Study Abroad Library

Antioch Education Abroad - Arts and Culture in Mali, West Africa

This unique, 16-semester credit field study program allows students to expand their creative facilities in the visual and performing arts while developing cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and a foundation for better understanding of both American and Malian culture. Using art as a cross-cultural tool and a means of self-expression, students become familiar with contemporary Malian life, which is influenced by: ongoing traditions since the 12th century, Islam, the fading but ever close legacy of colonialism, the persistent reality of contemporary neo-colonialism, and the complexity of globalization. The heart of the program is the three-week apprenticeship where students will have the unique opportunity to apprentice with an artist, artisan, musician or dancer in accordance with their own particular goals and interests. The apprenticeship is followed by a three-week independent project where students apply what they have learned during their apprenticeship to their own work. The group comes back together for the final week of presentations and group reflection. The program consists of four courses: 1. Traditional and Modern Perspectives on Malian Culture 2. Aesthetic Traditions of Mali 3. Apprenticeship/Arts Practicum 4. French Language Intensive (Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced) OR Bamanankan Language Intensive (Beginning) (no prior language experience is necessary)