| About the Course
For Fall 2012, the African Democracy Project focused on democracy in Ghana. Students selected to participate in the course experienced a semester of intensive study of the challenges of democratization in Ghana.  Dr. Ronald Brown (left), Associate Professor, Political Science, was the co-instructor for the course. As part of the course, students accompanied Wayne State University President Emeritus Irvin D. Reid and Professor Brown on a 10 – 14 day trip to Ghana in December 2012 during the presidential election.
In preparation for the trip to Ghana, students studied contemporary Ghanaian history and contemporary issues in African politics. Particular attention was devoted to exploring civic-based organizations, health care organizations, religious communities, political parties, and university student organizations. Students had an opportunity to examine the crucial roles of healthcare, education, and religion as well as the traditional status of women in Ghanaians' political dialogue. Other topics of special interest to course participants was also explored.
The Foreign Study
The foreign study was based in Ghana’s capital city of Accra and the neighboring city of Cape Coast. Travel to rural areas was also included as part of active field research. Students met with national and local government and political party officials, election officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Students also visited the campuses of the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast. Students played a major role in selecting and arranging interviews in Ghana. Field study was highlighted by the national elections in Ghana, which was scheduled for December 7, 2012.
Throughout the course, students documented and reflected on their experiences through film, blogging and journaling. After the trip, students reached out to the Wayne State and metro Detroit community to present their research and to talk about their experiences in a variety of venues. Course participants also engaged in a service learning experience with a community service organization in Metro Detroit or in Ghana. More Information
For more information about the course, contact Professor Ronald Brown at rebrown@wayne.edu or FOCIS at focis@wayne.edu. | RESOURCES: BBC News profile for Ghana CIA Factbook for Ghana
Electoral Commission of Ghana Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Washington D.C. Government of Ghana - Official Portal University of Ghana US Department of State (Ghana)
VIDEOGRAPHY:
A short video on Ghana, by Premier Volunteers of Ghana |