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Macalester-Pomona-Swarthmore Program: Globalization, the Environment and Society at University of Cape Town (Outgoing Program) Featured

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: English Housing options: Field Camp, Program House
Areas of study: African Studies, Africana Studies, Afrikaans, Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Botany, Computer Science, Dance, Economics, Engineering, English, Environmental Studies, Film, Gender and Women's Studies, Geography, History, Independent/Directed Research, International Relations, Linguistics, Literature, Marine Science, Math/Statistics, Media Studies, Molecular Biology, Music, Performing and Visual Arts, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sciences, Sociology, Sotho, Theatre, Xhosa, Zoology Class standing: 2 - Junior
Program type: Direct enrollment, Experiential/field-based, Hybrid GPA: 3.0
Program Description:
thecapeThe Macalester-Pomona-Swarthmore (MPS) Consortium Program offers its students a unique opportunity for focused study on the theme of "Globalization, the Environment and Society" in the multi-cultural society of Cape Town, South Africa. The program has been designed by environmental studies faculty of these three liberal arts colleges in consultation with the University of Cape Town (UCT). The program's overall educational purpose is to enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and its interconnections with human activity. To do so, students will grapple with the philosophical, scientific, social, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of the program theme. The academic program provides high-quality teaching, discussion, reading, educational excursions, and a directed study project that requires independent research. 

The program is based on three key concepts. Globalization is the dynamic and complex process involving the universal laws of science across diverse environments and the particular challenges confronted by local populations as they engage with the natural world. Environment investigates the physical and biological systems of the planet and its connection with the human condition. Society reflects how groups of human beings living together may be identified by the territory they inhabit or used to inhabit, the languages they speak, or the customs they follow, as well as ways that all of these features are in flux, in part in response to globalizing forces. Students will investigate how this has been expressed over time and across cultures, with a specific focus on South Africa.

Academic Program
The program begins with the core seminar, Interrogating Southern African Landscapes (1.0 Pomona credit). This course is required of all participants and is taught in two parts: part one by the Consortium Visiting Professor, and part two by a UCT faculty member. The seminar includes field trips, films, and other educational activities related to the seminar theme.

When the UCT semester begins in mid-February, students enroll in regular university courses earning 18-36 NQF/UCT credits each, for an additional one to four Pomona credits total. At least one course's topic must support the theme of the program. These courses must be at the 2000 level or higher. Pomona will award credit at the 1000 level only for courses in African languages.

Pomona awards credit for elective courses as follows:
  • 18 NQF/UCT credits = 1.0 Pomona credit
  • 24 NQF/UCT credits = 1.33 Pomona credits
  • 30 NQF/UCT credits = 1.67 Pomona credits
  • 36 NQF/UCT credits = 2.0 Pomona credits

Music or dance performance courses earn 0.25 Pomona credits.

The program also requires students to do a Directed Study Project (1.0 Pomona credit). A list of project topics from previous semesters is available in the International and Domestic Programs Office. 

Students earn a total of 3-6 Pomona credits in this program.

Students may not take the core seminar or directed study project course on a CR/NC basis.


Living Arrangements
Students live in a self-catered house near UCT. During field study excursions, students live in hotels, camps, and lodges.

Number of Students
Pomona enrollment is limited to four students. Total program enrollment is limited to 12 students. UCT enrolls approximately 21,000 students.

Host Institution
Pomona College
Macalester College
Swarthmore College
University of Cape Town

Faculty Liaison
Marc Los Huertos

Eligibility
  • Junior class standing and meets the GPA requirement listed above.
The application essay should demonstrate interest and purpose in the program. 

This program has an early application deadline in April for participation in the following spring semester. 

Internet Links
www.uct.ac.za/

Student Stories
Read Katrina Dank PO '20's blog post about her experience participating in this Cape Town. 

Travel Advisories 
U.S. Department of State
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 04/21/2024 05/03/2024 TBA TBA