Cape Town

Academic Program

Directed Reading

Students studying in Cape Town can arrange a directed reading guided by a mentor who is a Stanford faculty member.

Those interested in pursuing a directed reading should work closely with their academic advisor and the Cape Town program director in developing these projects. Students planning to work with a Stanford faculty member should also consult with the director as well. A Directed Reading Proposal (downloadable form) must be submitted to the Overseas Studies office at least one month prior to the quarter of intended study. A directed reading may be taken only in addition to twelve units of regular coursework offered directly by the center.

Course Credit

The Cape Town Program offers courses that provide credit toward Stanford graduation and most classes also count toward an undergraduate major. Students must enroll in a minimum of twelve units from the courses offered through the program (local university courses are not included). For a list of all classes and information on which ones earn departmental credit or fulfill General Education Requirements, students should consult the BOSP course database or Axess during Spring Quarter 2009.

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Local University Coursework

If you enroll in the Cape Town program for BOTH Winter and Spring Quarters, you may take pre-selected classes at either or both of two prominent regional universities:

University of Cape Town
University of the Western Cape

Courses award generally 4 units of Stanford credit per course (though not necessarily as department credit towards a major). Upon return to Stanford, you must submit completed coursework to the appropriate department for assessment.

Studying at a local university is a valuable opportunity for deepening your involvement in the intellectual and social life of your host country. Information on available courses should be available Fall Quarter 2009.Top of page

Cultural Events and Trips

Cultural experiences and field trips, both class-related and program-wide, are an important part of the study-abroad experience in Cape Town. Classes have taken field trips to innovative development projects and important historical and cultural sites in:

Cederberg region of the Western Cape
Johannesburg and Pretoria
Rural and urban KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa National Parks
Free State and Karoo

Honors Certification in Africa-Related Studies

The Center for African Studies offers a writing workshop for students pursuing Africa-related honors theses. Students who have participated in the Stanford Program in Cape Town, especially those who have completed research, are well prepared to meet the requirements for honors certification in their departments and are welcome to participate in the Honors Thesis Workshop.

For more information, please consult the African Studies Center’s website. Questions should be directed to the Center for African Studies, located in Encina West.