Understanding the New South Africa:
Study Abroad in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg

Spring 2009 CAAS 469: An Exploration of Sites of the Resistance and Transformation: From Detroit to Durban

Professor Yazir Henri,
in collaboration with faculty at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Course Overview:
This course will equip students with an understanding of the range and power of scholarly and activist perspectives on the predicament of post-apartheid South Africa while providing first-hand experience with the constraints and possibilities for the transformation of urban communities in the context of broader societal change. The course will combine investigations of key sites in the production of culture, ecology, economics, law and politics with an introduction to both the sociology and historiography that frame each of these subjects. Our exploration of these themes will begin with a focus on the city of Detroit and extend to field sites in Johannesburg, Cape Town Durban.

Professor Yazir Henri is a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. He is a professional human rights activist and has written and published on the politics of memory, trauma, identity, sustainable peace, and Truth Commissions. He is the founding Director of the Direct Action Centre for Peace and Memory in Cape Town, South Africa, which works to support former combatants, political prisoners, and torture survivors. Professor Henri teaches Humanising History and the core course: Values, Ethics and Public Policy.

Eligibility & Pre-requisites:
All academic majors and graduate students are welcome to apply. Must be sophomore or higher with an interest in African Studies.

Application Process:
Enroll in the Spring term, CAAS 469 course or register for an independent study with Professor Henry for study abroad then download the application and follow the directions on the cover page. Application Package.

Applications Period:
Open until class is full.

Duration:
May 1, 2009 - June 1, 2009.

Accommodations:
Housing facilities have been chosen for their safety and cleanliness. Participants will stay at
the Don Suites, Rosebank in Johannesburg, the Carmichael House Bed & Breakfast in Cape Town and the Albion Accommodations at Davaar Bed & Breakfast in Durban.

Fees and Expenses: 

UM Tuition	UM home college/school tuition as applies
Round-trip Airfare	$2000*
Program Fee	$1500 (Includes housing & field site visits)
Personal Expenses* Estimated	$300-$400*

Financial Aid:
Students who qualify for financial aid during the regular academic year generally qualify for aid towards Spring Term courses as well. When applying make sure to indicate on your application that you plan on enrolling in CAAS 469: Study Abroad in South Africa. Check with the Office of Financial Aid for exact due dates for Spring Term applications.

The study abroad program is administered by the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies South Africa Initiatives Office. If you have questions contact: Elizabeth James, Telephone:(734)764-5517; Email: saio@umich.edu