Gallatin in Accra, Ghana

Africa and the Politics of Aid, K55.9800

July 10 – 31, 2010

With the demise of European colonial empires and the emergence of the neo-colonial state, the continent of Africa has become the center of development discourse. This dialectic between largely European and US American thinkers and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) has produced a slew of books within the last decade that analyze the impact of NGOs and the failure of international aid programs. For the most part, many of these texts conclude that modernization must emulate the West. The cottage industry of development studies is supported with billions of dollars and a myriad of global strategists. This course examines the shifting meaning of development from Africans and non-African thinkers. Is development a by-product of former colonial structures? In what ways do NGOs enhance or adversely affect developing nations? By exploring key texts that examine the problems of aid programs, strategies for structural and economic improvement, and ideas that address poverty, political instability and the rights of marginal groups, this course utilizes the disciplines of history, anthropology, and economics to better understand the merits and tensions of development in Africa.

Group site visits both in and out of Accra will allow for further immersion in the history and culture of the region, ranging from visits to Elmina Castle, local NGOs, the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Center for Pan African Culture and outings to Ghanian museums and other historical sites.

Students will live in NYU-arranged housing located in residential neighborhoods within walking distance from the NYU Center. The University of Ghana-Legon, Ashesi University, and diverse parts of the city are all a short ride away. Students have access to shopping centers including the Makola Market, a busy open air market and the Koala Supermarket.

Faculty:

Millery Polyné, PhD, Assistant Professor of American Studies, Gallatin School of Individualized Study

Expenses

Tuition for 4 points: TBA

Program Fee: TBA

Housing Fee: TBA

Deposit:

$300 (due approximately two weeks after date of acceptance, nonrefundable)

Application Requirements:

  • Application (summer 2010 applications coming soon!)
  • One-page essay explaining your interest in the program you've selected and what you hope to gain from the study abroad experience
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Official Transcript (for non-Gallatin students)
  • Interview with the Program director and administrator

 

All application materials should be submitted to:

Melissa Daniel
Gallatin Office of Global Programs
715 Broadway, Room 614
New York, NY 10003
Fax: (212) 995-4743

For more information regarding the application process, please contact Melissa Daniel at (212) 998-7316 or melissa.daniel@nyu.edu

Calendar
Application Deadline March 1, 2010

Arrival Date

 July 10
Classes Begin  July 12
Classes End    July 30
Departure Date   July 31

Note:

Open only to undergraduates. Gallatin students please note that this course fulfills 4 Interdisciplinary Seminar K-credits.