Course Description
This study abroad course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the historical, cultural, and contemporary society in Ghana. It is designed as an integrative learning experience that incorporates assigned readings, field experiences, cultural activities, and service learning opportunities to enhance students’ cross-cultural awareness.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional objectives for graduate students are to identify
opportunities for clinical social work involvement in the
enhancement and maintenance of psychosocial functioning when
examining social problems and social service agencies; advance
human rights, and social and economic justice to needful children
and family issues; engage in research-informed practice and
practice-informed research; and to demonstrate knowledge relative
to needful children and family service needs in West Africa.
Athena Title
Cross-Cultural Awareness Ghana
Non-Traditional Format
This study abroad course will be offered during Maymester in Ghana, West Africa. Students will observe and/or participate in a service-learning project with a local community-based agency and/or engage with governmental and non-governmental agencies to develop a deeper understanding of the social service network, cross-cultural services, and policy practice. In addition, students will participate in a lecture series with Ghanaian scholars and students from the School of Social Work in Osu, University of Ghana, and/or University of Cape Coast, among other institutions of higher education. In an effort to prepare social workers who can lead nationally and internationally, this course is designed to add depth and breadth to students' understanding of global social work practices and policies.
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
• Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly in class and community-based agency (only for social work majors). • Apply critical thinking and communicate professional judgment by discerning barriers (e.g., developmental, resources, skills) and recognizing the creative use of existing resources in developing countries. • Engage in diversity and difference in practice in human service delivery. • Respond to context that shape practice by identifying opportunities for advocacy and social change. • Recognize an array of social problems confronting children and families in West Africa. • Demonstrate an appreciation for cross-cultural knowledge, skills, and policy practice methods used to enhance social functioning. • Demonstrate a sensitive to human needs by participating in service-learning projects to engage and collaborate with social workers and/or social service agencies.
Topical Outline
- Traditional African beliefs, values, culture and etiquette, and art - Local rituals, food, music, and dance - Major events and conditioning impacting Ghana society relative to colonialism, human rights, gender, poverty, family, child abuse and mortality, homeless, and/or tribal concerns