Development Across the Disciplines—Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
In this off-campus course we will blend experiential learning and academic research in order to better grasp the issues and practices in development and aid work. We will travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to engage in integrated community placements. Each week of the course will examine a different large question in four specific units: Ethics, Literacy and Education, Development in Practice, and Politics and Participation. Fieldwork will include rotating through projects with children and adults affected by development and aid, both those benefitting from development projects and those working to provide assistance. In particular, students will conduct interviews and surveys, engage in hands on tutoring, teach or assist in special classes, workshops, and/or capacity building trainings, and visits to other development and aid institutions. We will also attend lectures, workshops, and/or presentations, and participate in local cultural excursions such as to museums and to Entoto Mountain overlooking Addis Ababa. Students will select an area of interest upon which to concentrate, and which will become the focus of their final project. Addis Ababa has an altitude of approximately 7500’ and so students should be prepared for working and walking at high altitude. Students will be expected to adhere to all safety and health policies, to bring an open mind to the class, and to engage in culturally sensitive practices. Interested students should submit a statement that includes major, minor(s), year abroad experiences (past or planned), and any special accommodations that may be needed to participate. (Accommodations for students with disabilities may be limited abroad; advanced notice of special needs will allow us to investigate what may be possible in this course and in Ethiopia.) Also include in your statement, a one-page “essay” explaining why you would like to take the course, your goals for the experience, and the particular strengths, interests, and experiences you would bring to the course. Please submit the essay to Claudia Cooper ccooper@<a href="http://middlebury.edu">middlebury.edu. For additional information, contact Claudia Cooper or Nick Rogerson nrogerson@middlebury.edu. Final projects will be showcased in the Spring 2016 Student Research Symposium. (Approval required)
Dates: June 22, 2015 – July 24, 2015