The course takes place in Tanzania, historic heart of humankind, home of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the famous Serengeti National Park, and one of the most peaceful and stable nations in Africa. The main objective of this course is to study how Church and Christian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are facilitating development through culturally informed theater in education among other methods of information dissemination. Other objectives include experiencing first-hand what life is like for Christians in Tanzania by interacting with them, reflecting on how students’ gifts, talents and Christian calling might be applied to the Tanzanian context, and gaining an understanding of how Christianity has affected the lives of Tanzanian people and influenced their creative arts in particular.
These objectives are approached from a historical, economical, societal and political perspective. Students participate in experiential learning through visits to rural villages of selected communities (such as the Maasai) and development programs, visits to museums, and also by attending cultural performances.
Students meet with church and NGO leaders and visit selected development projects including income generating activities, micro enterprise, health, and agriculture. Students attend class sessions conducted by class professors and guest speakers, covering Tanzanian culture, performing and creative arts, history, politics, current events, and the role of the Church and Christian NGOs in the development process.
Lastly, students experience the “Safari on the Northern Circuit” to have a closer look at the great animals of Africa, which includes visiting the famous Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks, Oldupai Gorge (a world famous archeological site), and the gorgeous Ngorongoro Crater (one of the natural wonders of the world).