Harvard Summer Program in Dakar, Senegal

Learn about modern Francophone Africa while exploring the diversity of Senegal. 

Modern Senegambian culture is the product of centuries of cultural, economic, and political interactions between Arabs, Europeans, and Black-Africans. In this program, you have the opportunity to travel throughout Senegal and study the many artistic, religious, linguistic, and cultural influences that have shaped and continue to influence modern Senegambian societies. 

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Your studies will focus on academic books, novels, pamphlets, the arts, painting, cinema, crafts, and music to investigate the various sources of influence that shaped—and continue to influence—modern Senegambian societies. In addition to lectures, discussion, and movie viewings, you also visit Islamic and Christian sites of pilgrimage in Senegal, shrines of African religions, museums, and village art. You also attend drumming performances by Senegalese musicians.

Your classroom discussion sections will be held in English and French. Relevant teaching materials (e.g., academic texts, novels, and movies) will be for the most part available in both English and French. You have the option to read texts, watch movies, attend discussion section, and write course papers in either English or French.