Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies in Health, Social Welfare, & Development
This short-term study abroad program will offer graduate students the opportunity to study health, social welfare and development needs in metropolitan and rural Nairobi during the December intersession. Students will spend 2 to 3 weeks visiting schools, religious missions, community cooperatives, relief agencies and/or governmental offices to gain appreciation for the challenges and opportunities confronting Kenya and other African nations.
The central features of this program are the service and observation components. Specific visits will likely include the Kivuli Community Center, which helps take children off the streets of Nairobi, the Thigio preschool and health clinic, and the Riara project site. Others include the the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Kibera and the projects of SOMIRENEC (Social Ministry Research Network Centre). Cultural activities may include visits to the Nairobi Museum, the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha for a Sunset Boat Cruise or Nakuru National Park for a game drive.
These site visits are supported by readings, personal narratives, lectures and guest discussants. Classroom activities on campus during the fall quarter will provide an overview and discussion of relevant theories, perspectives, and programs that will inform our observation and activities in Kenya. While travelling, students will keep a daily journal to reflect on learning experiences. Upon return in winter quarter, students will meet with faculty to facilitate reflection and praxis on the chosen topic. They will also complete a paper analyzing a specific issue related to course objectives and of immediate concern to Kenyans.
In order to make an informed decision about travel to Kenya, it is crucial that students read the current US State Department Travel Warning statements and consular information sheets on Kenya. Additional information can be found on the British Consular Services and Canadian Consular Affairs websites.
This program is led by Dr. Susan Poslusny, Associate Professor and Chair of the Nursing department, and Dr. Raphael Ogom, Assistant Professor in the Masters in Public Services program. Students will register for the following interdisciplinary course during the Fall quarter:
Required Course (4 credits):
International Health, Social Welfare, and Development
Offered in fall quarter, this interdisciplinary course will prepare graduate students to participate in a short-term study abroad program in Nairobi, Kenya during the December intercession. Classes will focus on relevant theories, perspectives, and programs for economic development, social welfare, health promotion and disease prevention in Kenya, and the role of public and non-governmental organizations (NGO's) in addressing these and other challenges. Readings and discussion related to liberation philosophy, structuration theory, post-development thought, the WHO Declaration of Alma Ata and the UN Millennium Declaration and Development Goals will inform our discussion of important issues, such as post-colonial development, the status of women and the spread of HIV-AIDS, the challenge of sustainable technology and respect for diversity within and across national boundaries. Teaching and learning methods will include readings, personal narratives, lectures and guest discussants. Students will begin a journal and a paper analyzing a specific issue related to course objectives and of immediate concern to Kenyans prior to departure and submit the completed products upon return to classes in winter quarter. The class will meet four times prior to departure and twice upon return during winter quarter. Cross-listed as MPS 604 and NSG 450, the course will meet the elective requirements in the respective disciplines and is open to students in other graduate programs.
Course Objectives :
1. Analyze the essential relationships between health, social welfare and socioeconomic development in a global context.
2. Assess the interaction of Non-profit organizations and public/government sector institutions in Africa.
Also in preparation for the fall course, students are encouraged to read Imperial Reckonings: the Untold Story of Britain's Gulag in Kenya, by Caroline Elkins (2005) and Facing Mount Kenya by Jomo Kenyatta.
Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.
Students will stay at Shalom House, an interfaith conference center, in double rooms with private bath and mosquito netting. In addition to clean and comfortable accommodations, the gated compound also offers a medium level of security, a small cyber-center, gift shop and two restaurants. Shopping centers are nearby.
In addition to DePaul graduate tuition for 4 credits during the Fall quarter, costs include a spefic program fee. For updated information on specific program expenses, click here:
The program fee covers accommodations, some meals, study abroad health insurance and group cultural activities.
Students must plan their budgets to cover airfare, additional meals, passport and visa fees, immunization and vaccination costs, local transportation, personal supplies, textbooks and entertainment.
This program is open only to Graduate students. To apply to this DePaul Study Abroad Program, students must submit the following:
• A complete DePaul Study Abroad Program application form
• Two academic recommendations
• An ID sized photo
• An official DePaul transcript
DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 243 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604-2287
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15th
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