Description

Human Evolution and Legacy in South Africa

The Global Education Office and the School of World Studies along with the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to engage with South African natural and social history experientially. Students will be enrolled in a 3-credit Anthropology course that will focus on aspects of the biological, archaeological and sociocultural anthropology of the country. Additionally, students will enroll in either a secondary Biology or World Studies course that will further explore the biological and cultural influences on the country. By traveling within the country while studying these topics, students will be able to experience firsthand the country and its history and will be able to truly grasp the influences that have shaped the people and cultures living there today.

Course and Credit Options: 6 VCU Credits
* ANTH 391 Human Evolution & Legacy in South Africa (Required)
* BIOL 391 Human Evolution & Legacy in South Africa
* WRLD 391 Human Evolution & Legacy in South Africa

Course Description:
This course will over students an introduction to the uniquely rich natural and social history of South Africa. Half of the course will focus on the study of the natural history of South Africa, including an intense consideration of the ecology and evolution of living organisms. Classroom instruction will focus on evolutionary principles with specific regard to humans and will be complimented by visiting World Heritage Sites famed for the discovery of human fossil ancestors, such as the Cradle of Humankind. In the study of South African natural history, several days will also be devoted to the ecology of the animals living in the country today and will include a visit to a world famous wildlife park for a true African safari. The other half of the course will focus on the South African context of these World Heritage Sites and will include an overview of South African history and the legacy of that history that continues to shape South African peoples and culture to this day. Classroom instruction will include historical and cultural lecture that will be complimented with visits to the Apartheid Museum, Robben Island and Soweto. Students will also be asked to read a novel, A Change of Tongue (2003), by award-winning South African author Antjie Krog and discuss the work within a historical and cultural context.

Highlights

While in South Africa

Though many of the sites that will be visited on this program are often visited by tourists, students will be exposed to local cultures and peoples each day. Tours at fossil sites and museums are given by local guides and guest lectures from several South African scientists will be integrated into the program. In each place visited, dinners have been organized that will allow students to sample local cuisine. Students are encouraged to visit local markets and shops where they can interact with South Africans in everyday situations. Students will be fully integrated in the scientific process while in South Africa and will share work and meals with local research teams. Additionally, students will spend two nights in the Lesedi Cultural Village where they will be exposed to the people, architecture, food and traditions of the Ndebele, Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Pedi tribes.

Housing:
Bed & breakfasts are the most common accommodations in South Africa, each of which is owned and visited by local South Africans who are often very involved with shaping the experiences of lodgers. While in-country, students will stay in bed & breakfasts in a suburb of Johannesburg and in Cape Town. While rooms may be shared, each is equipped with bathroom facilities and will provide breakfast and snacks to lodgers. In both cities, rooms will be within walking distance of grocery stores and local sites of interest. At the Kruger and Lesedi Cultural Village, students will stay in luxury tends or rondevals/cabins.

The program will be led by Dr. Amy Rector Verrelli who has had extensive experience with American undergraduate students in South Africa through the Makapansgat Area Paleoanthropological Field School in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Dr. Verrelli lived in Cape Town for 1.5 years collecting data for her dissertation and continues archaeological fieldwork in the country each year. She is thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity through VCU!

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Anthropology
• Biology (general)

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD2,400 + airfare + tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD2,300 - USD2,500 and includes the following:
* Accommodations in Johannesburg and Cape Town
* Some meals
* Ground and air transportation throughout South Africa
* Study visits and excursions to museums and archaeological sites
* On-site Program Director support
* Pre-departure orientation
* International Student Identity Card
* VCU administrative fees
* Application deposit

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Most meals
* Anti-malarial medication
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD300)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

Students must have a 2.0 GPA in order to participate in this program. All majors are welcome, as well as non-VCU students. Applicants will need to schedule an interview with the program director in order to be considered for this program. Note: Students wishing to enroll in BIOL 391 Human Evolution & Legacy in South Africa must have fulfilled all prerequisite Biology coursework prior to the program's start date. An academic letter of reference is required. Please submit this with your application materials after submitting the online form.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded

1838