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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
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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.
Please contact us
if you would like to submit your own story and/or photographs.
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