University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa’s oldest university, The University of Cape Town is the top university in all of Africa. Set on the slopes of Devil's Peak Mountain, the university has a renowned English Literature and Creative Writing department which educated Nobel prize winner, J.M. Coetzee himself. According to the University’s website, their English department focuses on teaching the canon of English literature, but not exclusively. They also explore post-colonial literature and theory as well as South African literature written in English. In addition, classes explore the significance of the English language in South Africa in light of apartheid. Interestingly, Roger Ebert, the world-famous film critic and Pulitzer Prize winner, received his graduate education from the University of Cape Town.
Many highly acclaimed professors also offer their services at the UCT. For example, in 2006, David Schalkwyk, professor of English Language and Literature, won the Thomas Pringle award, given by the English Academy of Southern Africa. Schalkwyk won for one of his literary articles. Students at UCT also have many opportunities to study various concepts from a perspective unique from that of American universities. For example, one could take a sociology course on Democracy, Social Change and Development in South Africa, or a variety of courses on African Studies. For English majors, the University offers a variety of courses in both the British and American canons, as well as the South African and African canons. In addition, the University supports a vibrant creative writing program. Students should inquire about eligibility and portfolio requirements. In short, the university provides excellent learning opportunities in an incredible environment.
Cape Town
Just as the University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest University, Cape Town is its oldest city. Cape Town owns the bragging rights to one of the most beautiful settings in the world—behind the campus rises Table Mountain, and before it, Table Bay. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is visible from the city, and is now a museum that can be visited by boat from the city’s Waterfront. The annual Cape Town Book Fair was established in 2006 and in two years has grown to become the biggest book fair in the southern hemisphere. Fifty thousand people visited the fair at the Cape Town Convention Centre during the three days of readings, launches and seminars in 2007. The fair takes place in mid-June and is an opportunity to meet and hear writers from all over the world. Students are particularly welcome, and the entry fee is waived for those with a student card. In addition to the Book Fair the city hosts numerous other literature festivals. Cape Town is a stunning multi-cultural city with a strong passion for the arts and scenery that will leave you breathless.
South Africa
If Africa is the cradle of civilization, then South Africa is the baby resting at the bottom. South Africa sits on Africa’s southernmost point jutting into the Indian Ocean to the West and the Atlantic to the East. This country, bathed by two oceans, has a rich literary history. Through many years of apartheid and general unrest, a broad range of literature has developed. Cry, the Beloved Country—Alex Paton’s famous work—was brewed in these harsh conditions. In South Africa's energetic literary scene new writers are gaining attention amid an already-prominent literature set, which includes two Nobel Laureates for literature (Nadine Gordimer and J.M Coetzee). A variety of cultures consider South Africa home, and therefore the literature is incredibly varied as well. Although some unrest certainly still exists, South Africa is becoming the beautiful country it was meant to be. Just be sure to steer clear of charging Rhinos if you visit one of South Africa’s numerous national parks.
Housing and Meals
The University of Cape Town offers a variety of accommodation options, from fully-catered (three meals a day) to very independent. Many of their facilities provide diversion such as ping pong and pool tables, and a few even provide the use of a swimming pool. The University also has an Off Campus Accommodation Bureau for those students who either could not obtain housing or wish to live off campus.
Daily Life
The days of Cape Town can be packed with activity or enjoyed at leisure as one sees fit. It is the publishing center of South Africa and also has a flourishing theatre and contemporary arts scene. Major galleries and museums such as the Slave Lodge Museum, the District Six Museum, National Arts Gallery, the Michael Stevenson Gallery and the Bell-Roberts Gallery can be found in the city center. Theatres such as the Baxter and the Little Theatre—part of the University of Cape Town—are important venues for new plays. It is also a must that students visit Clarke's, the legendary book shop in Long Street, Cape Town. Whether one’s idea of fun is hiking Table Mountain or reading in an urban café, there will not be a shortage of things to do in Cape Town.
