Senegal - ENGL 308/FREN 312: M/ Modernity in West Africa 1026

Summer

Dakar, Senegal (Map)

This program is not currently set to run during Academic Year 2024-2025 (including summer 2025). Please check back for any updates which will be posted on this page.

This 4-week innovative course, ENGL 308/FREN 312: M/ Modernity and Western Africa, taught by Dr. Kodjo Adabra (Department of Global Languages and Cultures) and Dr. Olaocha Nwabara (English Department), takes place in the port city of Dakar in Senegal. Students conduct field research on approved topics that connect Senegal and their respective majors: such topics may include culture, literature, religion, history, politics, media, education, sciences, food, cinema, arts, music, etc.... The students who so desire will receive guidance and mentorship from the program instructors in the subsequent Fall semester to refine their summer research for presentation in English at a national undergraduate conference in the US. This summer course, is therefore open to students from all majors (instructors' approval required) and will also count towards a major/minor in French or in English. This course also meets the World Culture and Values General Education requirement at Geneseo.

Senegal, Africa's westernmost country, is one of the more successful post-colonial democratic transitions in Africa, and has played a significant role in the politics, arts, and cultures of West Africa, and the city of Dakar blends modern amenities with the rich cultures and traditions of diverse ethnic groups. In addition to the field research and the classroom instruction, the course includes a number of group activities.

Excursions include three weekend trips (with overnight stays at hotels) to places such as the town of Toubab-Dialaw (batik sessions: tie-dying technique, drumming class, visit of L'Engouement African dance workshop, Sobo Bade beach), the town of Toubacouta (cultural night at Hotel Keur Saloum, visit of mangroves, guided tour of ecological village on Sippo island, local cookout class, traditional Senegalese wrestling match, stop in cities of Kaolack and Mbour), and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Goree Island. Weekday afternoon visits take the group to the Pink Lake, the new Museum of Black Civilizations, Bandia reserve (safari), markets, local beaches, artisanal exhibits, local sites of interest and several cultural events.

Students stay with carefully selected Senegalese host-families in Dakar for a true cultural immersive transformational experience.

Other highlights of the program: the instructors offer an additional 2-credit directed study in summer session II for those who need 6 credits to qualify for summer financial aid; the program provides 3 meals a day (breakfast/lunch/dinner); each participant receives a personal cell phone with a personal local number upon our arrival in Senegal.

Eligibility

Program Start Date

Program End Date

Program Dates

Academics

ENGL 308/FREN 312: M/ Modernity in Western Africa (4 credits)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge of past and current issues in Senegal and in most of French-speaking West African nations.
The ability to describe and discuss major literary, political, cultural, economic, social, and intellectual developments within the African francophone world.
The ability to compare issues in contemporary francophone cultures with issues in the United States.
Improved proficiency in French oral discourse (For French majors/minors).
The ability to analyze media information and its relevance to today's global discourse.

Program Code

Accommodation

Course Director

Dr. Kodjo Adabra is an Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies at SUNY Geneseo. Originally from Togo, in West Africa, he has a thorough understanding of the cultural diversity within the francophone African world. His primary research deals with Francophone sub-Saharan literatures of post-colonial Africa, with a focus on diasporic literature, literary transnationalism, migration, identity, and exile.

Dr. Olaocha Nwabara is an Assistant Professor in English Department. She teaches courses in global African literatures, most specifically West African, women's, and migratory literature. Her courses focus on examining identity formation amongst diverse African (continental and diaspora) subjects and self-representation within literature and film.

For questions, please email adabra@geneseo.edu or onwabara@geneseo.edu

Course Orientation(s)

Testimonials

- From Nora Whorton: "Going on Dr. Adabra'ssummer abroad program in Senegal was one of the most pivotal decisions I have made in my entire life. It truly is transformational. Going into college, I knew I wanted to study abroad, however, it's hard to do that with one of my majors in biology. This program allows and encourages students from all different disciplines to pursue a research project of their choosing. I ended up choosing to research traditional medicine which actually changed my career path and made me want to learn different viewpoints regarding health and medicine. Not only was it transformative in the education aspect, but also in the worldly aspect. Dakar is a wonderful city, culturally rich, and the people there are so kind and hospitable. People encouraged me to use and practice my French and were always willing to help. Overall, a combination of the experiences I had and the people I experienced them with made the trip what it was. Our cohort was like a family, and having that shared experience is something we will never forget. Dr. Adabra was an amazing mentor during my time there, and he still continues to be even after coming back. He wants his students to succeed, and he pushes them to be the best versions of themselves that they can be. I will always remember my time in Senegal, and I would love to go back. So, I say step outside of your comfort zone and go on this trip! I promise it will be worth it. There may be some uncomfortableness at first but embrace it because this is truly a life-changing experience!" - SUNY Geneseo, Summer 2022 in Dakar, Senegal.

- From Gaetan Jean Louis: "Out of all the countries I have visited, Senegal has been the most impactful one because of the diversity of their languages, cultures, and ethnic groups. The people are known for their hospitality and I felt it by living with an amazing and welcoming host family. I chose this program because it was a great opportunity for me to go to Africa and earn credit abroad for a very affordable price, but there are way more reasons to go, such as the unforgettable experiences you're going to get there, the cultural and academic knowledge you'll acquire and plenty of fun with your cohort and with some locals. I'd definitely have this experience again because it was a life-changing one. If it was for me, it can, should, and will be for you as well. Apply as early as possible!" - SUNY Geneseo, Summer 2022 in Dakar, Senegal.

Program Cost Sheet

For a detailed description of the costs associated with this program, download the Program Cost Sheet by clicking on the link below.

Resources

Upcoming Information Sessions

Application Instructions

Type:
Short-Term Faculty-Led

Duration:
4 Weeks

Language of Instruction:
English, French

Field(s) of Study:
African Culture

Special Features:
Faculty-led, Excursions, Field Study

Program Provider

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Website

Host Institution

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