Deadline--African Studies Research Symposium Synopsis and Deadline

Research Competition- Please submit your research descriptions by November 30 deadline!

The competition is open to graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in the African Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh engaged in research related to Africa. The Research Symposium is a chance for students in the African Studies Program to share their research with others as well as seek constructive feedback from peers, faculty and staff.

Requirements:
1.Students must be enrolled in the African Studies Program.
2.Research proposal must have content relating to Africa.
3.Research description: Summary (1 page single-spaced): A brief synopsis of the research being presented. Deadline for this synopsis November 30th 2009.
4.The research proposal must be typewritten, double-spaced, and should have a minimum of 15 pages and should be no longer than 20 pages.
5.Students must present their proposals at the research symposium on Thursday, March 11 2010, from 3-7pm, 4130 Posvar Hall.
6.Proposals must be submitted via email to: africast@pitt.edu or in person to Sandra Matoushaya at 4138 Posvar Hall, by January 30th 2010.
There are three prizes at each level - undergraduate and graduate students - as follows:
Undergraduate and Graduate Prizes
First Place $150 Second Place $100
Third Place $ 50

Upon completion of the research, students will be asked to present their findings to the African Studies community at the Research Symposium on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 3-7pm, 4130 Posvar Hall
Sponsored by: African Studies Program
For more information, contact Sandra Matoushaya - 412-624-8143 africast@pitt.edu

Lecture--Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Kalikawe Bagonza, Bishop of the Karagwe Diocese in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania presents the Role of the Church in Community Development in Africa

Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Kalikawe Bagonza
Bishop of the Karagwe Diocese in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania

Rt. Rev. Dr Benson Kalikawe Bagonza is bishop of the Karagwe Diocese in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT). He earned a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and a PhD in Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (Illinois), with a focus on theology and development. He has also done extensive studies on African theology, ethics and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Since his ordination in 1993, he has served with ELCT as parish pastor, mission developer and general secretary within the Karagwe Area.

The role of the church in community development has been highly disputed. Many believe the church should only be involved in the spiritual calling of service whereas others believe it is its mission to change existing failing structures and create social, economic and political conditions for development. In most parts of Africa the church has been called to play an increasing role in nation-building, and economic and social development in view of poverty levels, political instability, destructive ethnic conflicts, crime and violence, disease, famine and corruption.

*Reception to follow lecture*
Please RSVP by sending an email to africast@pitt.edu
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/africa/
Audience: Open to the Public
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: African Studies Program
For more information, contact Sandra Matoushaya - 412-624-8143 africast@pitt.edu

Film--Africa Film Series- "YESTERDAY"

Yesterday- A spirited and happy young mother living in a remote village in South Africa, Zululand- does not have an easy life. There is little money, no modern conveniences, her husband is away working in the mines of Johannesburg, yet she possesses a sunny nature and takes great joy in her seven-year-old daughter, Beauty.
The precarious balance of Yesterday s life is suddenly threatened when she is diagnosed with AIDS. She never had the chance to go to school and although her health is failing, she sets her sights on a single goal: to be with Beauty on her first day of class, along with all the other proud mothers.
Set against the awe-inspiring, harsh landscapes of South Africa, Yesterday is an eloquent, heartbreaking film that quietly builds an overwhelming emotional force. In some places, for some people, yesterday is always better than tomorrow.
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/africa/
Sponsored by: African Studies Program
For more information, contact Sandra Matoushaya - 412-624-8143 africast@pitt.edu