Collaboration Project

Our study of Africa will disclose many challenges and issues in common with challenges in the United States. The Collaboartion Project is undertaken to address, to further explore these challenges and to develop collaboration to make a difference.

Students will identify a common challenge or issue to address and work in teams, and in collaboration with exisiting organizations in both Africa and the United States work to address that issue.

Throughout the semester students will research, design and carry out one or more projects. Several class sessions will be specifically devoted to facilitating collaboration projects, though most work will take place outside of class.

The collaboration projects should have the following features:

1. Research that richly and carefully analyzes the problem addressed in both contexts.
2. Collaboration with organizations in both contexts.
3. Developing a plan or program of action for your participation for addressing issues challenges or issues and supporting collaboration.
4. Report on steps undertaken. This report can take many forms including journals, observations, documents, photos, film, interviews, etc.
   
5. Documentation on a class website/wiki about the project(s).

All students are expected to demonstrate the finest skills of collaboration and team work.

At the hour of the Final Exam, each student will submit a three-page analysis of their work and propose a final grade for the project, subject to professor modification.

Spring 2022 Collaboration Projects

Black Lives Matter/Racism , presentation 

Climate Change

Wealth Gap

Women's Health, presentation

LGBTQ Rights

Government Corruption

Food Insecurity

Healthcare

LGBTQ+ 

 Previous African Literature classes have undertaken somewhat similiar Solution Projects. Some examples of these projects are below:

2010 Western4Water Project

2011 Students 4 Africa: Website, Video

The Collaboration Project is an example of Service Learning.

Created by: allen.webb@wmich.edu
Revised: 1/22