2008 Teacher Summer Institute
An African Renaissance?

June 3-13, 2008

2008 Summer Photos

Daily Itinerary

Student Presentations & Lesson Plans (coming soon!)

In 1994, Thabo Mbeki, current president of South Africa, gave a speech entitled, “I Am An African” in which he popularized the concept of an “African Renaissance.” His goal was to erase the problems plaguing the entire continent, and unify Africa into a peaceful state of being. In order to do so, there needs to be great development and a renewal of nations. Europe had its renaissance between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries; is this now the time for Africa's renaissance?– a time for great revival in literature, the arts, science, commerce, etc. The 2008 Teacher Summer Institute, "An African Renaissance?" will focus on this philosophical and political movement, enhancing teacher knowledge of the continent that will be useful within the classroom.

Over the Institute’s two week period, Africanist faculty at KU will provide participants with cultural, political, economical, geographic, literary, educational, and additional outlooks relating to this movement. Covering such elements will provide a wide-range of information, on various topics, that will be beneficial for teachers of all subjects and classroom use.

This Institute is recommended for all teachers and educators who teach about Africa in their classrooms, or who seek quality information and thought-provoking discussion about different aspects of African culture and societies. The daily format includes an array of learning sessions - talks and panel discussions by KU African area specialists, library research time, and a field trip to the Kansas City area. Participants will create lesson plans to be used in their own classrooms, as well as by other educators, and will have opportunities to meet with faculty consultants for content and resource suggestions. The last two days of the Institute, each participant will share their units and brainstorm as a collective group. These lesson plans will be posted on the Center's website and other websites related to international education, providing teachers with valuable materials and resources focusing on the continent. A celebration party including music, dancing, and African food will be held for participants on the closing day of the Institute.

CREDIT
Graduate credit will be available to those who wish to enroll and pay for tuition and fees. Graduate students who are taking the summer workshop for credit are required to prepare research projects approved by the Institute director. These research projects will also be presented on the last day of the Institute.

In-service credit has been applied for the Lawrence and Topeka school districts. If you would like help obtainig in-service credit for your district, please let us know.

SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of scholarships are being offered to participants this year. To apply for a scholarship, write a brief essay answering the following questions about your needs and interests in teaching Africa, and include one letter of reference from your primary evaluator.

• What do you teach; at what grade level?
• What African topics do you teach, and how much time do you devote to Africa?
• To better teach about Africa, what do you or your colleagues need for your classroom or your school? (ie. content, materials, resources, etc.)

Scholarships may be used for graduate tuition and fees, or other related Institute expenses. They will be offered to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 9, 2008. A notice of scholarship awards will be sent by May 14th, along with confirmation letter including more Institute details. A confirmation letter with further details will be sent upon receipt of registration.

Deadline for registration: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Registration forms can be accessed by the link above, or on the Institute brochure. Please send a completed registration form with a materials fee ($40 for teachers and $20 for KU students) to:

Teacher Summer Institute
Kansas African Studies Center
University of Kansas
Bailey Hall, Room 10
1440 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045

A confirmation letter with further details, including a parking map, will be sent upon receipt of registration.