Capstone in Ghana:
Understanding Perceptions Through Art and Artmaking
Maymester 2014
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Floyd
Program Advisor: Theresa Harrison
Dr. Floyd’s personal experiences
Where is Accra, Ghana?
Course Description
ARTE 201
Capstone Ghana: Understanding Perceptions Through Art and Art
making”
Experience methods of teaching art to children
Gain an understanding of artists and their artwork (both traditional
and contemporary) both in and out of Ghana
Discuss articles related to Ghana and its history, art and artists.
Have you ever wanted to visit an African country?
Do you want to have the best summer ever?
If so, then this trip is for you! You will be involved in the
art education for elementary aged students in Ghana.
Expand your global understanding through a series of
activities, various visits with a historical, cultural, and
educational aspect!
You get to experiment with art
techniques and provide Art experiences
at the Children’s Art Village
Ghana Facts
President: John Dramani Mahama
Capitol City- Accra (2.269 million)
Population: 25, 241, 998 (2012 est)
Monetary unit: Cedi
Official language: English
Local languages: Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante
9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme
4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%,
Akuapem 2.9%, other (includes English (official))
36.1% (2000 census)
Religions: Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic
24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other
11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%,
none 6.1% (2000 census)
Ghana Facts cont.
Ghana is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT); 4 hours ahead of the time here in Columbia, SC.
Ghana is a tropical country. Accra, the capitol, is located in the dry equatorial cones.
A common feature of all Ghanaian cultures is a love of festivals. Barely a week goes without one
or another town holding its major annual celebration.
Ghana- Country Profile
Geography
A West African country bordering on the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is bounded by Côte d'Ivoire
to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the
south. It compares in size to Oregon, and its largest river is the Volta.
Government
Constitutional democracy.
History
Several major civilizations flourished in the general region of what is now Ghana. The
ancient empire of Ghana (located 500 mi northwest of the contemporary state) reigned
until the 13th century. The Akan peoples established the next major civilization, beginning in
the 13th century, and then the Ashanti empire flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Called the Gold Coast, the area was first seen by Portuguese traders in 1470. They were
followed by the English (1553), the Dutch (1595), and the Swedes (1640). British rule over
the Gold Coast began in 1820, but it was not until after quelling the severe resistance of the
Ashanti in 1901 that it was firmly established. British Togoland, formerly a colony of
Germany, was incorporated into Ghana by referendum in 1956.
Itinerary
Sun. May 11th- Depart Charlotte, NC to Accra, Ghana
Mon. May 12th- Check in, City Tour, Lighthouse, Welcome dinner
Tues. May 13th- Children’s Art Village, Academy for African Music and Art, Batik print making
workshop
W-F. May 14th-May 16th- Children’s Art Village, Language class for Twi basics and Makola Market
Sat. May 17th- Ga Coffin Maker
Sun. May 18th- Cape Coast City Tour
Mon. May 19th- Cape Coast Castle
Tues. May 20th- Elmina Castle and Fort (Work with children at a local school- Tues-Fri)
Wed. May 21st- Artisan Craft Shops (weaving, bead making, wood carving)
Thurs. May 22nd- Manhyia Palace Museum
Fri. May 23rd- Farewell party with children at school
Sat. May 24th- Kakum National Forest- hike and canopy tour
Sun. May 25th- Reflection with group and Farewell dinner
Mon. May 26th- Depart for Home!
Trip Highlights
Batik print making workshop
Elmina Castle and Fort
Manhyia Palace Museum
Hike and
Canopy tour
Coffin Maker
Cape Coast Castle
Health and Safety
Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, particularly outside Accra, the capital. Travelers
should carry adequate supplies of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of
their prescriptions, the generic name of the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-thecounter medications.
A passport and a visa are required, as is evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. Passports
should have at least six months validity.
There are a number of ongoing chieftaincy disputes in Ghana that generally involve
competition over limited resources. Several of these disputes have erupted into violence
and unrest during recent years. Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid
political rallies and street demonstrations and stay aware of their safety at all times.
Program Arrangements
Cost is based on number of participants, 12 minimum participants $3, 750. However, the more
participants the cheaper the cost.
Travel while in country is by private motor coach: airport pick up and drop off, as well as all
group related functions and excursions.
Accommodations-shared rooms in centrally located dormitories, hotel accommodations in Cape
Coast with separate beds.
Meals- all breakfasts, group welcome and farewell dinner provided.
Class assignments
Group work- Altered book
Example of Altered book
Altered book entry and final product
Get Excited!
President Obama visited Accra, Ghana in July 2011