Cape Town
Academic Program
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Directed Reading
Students studying in Cape Town can arrange a directed reading guided by a Cape Town program lecturer or campus-based Stanford faculty member.
In either case students interested in pursuing directed reading should consult with the program director as early as possible. Those interested in pursuing a directed reading with a campus-based Stanford faculty member should work closely with their academic advisor and the Cape Town program director in developing these projects. 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 (directed reading and 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.
Local University Coursework
If you enroll and are committed to participation in the Cape Town program for BOTH Winter and Spring Quarters, you may be able to take a pre-selected class at either:
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.
Students interested in this option should communicate with the program director as early as possible to express their interest and the course they wish to take. They must also meet the 12 unit Cape Town program course enrollment requirement.
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 Mountains region of the Western Cape
Johannesburg and Pretoria
Rural and urban KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa National Parks
Free State and Karoo
Durban and KwaZulu-Natal
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.