CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Why Study in Cape Town, South Africa? Affectionately known as “the Mother City,” Cape Town was founded in 1652 and is South Africa’s oldest city. Situated on the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is a vibrant multicultural city with a reputation of also being one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world, with the backdrop of flat-topped Table Mountain juxtaposed by the sweep of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its good year-round climate, natural setting, well-developed infrastructure, and many beaches, Cape Town has become the most popular international destination in all of Africa. Cape Town has a very complex history and culture, as does all of South Africa. From 1948 to 1994, South Africa’s governing party enforced apartheid, a system of racial segregation put in place by the white minority. During this time, Cape Town was home to many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement; meanwhile, nearby Robben Island, the infamous penitentiary only 6 miles from the city by ferry, held many political prisoners for years. In changing times, though, Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release in 1990 from the balcony of the Cape Town City Hall, heralding a new era for the country, and four years later South Africa began true democratic elections. Today Cape Town is a thriving metropolis with a reputation of having the most entrepreneurial, multicultural, and equalitarian city of the country, and is considered an ideal venue for studying abroad. What Classes Will I Be Taking? Everyone participating in this program will be taking two classes: RELS 1 (Introduction to Religious Studies) and NRM 12 (Introduction to Environmental Conservation). RELS 1 is a 3-unit course transferrable to CSU and UC. It will explore the meaning, origins and function of religion, and illustrate these by drawing on myths, symbols, and beliefs from global cultures and through human history. Within the context of this trip, you’ll learn of the role of religion in influencing South Africa’s history as well as investigate the evolutionary origins of religion. You’ll go to museums and archaeological sites as part of the class, as the area here is rich with opportunities to see up-close examples of religion that span its genres and forms from high institutions to traditional animistic concepts and ceremonies. NRM 12 is a 3-unit course transferrable to CSU and UC. It’s an introductory course in the management and conservation of natural resources as related to the basic needs of society: food, shelter, water, forage, minerals, recreation, and wilderness. You’ll learn how economic interests and cultural values affect the management of the earth’s renewable and nonrenewable resources. In particular for this trip, you’ll examine resource management issues as they have occurred and played out in both the U.S. and South Africa. You’ll take a look at the competition between people and large animals for land and resources for both countries, and also learn of America’s and South Africa’s contrasting approaches to such issues as forestry, mining, and water management, as well as the impacts they’ve brought on. The classes and field trips will generally take place Monday-Thursday. Who Are the Instructors? Eric Thompson will teach RELS 1, and Joel Neuberg will teach NRM 12, and they will be accompanying the students on their field trips. They will also be giving informational meetings about the trip tentatively beginning late Fall 2016 and into Spring 2017 (dates and times TBD). Eric Thompson has taught in SRJC’s Philosophy, Humanities and Religion Department since 1992. His current research interest is focused on the evolution of religion in the human species. He has vast experience in traveling, as well as in knowledge of religions related to world history, cultures, and languages. Joel Neuberg is both an instructor in SRJC’s Agriculture/Natural Resources Department as well as librarian. He has worked for National, State and Regional Parks as well as National Forests and other land management agencies. He is particularly interested in the global nature of resource management issues and will share his perceptions with his students. He has extensive experience working with groups in Africa and the Middle East. What are the minimum qualifications of the South Africa summer program? All students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of departure and be in good academic standing. Students on academic probation or dismissal will not be allowed to participate. In addition, due to the nature of the classes with field trips, the program will have a maximum capacity of 30. How can I find out when more information becomes available? We are creating a contact list to inform interested students when more information will be available on the website, when the application link will be available, and when informational meetings will begin to take place. To request to be put on this list, please email Patty Warne, coordinator of Study Abroad, at [email protected]. .