Global Engagement in Practice, Swahili Language and NGO Case Study in Kenya
CGST 206
Spring 2026
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01
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This integrative, hands-on course is only open to Global Engagement Minors selected during the fall application process. Building on the theoretical frameworks and practical tools introduced in the gateway course, CGST 205: Introduction to Global Engagement, it weaves together Swahili language learning, regional studies, and an immersive spring break engagement with an educational NGO in Nairobi, Kenya. Situated within the broader regional education landscape, the course invites students to contextualize the NGO's work while also making their experience personally relevant through the design and implementation of a micro-project aligned with their academic interests. Course content introduces key historical, cultural, and contemporary dynamics of East Africa, with particular attention to the NGO's role within this evolving ecosystem. Through structured reflection and post-travel analysis, students critically examine their field experiences, strengthening their intercultural competence and deepening their global perspective. Throughout the semester, students will study beginning Swahili while exploring the broader context of the case study NGO, Kenya Education Fund. Course content will introduce students to key historical, cultural and contemporary dynamics of the East African region, with particular attention to the youth-led movements shaping present-day Nairobi and the NGO's role within that landscape. In preparation for the trip, students will design a personalized micro-project aligned with their academic interests, to be implemented during their time on the ground. Upon return, they will reflect on and analyze their experiences, deepening their intercultural understanding and global perspective. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CGST |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Credit/Unsatisfactory |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: CGST205 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Global Engagement Minor) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
The River Between, Ngugi wa Thiong'o
The River and the Source, Margaret Ogola
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course is limited to 7 students with priority given to Global Engagement Minors. It is taught alongside LANG151, Intro to Swahili, and includes a travel component to Nairobi, Kenya, during Spring Break (March 7-17, 2026). |
| Instructor(s): Deeg-Carlin,Anita Times: ..T.R.. 08:00AM-09:20AM; Location: FISK101; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 8 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 2 | FR: 2 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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