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Benedict Der, Professor and Chair, Department of History, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Lecturing: History (non-U.S.), The History of Missionary Activities in Northern Ghana, Kinship in Ghana and the History of West Africa
Host: Gustavus Adolphus College, Minn.
Scholar in Residence
September 1999-May 2000

Benedict Der's Scholar-in-Residence grant to Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota clearly demonstrates how the presence of a visiting scholar can enrich the host institution. The scholar, a professor of history and chair of the Department of History at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, spent a year in Minnesota teaching West African history. By offering courses on missionary activities and kinship structures in Ghana, which had never been available to students before, Der was able to have a significant impact on the institution's international education mission. In addition, he taught a seminar on the history of West Africa for faculty, which provided Gustavus Adolphus with a basis for developing additional courses on the subject.

In addition to his scheduled teaching load, Der delivered a number of guest lectures to students at the invitation of his colleagues and served as a resource person for both faculty and students working on Africa-related projects. His interaction with the campus community has sparked considerable interest in Africa among students, many of whom knew little or nothing about the region before his visit. Many on the campus have asked for more courses on Africa, and Der has agreed to assist faculty who plan to develop these courses. Both students and faculty have also expressed a desire to participate in exchange programs to Africa. In response to this latter interest, the college has contacted the University of Cape Coast to discuss establishing an exchange program. Through this program, the scholar's impact will reach beyond the campus of his host institution as students and faculty from other colleges and universities in Minnesota will be invited to participate, as well.

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The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State. CIES is a division of the Institute of International Education

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