Global Cultures, African Cultures

This unique iteration of NYU Liberal Studies' African Cultures course will happen on two sides of the Atlantic – New York, New York and Accra, Ghana. From the dual vantage points of North America's east coast and Africa's west coast, students will be asked to examine how, over the centuries, Africans have responded to a variety of new ideas and external forces that have impacted their societies, and how their cultural production reflects those responses. In New York, students will be asked to read books and essays, watch films, make field trips, and attend events as they learn about indigenous epistemologies, art and aesthetics, autochthonous political structures, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, colonialism, independence and revolutionary movements, Pan-Africanism, migration and immigration, youth movements, and afro-futurism, amongst other topics. In Ghana, the course's themes will spring to life as students travel through Accra and other parts of Ghana, interact with Ghanaian cultural producers, learn from African scholars, and experience daily life in Ghana. In their coursework, students will be asked bring their own interests about and passion for African societies and culture into the classroom and be active participants in our collective production of knowledge. Students will leave the course well-equipped to maintain life long connections to the continent and its peoples.

Complete Course Dates (tbd)
September 2020 – January 2021

Travel Dates (tbd)
January 2021 

**J-Term travel plans subject to change due to COVID-19

Course Fee

A course fee of approximately $3,500 is required. This fee covers:

• airfare
• twelve nights’ accommodations
• academic activities and transportation in Accra
  

Cancellation Policy

If you submit a confirmation form for this program, you have agreed to adhere to the cancellation policy. All cancellations must be made by email to ls.abroad@nyu.edu. A cancellation made by any other method (e.g. in person or over the phone) will not be accepted. In addition, please note the registration and services fee are refunded according to the New York University Refund Schedule.

If the travel component of this course is administratively cancelled, you will be refunded the $3,500 course fee.

Airfare Information and Travel Arrangements

Roundtrip airfare is built into the program fee. Transportation to and from Kotoka International Airport in Accra only will be provided. Students will not be allowed to travel independently from another location.

Visa Information

A valid passport is required, and should be valid for at least 6 months after the scheduled return date; a photocopy or photograph of the student's passport data page will be required to complete registration..

All students attending NYU Accra for the J-Term must apply for and obtain an entry visa to travel to Ghana unless the student holds a Ghanaian or ECOWAS passport. Click here for more information on Visas.

All travelers seeking to enter Ghana must have an international certificate of vaccination showing a current yellow fever vaccination.

Health and Safety

Your student’s safety and well-being are very important to us. All students will be enrolled in GeoBlue Medical Coverage for the dates of the program in Ghana at no additional cost. In addition, students may refer to the Wellness Exchange, Student Health Center, and the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities for any questions about travel to Ghana for the week and their individual health and wellness needs. The travel clinic at the Student Health Center provides travel consultation on necessary vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel. The Office of Public Safety also provides information and assistance to students around the world and closely monitors world events to ensure our students’ safety.