The Teacher Summer Institute on Africa

About the Institute
The Teacher Summer Institute draws twenty participants each June for a concentrated time of learning. The Institute is an expression of the Kansas African Studies Center's effort to reach out to K-12 teachers as well as community college or university instructors. It functions to fulfill KASC's mission "to promote the study of Africa and develop research and teaching of Africanists in the university, the state, and the region."

Sessions revolve around thematic topics on African people’s culture, economics, politics, or other contemporary issues that would enhance knowledge about Africa. Renowned speakers, experienced faculty and Center staff work with teachers to develop relevant teaching modules on specific topics, people or regions. The teachers also are exposed to all available resources that can help them bring Africa into their own classrooms. These resources include visiting libraries and museums, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and having sessions about on-line resources with Siferaw Assefa, our professional Africana Librarian. By the end of the institute, teachers are able to develop their own resource packets. Also, consultation with faculty is available for anyone requiring further information.

Presentations and Teaching Modules
The KASC has a collection of papers presented during previous institutes. Teachers who attend the conference prepare sample teaching modules about different topics. These materials are included in the pages linked below, and may also be available in hard copy. Call the Center at (785) 864-3745, or e-mail kasc@ku.edu.

Summer 2008: An African Renaissance?

Summer 2007: Africa: A Dialogue of Cultures

Summer 2006: Africa in the Diaspora: A Paradigm of Black Connectedness

Summer 2005: From the Pyramids to the Cape of Good Hope

Summer 2004: Understanding African Culture and Languages for Education and Business

Summer 2003: Contemporary Africa: Challenges, Realities, and Renaissance

Summer 2002: Islam & Africa: Myths and Realities

Summer 2001: Peoples of Africa: A Source of Knowledge and Learning

Summer 1997: Africa

Summer 1996: Africa

Summer 1995: Africa