Musical tradition and social justice intertwine in South Africa's struggle to end apartheid. Today, that musical heritage still rings true as the country comes to terms with the past and moves toward a future in which South Africa's people and natural wonders draw learners from around the world. The program starts in the ultra-modern district of Rosebank in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. Students start connecting South Africa's past with the present by visiting the Origins Museum at the University of the Witwatersrand, which gives depth to the cultural and historical heritage and origin of all human beings, particularly through its exhibit on the San Bushmen. A visit to the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill in Jo-burg bring to life the more recent South African past, while a visit to Soweto, including a stop at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Nelson Mandela House, convey the seamless interfacing of the past and present.

A flight will take participants from Jo-burg to the oceanfront town of Port Elizabeth. Here students will experience the struggles of regional townships within a modern city, which continually strives to balance beach tourism with the memory of its rich cultural history. The strong academic tradition of South Africa can be experienced at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (enrollment 30,000 and located on a nature reserve) where students will receive part of their instruction.

Next, students will have a chance to explore Africa's largest National Arts Festival in nearby historic Grahamstown, a small university town with a relaxed feel. Of course, no South Africa experience is complete without guided safaris/games drives for all participants —often coming within a few feet of wild animals such as elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys. A picturesque, adventuresome drive on the world renowned "Garden Route" along the Pacific and Indian Oceans will take participants from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape with the vibrant and dynamic city of Cape Town. A climb or cable car ride to “Table Top Mountain” with its breathtaking views, and a ferry to historic Robben Island will conclude this high-impact, educational journey through the history and landscape of South Africa.

Program includes round-trip air transportation from designated US cities to destination and ground transportation to the program sites. No independent air travel is permitted due to program schedule. The US cities will be stated on CCSA web site by the end of September 2017.

South Africa Program Package

Base Price $3,599 - $4,099* Includes:

Accommodations
Course-related activities and entrances fees

Some minor additional course fees may apply. See our cost calculator.

All course-related ground transportation
Additional cultural program excursions
Health and emergency evacuation insurance
Program directors and staff on-site 24/7
Daily breakfast and some additional meals

Group Travel Required

Estimated Cost: $2199 – $2499 *

This program requires round-trip air transportation from one of CCSA's designated U.S. departure cities.. Ground transportation and any internal air flights are provided by CCSA once in South Africa. Round-trip air transpiration from other cities MAY be considered on a case-by-case basis at an additional cost.

* All prices are estimates based on Summer 2017 costs. Final pricing will be published on the CCSA website by September 2017.

South Africa Jazz Orbit Club- credit Creative Commons License - Flickr Gauteng.jpg

Courses Offered

Music / History / Sociology

South African Jazz: Music, Culture, & Social Justice

Course Description: The study of South African jazz not only exposes the stunning rhythms, sounds, and musical practices of the country, it also reveals the rich complexity of its people, culture, history, and struggles for social justice. We will explore this correlation by attending concerts, visiting museums, and touring historical sites in the bustling cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. Don't be surprised to see giraffes or zebras in the reserves bordering the highways —or even a vervet monkey sprint across the road—as we drive to Grahamstown for the South Africa National Arts Festival, the biggest celebration of arts on the African continent! Students majoring in music, history, sociology, Pan-African studies and cultural studies will experience how music reflects life in South Africa! From Johannesburg to Soweto or Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown and Cape Town, students will delve into South Africa's musical heritage and meet people keeping the traditions alive and strong. Expect to walk between 3-5 miles per day. The safari which will require some walking. The average temperature in South Africa in June and July is quite pleasant (average highs mid 60's/average lows 40's).

Prerequisite: Junior status in a Bachelor's degree program.

Prof. David Clark | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U

Contact Apply

Sociology / Interdisciplinary

Music, Youth Resistance, and Social Change in South Africa

Course Description: This course explores how music can impact social change. Analyzing the sultry sounds of jazz, the dynamic energy of hip-hop, and the prolific music of South Africa, we will examine the reach and influence of these and other musical genres on resistance among youth in South Africa and reflect on how anti-apartheid leaders used music in the their liberation struggle. We will focus on recent student protests against mounting costs of higher education and will interview musicians involved in resistance movements at such sites as the National Arts Festival and other spaces promoting and reflecting on social change. Expect to walk between 3-5 miles daily. As the class will take place in South Africa's winter, students should prepare for cooler temperatures, especially at night.

Prerequisite: Students who take the course for Sociology credit should have taken an introductory level Sociology course.

Dr. Matisa Wilbon | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U