Global Programs

Education and Diversity: Comparative Perspectives

Location: Accra, Ghana
Dates: June 16 - July 6, 2013 (ADMISSIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2013)

This course compares the way that contemporary societies have addressed differences of race, ethnicity, religion, and gender in their educational systems. We will examine these questions through the lens of history, exploring how these societies—and their schools--have changed across time. We will place special emphasis upon Ghanaian education, interspersing our classes with site visits to schools, state agencies, and non-governmental organizations. At the end of the course, we will ask how Ghana and the United States might learn from each other in a globalizing world of flux, opportunity, and danger.

Through a variety of site visits including a girls' school, a vocational school, a religious school, and a school for the handicapped, students will gain first-hand experience across a spectrum of educational options in Ghana. Other site visits in Accra will include trips to the tomb of the first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, and the vibrant, renowned market place of Makola Market. Outside of Accra, students will visit the Cape Coast, the site of two major former slave castles, and Kumasi, the center of the old Asanti kingdom.

Applicants

NYU Graduate Students:  Students from all NYU schools are encouraged to apply.

NYU Undergraduates:  Students from all NYU schools are encouraged to apply. Undergraduate participants are encouraged to contact the program faculty director prior to applying. 

Non-NYU Students: Qualified graduate students from other Universities are encouraged to apply. Please refer to the directions for "Non-NYU Students" on the "How To Apply" page.

*Note to All Applicants: All program applicants are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to determine if and how this course may be applied towards their program requirements and degree completion. 

Course

All participants will have the same shared learning experience in Accra, but there are a number of different course numbers participants can register for.   

Participants must register for 3-6 credits using one or more of the following courses.  Students should speak with their academic adviser to determine which course(s) will best fit their degree requirements.  All participants will have the same in-country experience with shared site visits and lectures.  Students who register for 6 credits are expected to complete final papers with a greater research component upon their return.  Additional details will be explained in the course syllabus.  

Undergraduate Students:  HSED-UE 1028 (4 credits)

Graduate Students:  TESOL-GE 2039 Advanced Individual Projects in MMS (3 credits)

LANED-GE 2005 Intercultural Perspectives in Multicultural Education (3 credits)

ENGED-GE 2191 New Perspectives on the Teaching of English (3 credits)

ENGED-GE 2300 Independent Study - Texts and Teaching for Diverse Learning Needs (3 credits)

SOCED-GE 2145 Humanities and Social Sciences (3 credits)

SOCED-GE 2140 Culminating Seminar: History and Social Studies Workshop (3 credits)

INTE-GE 2300 Independent Study in International Education (3 credits)

Syllabus

To review a sample syllabus, click here: 2011 Sample Syllabus

Faculty

Jonathan Zimmerman, Professor of Educational History, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

For the faculty bio, click here.

Accommodations

Students will live in one of two complexes managed by NYU in Ghana: Church Crescent, which has four duplex units or doubles and triples, or Solomon’s Lodge, which has single and double rooms within one building. At Crescent, each duplex faces a common courtyard and houses approximately seven students in double and triple rooms, each with a private bathroom, kitchen, and living room with TV/DVD player and telephone for local calls. Solomon’s offers large communal areas (study lounge, dining, kitchen) with all the amenities of Crescent. Both complexes have air conditioning and 24-hour security. Both are located near shopping centers including the Makola Market, a busy open air market and the Koala Supermarket.

Group accomodation dates correspond with the program dates listed above.

Costs

2013 Graduate Tuition: $1367 per point, plus registration fees

2013 Housing Fee: $950
2013 Activity Fee: $650

Total 2013 Housing & Activity Fee: $1,600

Flight, Travel, and Visa Information

Flight: Students book their own travel to coincide with program dates.

Passport: Valid passport required for U.S. citizens. Please note that passport must have at least six months validation beyond the day of the intended entry into the country of travel.

Visa: A visa is required to travel to Ghana.

Weather

Ghana enjoys a year round tropical climate, but it does have rainy seasons.   The coastal region (including Accra) has two rainy seasons,one beginning in March, and peaking in May or June, the other in September/October.  Even during the rainy season, Accra can still enjoy an average of 5 hours a day of sunshine.  During this period, the rain tends to be the result of increased heat and thunderstorms.  Average temperatures along the coast are usually between 75and 90 degrees F.

For More Information

Program Administration: Office of Academic Initiatives and Global Programs, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, NewYork University, 82 Washington Square East, 5th Floor, New York, NY10003-6680; (212) 992-9380; steinhardt.global@nyu.edu

Academic Content: Jonathan Zimmerman, Professor of Educational History, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. (t): 212-998-5049; email: