State University of at Cortland Africana Studies Department Summer Seminar Abroad- SUNY Cortland and the SAB 471-510 (CRN 62602). 6 Credit hours. Instructor and Program Leader: Dr. Seth N. Asumah

Description: This seminar is a broad transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to the study of the culture, history, economics, politics, sociology and the natural environment of Ghana, a developing nation state in West Africa and the first country south of the Sahara to attain independence from British colonial rule. The course will also explore cogent issues in Africana Studies, African Politics and Society and International Studies, which will take account of, but not limited to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, socio-historical issues, and political dynamics among the people of the African Diaspora. This study abroad course will provide a number of vectors for study and learning in various areas of Ghana; the University of Ghana, , , Takoradi, , Cape Coast, Elimina, visit to museums, historical sites, African markets, churches, parliaments, cultural centers and lectures by Ghanaian professors, professionals, practitioners and parliamentarians.

Objectives:

1. The student will develop an understanding of the African phenomena through analytical framework of African cosmology, epistemology and axiology.

2. The student will develop an understanding of traditional Ghanaian socio-political institutions, religious practices and particularly those of the Asante and Ga people.

3. The student will develop an understanding of and appreciation for Ghanaian customs, food, attire and patterns of interaction.

4. The student will develop an understanding and appreciation for cultural differences in the process of becoming more cognizant of their own cultural patterns.

5. The student will become familiar with post-independence Ghanaian politics and economics.

6. The student will develop an understanding of natural resource extraction and related environmental issues and problems.

7. The students will become familiar with how the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade operated and the role played by Ghanaians and Europeans in the Maafa.

8. The student will be able to recognize the role that globalization plays in contemporary Ghanaian society.

9. The student will begin to understand the historic and cultural connections between Ghana and the rest of the African Diaspora, i.e., the USA, the Caribbean, South America, Europe.

10. The student will begin to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for self, place, space, culture, ethnicity, regional, national and global identity.

Methodology

Lectures by Ghanaian professors, professionals, practitioners and United States faculty member (s) leading the group:

Lecture Topics and Faculty Presenters: • African-centeredness and the African phenomenon---Dr. Seth N. Asumah, Africana Studies Department and Political Science, SUNY Cortland. • The Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and Asante History– Staff, History Department, University of Ghana. • Traditional and Contemporary Visual and Performing Arts—Professor Daniel Appiah-Adjei, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. • Economic Issues and Social Responsibility in Ghana—Dr. Dan Ofori, The Business School, Department of Organization and Human Resources, University of Ghana. • Post Colonial and Post-Independence Politics—Dr. Kwesi Jonah, Political Science Department, University of Ghana. • Gender Issues in Ghana—Dr. Seth N. Asumah, Africana Studies Department and Political Science, SUNY Cortland. • Religion and Religious Issues in Ghana. Reverend Dr. Harry Insaidoo, Assemblies of God Mission, North Kaneshie, Accra. • The Effects of Globalization on Ghana, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy, University of Ghana.

Related Field Work and Trips as a Process of Immersion and Research:

Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Maafa: • Elimina Castle •

Asante History and Culture: • Kumasi—The Asantehene’s Palace—Manhyia Museum • National Cultural Center (Kumasi) • National Cultural Center (Accra) • Bonwire Kente Weaving Village

Economic Issues: • Accra Mokola Market (Accra) • Coca-cola Bottling Plant (Accra) • Fishing Harbor (Tema) • Oboasi Gold Mining Company (Oboasi) • Kumasi Kejetia Market

Post Colonial Politics: • Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum • W.E.B. Dubois Center

Religion: • Kanashie Assemblies of God Mission • Pega Crocodile Pond

Active Research • Participation in service learning in a rural community

Learning Outcomes for the Study Abroad Summer Program in Ghana:

1. The student will be able to describe African cosmology, epistemology and axiology. 2. The student will be able to describe the operation of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and the roles of Ghana, Europe and United States. 3. The student will be able to describe indigenous socio-economic activities. 4. The student will be able to describe traditional political institutions and post-colonial ones. 5. The student will be able to describe and analyze the basic history and structure of the Asante Kingdom. 6. The student will be able to describe the cultural significance of the Kente Cloth. 7. The students will be able to describe the effects of globalization on Ghanaian culture in institutions. 8. The student will be able to read newspapers, listen to radio, and watch television to gain greater understanding of contemporary Ghanaian society and current political and socio-economic affairs. 9. The student will be able to understand how international activities and news broadcast will help place the Ghanaian society in the African context of the world at large ((cosmology).

Assignments

Pre-departure Readings and Assignments:

• Robert Peprah-Gyamfi (2008). Three Cheers For Ghana! Lincoln, Nabraska, IUniverse Books • Amma Darko, (1996) Faceless, Sub-Sahara Publication, Accra, Ghana. • Other relevant reading material provide by the instructor.

During the Sojourn in Ghana: • Attend lectures and field trips • Keep a log of responses to readings, lectures, and field work. • Participate in all group events • Complete all assignments

Upon Returning from Ghana: • The student will complete a 15 page scholarly paper corresponding to the study abroad experience in the Ghana Summer Program and on a topic made in consultation with the instructor. • The student will participate in a reentry orientation and Ghana Study Abroad Colloquium at SUNY Cortland.