MSU Tuesday Bulletin, 12/06/05

THE TUESDAY BULLETIN

Issue No. 12 Fall 2005 December 6, 2005

Weekly News from the AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 100 INTERNATIONAL CENTER

EAST LANSING MI 48824-1035

For back issues, see archive <http://africa.msu.edu>

BULLETIN CONTENTS

EVENTS

MSU ANNOUNCEMENTS
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOBS

EVENTS

December 7, Wednesday

"Hausa Table," every Wednesday brown bag luncheon with Dr. Ibro Chekaraou. Hausa-phones in the Lansing/East Lansing area meet to practice their Hausa in order to maintain or improve their oral skills in the language, 12:00 noon, Room 201 International Center.

December 8, Thursday

Special Brown Bag talk with Professor David Wiley, Sociology and Director of the African Studies Center (MSU), 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., Room 201 International Center, light refreshments will be available.

December 9, Friday

"Undue Inducement and Coercion in Medical Research in Africa: How Relevant is the right to withdraw?" Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences seminar with Professor Paul Ndebele, Visiting faculty (Center for Ethics & Humanities in the Life Sciences, MSU), 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Room A131 East Fee Hall. Refreshments will be served.ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ;ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ&Ecir c;

MSU ANNOUNCEMENTS

African Studies Center Application for Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) 2006-07

The African Studies Center at MSU is now accepting on-line applications for FLAS fellowships for academic year 2006-07 and for the 2006 Summer Cooperative African Language Institute (SCALI). The FLAS fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Title VI program for the study of African languages and non-language courses on Africa.

Up to date information and on-line application forms are available at: http://africa.msu.edu/FLAS/FLAS.htm. Candidates must have completed application procedures by February 17, 2006. Related application materials are to be mailed to the Assistant Director of the African Studies Center, 100 International Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1035; Phone: (517) 353-1700; Fax: (517) 432-1209; e-mail: fisseha@msu.edu.

In accordance with the Title VI centers' agreement of rotating summer course offerings under SCALI, African languages study in summer 2006 will be hosted by Indiana University-Bloomington. For more information visit: http://www.indiana.edu/afrist/scali1.html.

Books for Africa - MSU Student Organization

The Books for Africa Student Organization at MSU, in partnership with Better World Books, will be accepting donations to ship books to Africa at the end of each semester. New and used books may be dropped off in the drop boxes, which will be located in the lobby of each dorm on campus or the African Studies Center, Room 100, International Center. Books will be accepted during the week of November 21, 2005 through December 14, 2005.

The objective of the Books for Africa Student Organization, founded at George Washington University, is to send any kind of used and/or new books (except magazines) to African Communities in order to help them reduce costs of building community libraries and educational centers in their towns. For more information, contact Laura at sologure@msu.edu.

2006 Course Announcement

AL 491A, sec. 301, Southern Africa: Contemporary Issues through Film and Literature, will meet Mon. 6:10-7:00pm (114 EBH) and Wed. 6:10-8:50pm (310 EBH). This course will be offered in the second half of Spring Semester, 2006. The first class is on March 13th immediately after Spring Break. The Center for Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities announces this new two-credit course for spring semester. This course may be used toward completion of the second IAH requirement. Completion of the first IAH course is required as a prerequisite. Students who took AL 491, "South Africa @10", in spring 2005 may not register for this course since there will be substantial duplication of material.

Course Description: Southern Africa has experienced three decades of incredible change, moving from the harshest forms of racial settler colonialism to independence and democracy. This process has been marked by great successes of the human spirit and of social and economic development - and by substantial challenges of poverty, HIV-Aids, and socio-political and cultural fissures. This two-credit course will use carefully-selected films, videos, and works of fiction from the region to expose MSU undergraduates to the rich history and vibrant present of Southern Africa and to actively engage them with the difficult issues confronting this region. The course will make use of MSU professors with Southern African expertise and visitors from Southern Africa. Instructors of record are John Metzler and David Wiley, 353-1700; metzler@msu.edu; wiley@msu.edu.

Students wishing to register should complete the form available at http://www.cisah.msu.edu/index.html under News and Events or in the CISAH office, 305 Linton Hall. Eligible students will be registered on a first- come, first served basis. Enrollment is limited to 45 students.

MSU Study Abroad to South Africa, Summer 2006

"Conservation and Biodiversity in South African Parks and Nature Reserves" - This 4-week study abroad program (May 13 - June 7, 2006), arranged through the Office of Study Abroad and offered by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will tour various South African parks and nature reserves. Students will familiarize themselves with the flora and fauna of the different ecosystems visited; will interact with government officials and land managers; and will participate in hands-on learning, including bush walks, habitat sampling, population surveys and other field experiments.

Detailed information about the program can be found at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/programs/safricacon.html. A program slide show is also available at - http://www.fw.msu.edu/studyabroad/southafrica/slide show.htm. Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1, 2006 for summer programs. Application review will begin in December and continue through February - well before the application deadline, therefore it is strongly recommended that students apply early. Visit the Office of Study Abroad website: http://www.studyabroad.msu.edu/ for application information and procedures. To learn more about this program, e-mail Jim Schneider, schne181@msu.edu, or call 353-9091 to set up an appointment.

Faculty Recognition

Congratulations to Dr. Adesoji Adelaja for being appointed by Lansing Mayor-Elect, Virg Bernero to chair the Land Use and Environment Transition Committee. Dr. Adelaja is an MSU Hannah Distinguished Professor in the department of Agricultural Economics; Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Development (CARRS); Geography, and a Core faculty member in the African Studies Center at MSU.

MSU Press - Open Position for an NEAS Editor

The MSU African Studies Center, in partnership with the Michigan State University Press, invites scholars with a Ph.D. and an academic focus on Northeast African studies and with experience in academic publishing to consider applying for the position of Editor of Northeast African Studies. A job description can be requested from africa@msu.edu. This peer- reviewed professional journal disseminates original research and scholarly reviews that integrate all academic fields of study of the Horn of Africa, including such areas as history, political science, economics, sociology, anthropology, public policy, foreign relations, cultural studies, literature, and the arts. The three-year initial term with possibilities for renewal begins as early as March 1, 2006. To apply, send a letter of application stating your interest in the journal, a resume, and the addresses of three referees to: Prof. David Wiley, Director, African Studies Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 and to Fredric C. Bohm, Director; Michigan State University Press; 1405 S. Harrison Rd., Ste. 25; East Lansing, MI 48823-5245. Application deadline is December 31, 2005. If you have questions about this position please email or phone: 1) wiley@msu.edu ; (517) 353-1700 or 2) bohm@msu.edu; (517) 355-9543 ext. 117.

MSU Study Abroad to South Africa, Summer 2006

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad, "Cultural Heritage of the New South Africa," study abroad program will run for 4 weeks (mid-May to mid-June) in three primary locations in South Africa, Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg/Pretoria. Two side trips will be to Umtata (home of Nelson Mandela and sit of the Mandela Museum) and to Hluhluwe (to visit Hluhluwe National Park, Africa's oldest game reserve). Detailed information about the application procedures and acceptance process can be found at http://studyabroad.msu.edu. Applications are due March 1, 2006 for the 2006 summer program. To learn general information or get details about the syllabi of courses offered, e-mail Marsha MacDowell, Professor and Curator, MSU Museum at: macdowel@msu.edu; or C. Kurt Dewhurst, Professor and Director, MSU Museum at: dewhurs1@msu.edu, to set up an appointment.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

University of Georgia 2006 Group Projects Abroad

The Intensive Advanced Swahili Group Project Abroad (Swahili GPA) for the summer of 2006 will be held in Tanzania from June 14 to August 6, 2006. Participants must be US citizens, or permanent residents and be junior/senior/graduate students in an institution of higher education and must have completed at least 3 semesters or the equivalent of Kiswahili.Ê

This year, the in-country (Tanzania) director is Dr. Deogratias Ngonyani, Michigan State University. However, the University of Georgia, African Studies Institute, will remain the institution of record for the 2006 GPA program. All communication and questions about the program should be directed to Dr. Lioba Moshi at gpa@uga.edu. Application forms can be obtained from the African Studies Institute office at UGA, 319 Holmes/Hunter Bldg., Athens, GA 30602 or its website http://www.uga.edu/afrstu (on-line submission is encouraged: go to the site, select study abroad, then Tanzania, then GPA). Students should apply not later than January 31, 2006.

Discover Africa with Operation Crossroads

Operation Crossroads Africa is a U.S.-based, private voluntary organization that sponsors cross-cultural exchanges and small-scale development projects in Africa. For seven weeks each summer, teams of eight to ten participants, a Crossroads leader, and about an equal number of local volunteers join with a community on a project that involves local people and participants working together.Ê

In 2006, Crossroads will sponsor projects in several African countries. They extend an invitation to those who wish to become a part of the Crossroads tradition as a participant or Crossroads leader. To get an application for participation during the Summer of 2006, contact: Operation Crossroads Africa, Post Office Box 5570, New York, New York 10027; Phone: (212) 289- 1949; Fax: (212) 289-2526; Website: http://www.OperationCrossroadsAfrica.org; or e-mail: oca@igc.org.

JOBS

Swahili Lecturer - Stanford University

The Language Center at Stanford University invites applications for a full-time three-year position of Lecturer in Swahili beginning September 1, 2006.

Minimum qualifications are an MA in linguistics, applied linguistics, and/or African Languages, Ph.D. preferable. Applicants should have experience teaching Swahili language as an instructor at the college level. and should be able to teach Swahili language courses at all levels and should possess native or near-native fluency in Swahili with an excellent command of English.Ê

The successful candidate will be expected to assume leadership of the Swahili program and take an active role in the Center for African Studies. The salary is competitive. Applications, including current vita, the names of three persons who can serve as recommenders, and a brief description of teaching philosophy, should be sent or faxed to Swahili Language Search Committee, Stanford Language Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-2015. Fax: (650) 725-9377.

The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Stanford University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Applications from minority and women candidates are especially encouraged.

Foreign Language Education: Swahili Mentor - Five College Center

The Five College Center for the Study of World Languages invites applications for a 3-year, renewable position as Swahili mentor in the Five College Mentored Language Program beginning fall 2006. The successful candidate will take a vital role in the programs innovative learning model that accommodates the needs of students spread among the five campuses. The Colleges' mentored design allows for elementary, intermediate, and advanced Swahili language study in a format that can be tailored to complement individual student's study-abroad experiences, research/vocational interests and language preparation. The mentor spends one day per week on each of the five campuses, meeting with students in individual tutorials and small group discussions. The mentor will also be responsible for organizing student activities related to Swahili language learning, such as language tables and film nights.

Candidates must possess native or near-native fluency in Swahili. The academic field of specialization may be African languages, African studies, linguistics, English as a Second Language (ESL), second language acquisition, language education, or another related field. Ph.D. preferred; Master's degree required.

Interested candidates should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their philosophy of language acquisition to: Swahili Search, c/o Five Colleges, Incorporated, 97 Spring Street, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002. Review of applications will begin December 15, 2005 and will continue until the position is filled. For further details please e-mail: ntherien@fivecolleges.edu or visit the Web Site : http://www.umass.edu/fclang.

Tuesday Bulletin, Fall No. 12

Page Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar, Ph.D.