Courses I'll teach at Africa University

Originally, I was assigned to teach in a masters level program called Child and Family Psychology, but the dean of that program was not comfortable assigning me classes, so I'm teaching in my second area of expertise, public health.  (I bet most of you didn't even know that I have a masters degree in epidemiology!  That's a long story for another time. . . )

Here are the courses I'll teach: 

 SHS 208          Family Health (3)    (Undergraduate level)   

This course examines the family as a social institution in a changing society. The role of the family in health promotion at all stages: infancy, adolescent, adult including postmenopausal and post-androposal stages are discussed. Gender issues and health, awareness of ways of reducing mortality and morbidity amongst women through promotion of education of the girl child, advocacy for equality in services, advocacy for women’s rights to control their own fertility, encouraging income generating activities and advocacy for equal job opportunities are examined. Social support systems and the care of the vulnerable in developing countries are examined. The course will also critically examine the current response of national health and social systems to the needs of the child.

SPH 539         Family Reproductive and Child Health (3) (Graduate level)

This course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive organs and the reproductive cycle, the various changes that occur at the different stages throughout the lifespan of the male and faemal.  It also considers the promotion of a safe and healthy reproductive life and the prevention and management of diseases related to reproduction.  It also critically examines the relevant international conventions, policies, protocols and legal instruments.  The epidemiology, prevention, care and consequences of the diseases of infancy and childhood including the integrated management of childhood illnesses and immunization are also discussed.

Photos of Africa University (photos from Africa University publications)

 

This is the campus of Africa University. 

 

The acacia tree is the symbol of Africa University.

This groundbreaking for faculty housing was two years ago.  

We'll see if I get to live in the new facility!

I understand that visiting faculty are placed in three-bedroom apartments in faculty housing with two other faculty members.  Each faculty member has a bedroom, and shares common living space, bathroom and kitchen with the others.  I don't get paid to teach at Africa University, but am provided with housing and the right to ride the campus bus to and from Mutare, approximately 10 miles away. 

History of Africa University

[edited from Wikipedia]  In 1984, two African bishops, Bishop Emilio J. M. de Carvalho of Angola and Bishop Arthur F. Kulah of Liberia, with the support of thousands of African Methodists, issued the call to create Africa University. A plan for the United Methodist-related university, to be located in Zimbabwe, was presented to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in October 1987.  At the 1988 General Conference, United Methodists overwhelmingly accepted the proposal to begin the university. On April 6, 1991, thousands of people from throughout Zimbabwe watched as the groundbreaking ceremony took place and one acacia tree was planted at the Old Mutare Mission site of Africa University. In January 1992, President Robert Mugabe granted Africa University’s Charter by official proclamation. This is an African initiative, with African Methodists serving with United Methodists from all over the world to develop an institution for all of Africa.

Funding for Africa University is a two-part $20 million effort every four years. Ten million is apportioned to the 34,000+ United Methodist churches. The apportioned dollars provide for the day-to-day operating expenses of the university. The second ten million is raised through World Service Special Gifts for a permanent endowment. The interest and earnings on the permanent endowment provide for scholarships and other financial aid for students as well as meet new and emerging programmatic needs of the university.