Participants will be provided the opportunity to connect with and learn more diverse and global perspectives through and of the arts. Students will participate in formal coursework on the main Legon campus of the University of Ghana and field trips throughout Ghana. The Ghana Field School highlights diversity, partnerships, connective learning and understanding of West African contemporary arts, culture and history. A faculty member from the University of Ghana will be invited as a visiting Professor to teach in the School for the Contemporary Arts at SFU in the spring term following the field school.

The program consists of three courses totaling 12 SFU units. All instruction will be in English.

FPA 308-4 West African History and Culture
This course will examine West African historical and cultural experience. Students will explore the development and nature of traditional West African societies, language, family, clans, lineage, gender, marriage, birth, the individual, education, religions and ceremonies as well as political, occupational, and economic systems and values. The course will further examine African colonial experience, the formation of nation-states, the pre- and post- colonial African experience, intra and international relations, problems and prospects of the contemporary African nation states. Keeping a journal is required. Lectures, videos and audio recordings will be used as teaching materials in this course.

FPA 309-4 Theories and Structures of Ghanaian Music and Dance
This theoretical lecture course will examine the historical and cultural context and sociopolitical economic basis of African music and dance. Students will explore West African music and dance composition and choreography in the studio and performance process: the form, styles and structures of traditional and contemporary West African music and dance, instrumental resources, languages/concepts, melody, rhythm, harmony and performance ethics/aesthetics will be examined. The course will further utilize practical devices to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Keeping a journal is required.

FPA 408-4 Ghanaian Dance and Music in Performance
This practical studio course will explore the contextual framework of West African dance and music in ceremonial setting and public performance. Students will be exposed to various West African dance and music styles, forms and structures, as well as their cultural significance. They will further explore the West African dance and music performance process and will interact with the local communities, artists and academics, thereby gaining a unique, integrated learning experience with performing and cultural arts in Ghana.