Location:

Durban, South Africa

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

MayMester Intersession

Program Overview

Program Description:

Georgia State offers many summer and maymester programs led and taught by Georgia State professors. These programs tend to be focused on a particular topic or theme and range from 10 to 20 participants, though some are larger. Students participate in lectures, site visits, excursions, and tours as part of the program. These programs usually last between two and six weeks. Students find these programs a great way to really get to know their professors and other GSU students while earning GSU credits and grades. Students do not have to study on a program related to their major, but they certainly can. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

The Program: The role of Indigenous Mathematical Knowledge Systems (IMKS) is paramount for the survival of many South African citizens, particularly in the countryside. This immersion program is part of a three-credit graduate-level course in Mathematics Education. EDMT 8420: TOPICS IN SCHOOL MATH CURRIC 1.0 to 3.0 (Special Topic: Indigenous Mathematical Knowledge Systems) introduces students to an assortment of tacit, implicit and explicit mathematical knowledge and skills which people in a particular geographic area possess and which enable them to get the most out of their environment. This experience is facilitated over seven weeks and dovetails two components: Part 1: Class work (June 4 - June 28 and July 9 - 20, GSU). During course work, students will be introduced to the traditional technologies and practices that have been and are still used by indigenous and local people for existence, survival and adaptation in a variety of South African contexts. The primary purpose of this component is to provide a broad perspective on indigenous knowledge systems that cover a plethora of contents and contexts which incorporate a variety of mathematical structures including architecture, mural decorations, indigenous games, beadwork, weaving, cultural artifacts, and other social systems and activities. Part 2: Cultural immersion (June 29 - July 6, Location: Durban, South Africa). In the study abroad component, students will visit a number of cultural villages in South Africa, such as the Shakaland Cultural Village, which preserves the traditions of authentic Zulu civilization and hosts a number of various Zulu artwork forms that are scattered throughout the village. Students will learn the significance of geometric designs and strip patterns that thrive in the traditional Zulu work by examining a wide variety of authentic arts and crafts including clay pots and basket ware, utensils and clothing. Additionally, students will explore myriad social networking settings, like camp-fire storytelling, which were used to transfer such knowledge to the younger generations in an effort to provide them with strategies for survival in their ecological niche. Students will be afforded opportunities to open dialogues with knowledge holders who are key figures in adapting and adding to these knowledge systems in response to changing circumstances and environmental conditions.

Setting Description:

Students will stay in double-occupancy hotels or guest cottages.

Cost:

Please contact for program costs