Home > Academic Courses and Programs > Fall Break Seminars> Gullah Seminar

Gullah People and Challenges of Coastal Communities

Immersion in the Sea Islands of South Carolina (AFAM 43075/CSC43705)

Fall 2005

Size: 12 students

Cost: $175

Contacts

Angela Miller McGraw
Director, Gullah Seminar
631-3356

Overview

Located on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia are communities of people who are the descendants of slaves. They have a unique culture that is directly linked to West Africa. In South Carolina, this group of African-Americans and the language they speak are referred to as Gullah (Gul-luh). In Georgia, they are called Geechee (Geechee). Because of their geographic isolation, the Gullah have been able to retain more of their African heritage than many other African-Americans.

In the 1950's bridges were built to the Sea Islands to provide access to resorts. These bridges increased tourism but also challenged the traditional farming, fishing, and folkways of the Gullah people. This seminar will examine the rich history and culture of the Gullah people and the communities of the Sea Islands of South Carolina utilizing both classroom and experiential learning.

Our exploration begins in the mandatory class sessions involving presentations, discussions, videos, and selected readings. Those who participate in this seminar commit themselves to working with the Sea Island communities of South Carolina during the fall break.

**NOTE** Please check your class schedule to see if you have departmental exams that might conflict with the Gullah Seminar class schedule. If so, please contact your instructor to request an alternative exam time.

Application and Registration

• Online applications are due Thursday, August 25th. By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the Gullah Seminar.

• Course registration is organized by the Center for Social Concerns in collaboration with the Registrar's office. Forms to add the course will be completed at the first required class. All Saint Mary's students must obtain a Saint Mary's add form, have it signed by their Saint Mary's academic advisor, then turn in the signed add form at the first scheduled class.

**PLEASE NOTE** Once you receive notification of Seminar selection, you will register for the Seminar within the first seven days of the semester. Contact the Dean's office if you are over the maximum number of credit hours allowed by your College. Social Concerns Seminars do not apply to overload.

Criteria for Selection

The program is open to any student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary’s College. Students are to conduct themselves according to the policies listed in Du Lac. An open mind, enthusiasm, and an expressed interest in the goals of this seminar are the primary criterion for selection. It is also important for participants to have an interest and willingness to share their experience with the campus community and to work to build a collaborative relationship between the University and the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. All participants are expected to become familiar with the cultural and social factors in South Carolina through lectures, discussions, videos, and readings.

Fees and Expenses

The cost of the seminar is $175. This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts after September 9th. This fee contributes toward the expenses of the seminar: van rental, housing, site fees, gas, tolls, and a donation to be made to the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Students should bring extra spending money to cover any souvenirs and meal expenses incurred during transportation to and from South Carolina.

If you are accepted and you decide not to participate before September 9th, your student account will be charged a $40 cancellation fee. If you are accepted and you decide not to participate in the seminar after September 9th, your student account will be billed the full $175. (This is necessary because the Center has pre-paid many of the expenses of the seminar based on your acceptance into the program, and your acceptance may have precluded someone else from participating.)

***Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact Julie Boser .

Withdrawal from the Course

Please notify the Seminar Director if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the seminar. Final day to drop is Friday, September 9th. To withdraw from this course, an Academic Course change form (obtained from the Center for Social Concerns), must be completed and signed by the Center’s Director of the Gullah People Seminar.

Drops after September 9th and failure to follow proper withdrawal from course procedures will automatically result in a grade of “U.”

Calendar Fall 2005

Mon., Apr. 11
Learning agreement/application available online: http://centerforsocialconcerns.nd.edu

Thurs., Aug. 25
Online application deadline: http://centerforsocialconcerns.nd.edu/academic/application.shtml

Sun., Aug. 28
Acceptance confirmed by email. If you apply to more than one seminar, you will receive ONE email for the seminar into which you have been admitted.

Fri., Sept. 9

Final day to drop. Change of course forms must be turned into the CSC.

Wed., Sept. 21

REQUIRED: Gullah Seminar Class I - 6:45-8:15 p.m. CSC

Complete Course Add Forms & Insurance/Waivers (Bring Insurance Information)

Tues., Sept. 27

REQUIRED: Driver Training - 6:00-7:00 p.m. 141 Debartolo Hall

Wed., Sept. 28

REQUIRED: Gullah Seminar Class II - 6:45-8:15 p.m. at the CSC

Wed., Oct. 5

REQUIRED: Gullah Seminar Class III - 6:45-8:15 p.m. at the CSC

Thurs., Oct. 13
Dinner and Seminar Send-Off Mass. Location and time TBA.