This full semester programme addresses the theory and practice of community engagement and includes a service-learning experience in a local community.
PROGRAMME FRAMEWORK
RATIONALE
Globalization and technological development in the previous century made national borders of countries permeable and international travelling more accessible for students and faculty, not only as tourists, but to work and study abroad. Stellenbosch University International Office offers a full semester program for international students for students who want to study abroad. The certificate program includes theory and practice in a variety of themes in community engagement, is credit-bearing and includes service in a SA community. The Division for Community Interaction (DCI) facilitates the design and presentation of the course in collaboration with the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology.
AIM
The aim of the program is to provide students from abroad with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their global citizenship through service-learning. They will develop an understanding of the historical background and current issues impacting on community life and problems in South Africa and experience some of it first hand by rendering a service to a South African community while earning academic credits.
OUTLINE
The Programme consists of one compulsory course (Service Learning in Community Development) of 18 ECTS (9 US ) credits that is composed of an integrated community development theory and a community service-learning component. Students will also make a choice of one South African language on a beginners level for 6 ECTS (3US) credits. In addition, students select one South African studies elective. The student will earn a Certificate in Community Engagement in SA equalling 15 US credits/30 ECTS credits. See Table 1 on the next page for the list of available courses for the certificate programme.
OUTCOMES
After completion of the programme, students will have acquired -
- a basic understanding of South African history and current socio-economic and political trends depending on elective choice.
- 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 that will be transferable to similar communities elsewhere in the world.
- develop a sense of social responsibility, cultural and civic values in a diverse society.
Table 1
Composition of Certificate Programme in Community Engagement in SA
Compulsory course
9 US credits / 18 ECTS credits
Service-learning in Community development (SLCD)
Note : This course consists of a theory component on Community Development and Service-learning supported by a Community service-learning component of 60 hours service in a community.
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Elective courses
3 US credits each / 6 ECTS credits each
Students select one course from the South African Languages option :
• Afrikaans for Beginners
• Xhosa Language and Culture or
Students select another one course from the South African Studies option :
- Economic and Development Problems in South Africa and Africa (strongly recommended)
- Overview of SA History (strongly recommended)
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For further information on the elective modules, please consult the IPSU Course Booklet. The study guide for the SLCD course is available to students on the first day of class.
Further information
Presenters
Mr JMJ (Jacob) du Plessis; Tel: 021 808 2134
Ms A.R. (Antoinette) Smith-Tolken; Tel: 021 808 3798
Application Enquiries: ipsu@sun.ac.za
References
Woolf, M. 2005. Avoiding the Missionary Tendency. International Educator . Mar & Apr.05. pp 27-31.
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