Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Service Learning Certificate

Service Learning – Certificate in Community Engagement in South Africa

The object of this Certificate program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the historical background and current issues impacting on community life and problems in South Africa and experience it first hand through service to a South African community while earning academic credits.

After completion of the certificate program the student will have acquired:

A basic understanding of South African history and current socio-economic and political trends.
A beginner's ability to read and understand a South African language, including a rudimentary proficiency in speaking the language.
A theoretical understanding of poverty and development, based on principles of community empowerment, within the context of South African communities.
Hands on social and personal skills in serving a particular South African community.
A sense of social responsibility, cultural and civic values.

Requirements

3.2 minimum GPA required
Students must be aged 20 or older by the start of the program
Only students at the third year level of their study or more, OR students having completed at least five semesters of coursework or more, will be considered for acceptance to the module
Students will be required to submit an essay (please consult your AIFS Admissions Officer for further details)
Please note that acceptance to the AIFS Stellenbosch program does not guarantee acceptance into the Service Learning program. Your Service Learning application will be reviewed by the Service Learning program coordinators at Stellenbosch University and an acceptance decision will be provided prior to departing the U.S.

Course Outline

Students opting to take the Certificate program earn a total of 15 credits, comprising a 9-credit mandatory Service Learning in Community Development course plus two 3-credit modules from the following list, one of which must be a language course.

Mandatory Module - Service Learning in Community Development 301/401 (9 credits)

The student will attend class for 6-7 hours and do between 8-10 hours community service per week for fourteen weeks. The module will consist of three parts: Community Development theory; Service Learning theory and Community Service Learning application. The first part will provide students with a theoretical understanding of community developments, concepts, principles and processes and a knowledge and understanding of social phenomena, pathologies and problems pervasive in disadvantaged South African communities. The second part will give students an understanding of the philosophy, principles and purpose of Service Learning and a sense of social responsibility, cultural and civic values in a diverse society. The third part - application - will allow students to apply abstract academic concepts in practice and provide a real life experience in a service organization in a South African community.

Site placements include: Crèche/Early Education Development; Museum: Art and Music Programs; Schools: Computer Training and Library Service; Intellectually Disabled Persons Residential Care; HIV and Aids Prevention and Care; Crime Prevention Youth Programs, Community Radio Station and nursing at a local hospital.

More information will be provided about each organization during the introductory period of the course. A field trip will also be undertaken to the different service sites. Please keep in mind no placement can be guaranteed in advance in a semester, no student can make a placement choice before the orientation has been completed and due to student numbers placements may be added or omitted.

(This Service Learning module may be taken on its own with any other course - timetable permitting. Students will then only receive the credits and transcript for the course. The Certificate is only issued to students taking the required combination of courses.)

Choice Modules (3 credits each)

Students may choose one language from the first group and any one module from the second group. Course descriptions can be found in the regular semester course descriptions in the preceding pages or obtained from AIFS.

Group 1

Afrikaans: Language and Culture 104/204 (3)
Afrikaans for Beginners

Xhosa: Language and Culture 114/214 (3)
Xhosa for Beginners

Group 2

History 241/341 (3)
Overview of South African History

Political Science 244/344 (3)
Economic and Development Problems in South Africa and Africa

Political Science 311/411 (3)
Politics and Cultural Change in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Political Sciences 314/414 (3)
Comparative African Politics and Democratization

Political Sciences 315/415 (3)
Negotiating Transition

Political Sciences 316/416 (3)
Transitional Justice