Program Overview

Program Overview

The SOSC 3483 3.0 course, Culture, Democracy, and Development in Africa II, is a 6-week study abroad program that examines the relationship between culture, democracy, and development in Africa. The course aims to provide students with practical hands-on knowledge about how cultural and governance practices shape development challenges and opportunities in an African context.

Course Structure

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. These seminars refresh students' understanding of the relationship, focusing on formulating major questions to explore during the study abroad trip.
• The second 3-week part of the course takes place in Ghana, where students explore various aspects of culture, democracy, and development at practical and everyday levels.

Course Activities and Excursions

Program activities and excursions include:

• A 4-day trip to Cape Coast
• Visits to Ghana's Parliament, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, National Museum of Ghana, Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Kakum National Park, and Nkyinkyim Museum
• Attendance at open events at the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast
• Observation of traditional festivals in Ghana, including the Accra Twins Festival, Homowo Festival, and Chale-Wote Festival

Accommodations and Meals

Accommodations and meals are to be announced.

Flight Information

Group airfare may be booked for all participants in SOSC 3483, with the cost of the course program fee increasing accordingly.

Entry Requirements

• Canadian citizens must obtain a tourist visa to enter Ghana.
• Students are responsible for knowing Ghana's entry and exit requirements and ensuring they have the appropriate travel documents.
• Students with layovers in another country en route to Ghana must check that country's entry and exit requirements and obtain a transit visa if needed.

Program Costs

The estimated program costs are as follows:

• Estimated Program Fee: $3,700 (based on 10 students), including accommodation in Ghana, transportation, site visits, excursions, most meals, and professor-related costs
• Additional Costs:
  • Flights to/from Accra: $2,500 (estimate)
  • Ghana Single-Entry Visa (3 months): $160
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination: $250
  • Guard.me Travel Insurance: $100
  • Spending money: $750
  • York University Tuition (Domestic): $724.59 (approximate)
  • York University Tuition (International): $3,723.84 (approximate)
• Approximate Total Program Costs:
  • Domestic Students: $8,184.59
  • International Students: $11,183.84

Prerequisites

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

Location and Course Dates

The course takes place in Accra, Ghana, with the following dates:

• July 6 24, 2026 at York
• July 26 - August 14, 2026, in Ghana

Course Director

The course director is Prof. Mohamed Sesay, Associate Professor, Department of Social Science.

Enrolment

The minimum enrolment is 10 students, and the maximum is 16 students.