Ghanaian Society & Culture

This experiential course features concentrated study, lectures, round tables, films, field trips, and interactions with the people of Ghana. The course involves an examination of Ghanaian history, culture, governance, family and society, gender issues, economics, and development challenges. These lectures are taught by notable University of Ghana professors from each respective field. The course also includes basic language instruction, and field excursions to culturally and historically significant sites in Accra and Cape Coast. One of the most impactful excursions on this trip was to the Elmina Slave Castle in Cape Coast where we learned about the history and lasting impacts of the slave trade on the country. Furthermore, another component of the class involved authentic Ghanaian dance lessons. These sessions fostered a deeper understanding of the various aspects that define the culture in Ghana. I was able to learn to recognize issues contributing to and impeding development in Ghana. The intimate and small classroom environment aided in fostering an interactive and fruitful discussion about the various topics this course covered. Additionally, the material that was covered in class was supplemented with group writing assignments which prompted and induced further conversation amongst peers about the material. In supplementing the classroom lessons with field trips that reflected the topics covered in lecture this class comprehensively covered the historical premises that have come to define the present day Ghanaian culture and society. This class was culminated into a written final exam.