SOSC 3483 is a 6-week study abroad course that examines the relationship between culture, democracy and development in Africa. It aims to give students an opportunity to acquire practical hands-on knowledge about how cultural and governance practices shape development challenges and opportunities in an African context. 

The course is divided into two interrelated parts:  

• The first part, offered on York’s campus for 3 weeks, consists of seminars about the relationship between culture, democracy and development in Africa. As students may have taken either SOSC 2480 or SOSC 3480, these seminars are carried out to refresh their understanding about the relationship focusing on formulating major questions to explore during the study abroad trip: What is the nexus between culture and the local political economy? How does governance shape opportunities for women and youth in Africa? What cultural practices promote or hinder development goals? Students will also learn about the geographical, socioeconomic, cultural, and political context of Ghana. 
• In the second 3-week part of the course, students will spend one week preparing for travel and two weeks in Ghana exploring various aspects of culture, democracy and development at practical and everyday levels. Students will visit key historical sites including the Cape Coast and Elmina slave castles (both UNESCO designated heritage sites). As well, students will get the chance to observe some of the major traditional festivals in Ghana including the Accra Twins Festival (Yee-Ye-Yee), Homowo Festival and Chale-Wote Festival. Other places to be visited include the Accra Arts Centre, the National Museum, Osu Oxford Street, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Makola Market, Kakun National Park and Ghana’s Parliament. Students will also attend open events at the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast. 

Quick Links

• Prepare to Travel Safe
• Funding Opportunities for Study Abroad
• Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
• Study Abroad Info Sessions

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Applications for this course will be accepted until January 23, 2026 at 12 p.m. EST.

Students must use their YorkU e-mail address to apply as e-mail addresses from outside the York organization are not supported by the application platform. If your @my.yorku.ca e-mail address is not working, please input your YorkU e-mail address using only @yorku.ca.

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Prerequisites: SOSC 3480 6.0 - Culture, Democracy and Development in Africa OR SOSC 2480 6.0 - Introduction to African Studies or permission of the instructor.