In January of 2005, during the winter break, Montserrat piloted an off-campus study program in the West African country of Mali. Directed by one of our Art History Faculty faculty, Caroline Bagenal, the three-week study/travel experience attracted 6 students. Because of the success of that first trip, we have made this experience a centerpiece in our Wintersession offerings. The trip in January 2010 will be the fifth study abroad trip to Mali.

Students earn 3 credits in Art History during this study abroad experience. The course, African Art in Africa, provides the opportunity to study African art in context. In depth study of several tribal groups compliments visits to major architectural and art historical sites which provides students with first hand knowledge of the art and rituals of unique and fascinating cultures. The course combines art historical and anthropological approaches, and includes the study of masking, body decoration, fabric design, dance, ritual performance and material culture, as well as architecture, painting and sculpture. The class format is a combination of slide lectures, field trips and visits to area museums.

In 2010 the course will focus on the art and culture of the Bambara and Dogon peoples. Classes will be taught primarily in the city of Segou, but will include a camping trip to the remote country inhabited by the Dogon people.

Transportation
We plan to fly Air France, Boston to Bamako (Mali), via Paris. All students need to buy their own travel insurance (see separate sheet). Once in Mali, we will travel by public transport (bus) from Bamako to Segou (230 km, approx. 3 hour trip). A local tour company will take us by 4 wheel drive vehicles to the Dogon country. We will take day trips by bus and boat from Segou.

Visas
Visas are required. The visa costs $100. A copy of your roundtrip airline ticket, an International Certificate of Vaccinations, and details of hotel reservations must accompany your application for a visa. You must have an up-to-date US passport.

Vaccinations
Yellow Fever vaccinations are required; malaria tablets and other vaccinations are strongly advised. The Travel Medicine Clinic in Danvers (978.777.6544) will provide the required International Certificate of Vaccinations record book, immunizations and information.

Language
French is the former colonial language of Mali and is widely used. The principle African language spoken is Bambara.

Money
The currency in Mali is the CFA franc. Currently the rate is approximately 490 CFA francs to the dollar. Information on how much money to bring, in what form and how to carry it will be given out later.

Religion
Mali is 80-90% Muslim, 2% Christian, and the remainder a mixture of animist, Muslim and Christian. Though a secular state, Islam in Mali is conservative and quite influential. There is very little anti-Western feeling in Mali.

Government
Mali is a multi party democracy. Elections were held in 1992, 1997, and 2002. Mali is at present a peaceful and stable country.