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PSC 282: Development Strategies and Projects in Africa (4 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Through class readings, films, discussions and a travel component, this course focuses on development as part of an academic discourse and as an underlying assumption behind applied service projects. Students begin by questioning what development is and who defines it, and they explore who benefits from it. They then read about a wide range of development projects and evaluate them for effectiveness. Finally, students and residents of the poor and rural villages of Nabdam, Ghana, put together developmentally oriented service projects and implement them during a trip to Ghana. 

IDEAL STUDENT:
Any student on campus who is eligible to take a travel course is welcome. The course has no prerequisites, and although it is a Political Science course, it has benefited over the years from students from across UT's four colleges. Students who get the most out of the experience come from so varied backgrounds. Some are interested in Africa, some in political science, some in sustainable development, and some in none of the above. A few have copious amounts of knowledge on the course topic, but most are just curious about what they have heard about sustainable development in the Global South. During our time in Ghana, as an individual or in a group, you will work with colleagues in the villages around Nangodi to develop a small-scale sustainable development project. This is not a theoretical exercise. After coming up with a project and mapping out the details, you will have a few days and a small budget to make it a reality. Students who are intellectually curious and care about the world in which they live tend to rise to the occasion and leave the course with proof that they have tried their hand at developing, implementing, and evaluating a sustainable development project while picking up fine-grain knowledge about life in a nonwestern country and leadership skills. You will also come away with a greater understanding of sustainable development challenges and maybe a few ideas for solutions to these challenges you will spend your career exploring.

PROFESSOR:
Kevin S. Fridy (kfridy@ut.edu), Professor of Political Science and International Studies
WHERE: Ghana, West Africa
WHEN: Course travels May 11-23, 2025 with pre-travel course meetings in Spring 2025*
COST: $3,300 (excluding international airfare)*
DEADLINE: November 1, 2024*

Video Itinerary

Testimonials

"My life trajectory changed after my trip to Ghana. I will always cherish my time exploring the entirety of the country, from the villages to the variety of beautiful people I met throughout. It inspired me to think about the type of questions we should be asking to identify sustainable solutions that benefit the world and all it’s cultures." - Devon (2019)

"When I first turned to my mom 2 years ago and said 'I want to go to Ghana' she looked at me like I had drunk Koolaid. Today, as, a senior graduating with 2 degrees, an alumni of the Timothy M. Smith honors travel grant and now, a Fulbright grantee, I can promise you neither her, nor I, view myself the same. It was the time I spent in Ghana that I developed a love for international cultural immersion, developed the empowerment that comes from introspective exploration, and really appreciated the notion of what it means to be a global citizen. The Ghana trip served as the best platform for instilling these passions within me while serving to challenge me and foster my personal and academic growth in ways I could not have anticipated before participating in the course." - Victoria (2016)

"My trip to Ghana was the trip of a lifetime. I carry lessons in business, culture and love with me daily from the wonderful people I was able to meet." - Leo (2014)

"My travels to Ghana immersed me in a different culture and way of life as well as connected my academic background with real experiences to the challenges of development, democracy and governance. From this experience I grew a deeper connection not only to Ghana but for the African continent. I furthered my studies on Africa in graduate school and took internships pertaining to Africa, which enabled me to get a position at the International Republican Institute in their Africa division in Washington D.C." - Rachel (2014)

"The Ghana course ultimately erased all doubts I had about pursuing a career in international development. It was an important stepping stone towards my attainment of a Masters in International Development from a UK university and the Ghana community development trip was worthwhile experience for my entry into the development field." - Thierry (2012)

"The program was incredible! Very well organized, and gave you a new work perspective through getting deeply involved with an incredible village in West Africa. Thought how to think outside of the box to create innovative ways to help a community, and have so much fun experiencing all Ghana has to offer. 10/10 recommend." - Sasha (2011)

"Participating in the UT Ghana course as a sophomore opened the door to a number of academic and professional opportunities. My group project for the course was to establish a small community library. Upon my return to Tampa, I continued to pursue my interest in education by working as an intern at the Akilah Institute for Women, a non-profit organization started by a Tampa native that provides higher education and training opportunities for young women in Rwanda. These experiences led to a semester abroad at Oxford University as part of the UT Honors program and after graduation, I returned to Europe to pursue my Masters in International Relations. Today, I am working in Paris, France at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the Directorate for Education and Skills. Dr. Fridy's UT Ghana course was undoubtedly an important catalyst that has helped shape my career today." - Caitlyn (2010)

"UT's study abroad in Ghana was my first experience traveling in Africa, and it certainly contributed to my decision to pursue a career in international development. After graduating from UT, I returned to the region as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and later pursued a Master of Public Health and transitioned to a large humanitarian organization that focuses on empowering women and girls around the world. At the very least, this course will open students' eyes to the diversity of the world they live in-- and for some, it may well be one step towards defining their life's passion and work." - Erin (2010)

“My experience in Ghana was completely unforgettable. The people were so friendly, the culture was fascinating, and I’m still talking about my experiences in Nangodi and beyond over 10 years later. I’d go back in a heartbeat.” – Sarah (2010)

"Over a decade later, still the most memorable trip I’ve ever taken. Cultural immersion from the time spent on our projects, made for an unforgettable experience. Would love to go back!" - Tian (2010)