interwoven
with captivating stories of resilience, tradition, and societal transformation. From the sumptuous
flavors of traditional cuisine to the rhythmic beats of diverse artistic expressions, discover how
food, the arts, and celebrations shape the African experience. Explore the sacred rituals of birth,
the joyous festivities of marriage, and the poignant rituals surrounding death, gaining a deep
appreciation for the profound significance of these cultural rites.
Throughout the course, engage in lively discussions, analyze captivating cinematography, and
gain a deeper understanding of African history and culture. Expand your horizons as you develop
a critical eye for the depiction of Africa on screen, challenging stereotypes and recognizing
diversity. Prepare to be captivated by untold stories, empowered by newfound knowledge, and
inspired to celebrate the richness and beauty of African heritage.
Join us in “Cinematic Insights: Discovering African Culture and History Through Film” and
embark on an unforgettable cultural exploration, enlightenment, and connection journey.
International Development with a Focus on Africa: From Aid to Empowerment in
Exploring Sustainable International Development in Africa
(40 hours – Interdisciplinary credit)
In this dynamic course, we delve into the intricate world of international development,
challenging the notion that progress follows a linear path. By exploring the diverse nature of
development across countries and communities, we unlock the fundamental principles that guide
each journey. Let us embark on a thought-provoking exploration of what development truly
means, with a dedicated focus on African nations. We delve into the untold stories of various
African countries, shedding light on their individual struggles, aspirations, and differing levels of
success.
In this transformative course, we go beyond conventional notions of development and dive into
the power of grassroots empowerment. We debunk the misconception that external aid alone can
bring about lasting progress, emphasizing the critical role of community involvement and
meaningful dialogue between recipients and donors.
Throughout our exploration of international development, we highlight captivating case studies
of failed projects, revealing a common thread – initiatives driven solely by donor agendas and
lacking genuine community engagement. We uncover the harsh reality that proper development
cannot be imposed from the outside; it must emerge from within the fabric of the communities it
seeks to uplift.
Be part of this thought-provoking journey as we challenge the status quo and foster a deeper
understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping Africa’s development landscape. By analyzing
successful and unsuccessful endeavors, we shed light on the transformative potential of dialogue,
collaboration, and community-driven initiatives.
Throughout the course, we empower you with the tools to critically evaluate aid programs,
enabling you to discern which approaches are effective in fostering sustainable change. With a
sharpened perspective, you will recognize that true empowerment springs forth when local
communities actively shape their own destinies rather than passive recipients of external
interventions.
Be prepared to immerse yourself in engaging discussions, real-world examples, and interactive
exercises as we unravel Africa’s development complexities. By the end of this course, you will
emerge with a holistic understanding of the limitations of aid and the transformative possibilities
that arise when communities and donors co-create solutions. Join us in embarking on a journey
that defies the conventional and paves the way for authentic, community-driven development in
Africa.