Week One of Classes.

I figured it was time for an update concerning classes.

Yes. Welcome to the University of Ghana where you walk around looking for classes, find them, sit down and wait for a half hour for the professor to not show up, and then leave and grab a coffee (in my particular case). This was the case for about four or five of my classes this week…such a bummer. But, apparently its because hardly any students show up to the first week of classes, and there is awful traffic in Ghana.

HOWEVER! The classes I did go to were fantastic. I will give a play-by-play. Monday I was told there was “Traditional Song” at 7:30 am. Yeah. So my weel started out so freaking early. Anyone who knows me, knows how much of a struggle this must have been for me. Oh Ghana…the sacrifices I make for you. Haha But it turned out, the class was actually Intro to singing, which I don’t need to take at all. Also, the professor did not show. So, one class down. That was located in the Performing arts school, which is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from my dorm. Not too bad compared to the other places. Since I was already out in the department, I went and tried to find a voice teacher. Luckily, everyone is extremely helpful here, and the head of the music department led me to a man named Ben Amakye Boateng. I told him I was an international student (clearly, as if he was confused or something haha…its not like I’m American-looking or anything) and was trying to find out where to find a place to do vocal warm-ups, and possibly have some lessons. He told me about a previous student he had where they arranged for her to use his office once a week to sing and do whatever she wanted to. Play piano, warmups, etc. He said if I took lessons, this would be easily arranged. So, I ended up requesting him for lessons…and I scheduled my first one for this upcoming Thursday at 1:30. However, I’m nervous considering Maggie went to him after I did and set up a lesson and he didn’t show…so I’m hoping to have some better luck. I really need to get my voice in working condition soon. I miss it like CRAZY.

Side note, after I left his office I heard someone playing piano. It was a song that Wesley plays all the time, and I freaked out. I sat by the door and listened for a bit. Wesley was a little bit better (haha) but I am biased. Made me miss fatty…

Anyway, after I had my Twi class at 3:30-5. I have this class Mondays and Thursdays. This is the only class I am in that meets twice a week. All other class (with the exception of dance and some music courses) only meet for two hours a week. Then there is a class tutorial for an hour later on that week to discuss the lecture or class. Interesting, no? Twi is HARD. I was expecting it to be easy for me, because I am usually good at picking up languages. Twi is a tonal language, and also has some new letters that are confusing. Like a backwards c. Weird. Whoops, I mean different. Hahaha. But honestly, the language is really cool. I am liking it so far. I feel like it will really help to get to know Ghanaians on campus.

I had one class after this where the professor did not show, it was a history course called “The Black Diaspora”. I’m sure a few of you are wondering why the heck I’m taking a history course. Recently I decided that I am going to add a double minor of music and African American Studies. It is going to be a very tight squeeze with credits though. I am really hoping that between Kim and Kim Gallon, I can graduate on time. Kim Gallon, for those who don’t know, is the new head of the African American Studies minor. Apparently the title is soon to be changed to “Africana”. I love it. But because of this change, I am trying to figure out if I can take any courses here to fulfill requirements for that minor. I am already taking a music elective for the music minor, leaving me only one more course to take back at Muhlenberg to fulfill it. It’s quite a different story for the Theater major with a double concentration and the remaining minor. But, god-willing, it will work out. The professor did not show up for that class. However, I did meet a very nice man named Albert who asked for my number, where I lived, and if I would like to go clubbing with him on Saturday. “…sorry I don’t have a phone yet. And I’m not sure exactly where I live yet. (insert girlish laugh) I’m such an international student.” Response: “I can at least drive you back to Pentagon though.” Me: “Oh no, I need the exercise.”

It’s funny, but you will literally be walking back to your dorm and a guy will pull over in some sports car and say, “Hey, are you going to Pent?” and expect you to get in the car with them. STRANGER DANGER.

Tuesday I had the luck to have a 7:#0 am class AGAIN. However, this time the professor showed. And he is amazing. The class is called Play Analysis and Interpretation. The material looks fantastic- we are reading a few Shakespeare pieces, along with some new material which are African plays, and finally one of his plays as well. After class me, Kim and Maggie walked up to talk to him, and he hugged us all. I almost fainted. I believe my response was, “Where am I?” and he laughed. But seriously, Muhlenberg students, when has a professor EVER hugged you? On the first day? Ill tell you when, never. He was so welcoming and extremely happy that we were taking his class. Let’s just say I am extremely looking forward to that class. Even if it is a forty minute walk away and in the early hours of the morn. Fun fact, the teacher is the godfather of one of our upals, Micki.

Later that day I had Music of West and Central Africa. The class is going to be awesome…we are going to take field trips. Also, as a side note, so far almost all of my classes are not strictly lecture and are instead more discussion and participation based, meaning this transition will be hopefully easier than expected. This class is going to be my music elective- and it only has fifteen people or so. Which is ideal. More interaction with the teacher and students!

And then came the Traditional Dance Class. Wow. I can’t even begin to explain how amazing this class is. I don’t even know if I can. We learned a song, we dance some hardcore African, the class is huge- almost a hundred students. Luckily we have a lot of TA’s helping out. Here is a select portion of the song:

Kekere kekere jo ja jo ja ja ja ja

Kekere kekere jo ja jo ja ja ja ja

Moba Yoo

Etc. etc.  I was so happy I wanted to cry. I mean picture this- I am sweaty, disgusting, barefoot, sitting on the floor in the dance studio surrounded by a hundred other students and Ghanaians and we are singing a Traditional song. The doors are all open and young girls who go around selling snacks and water bags sit outside and try to follow along with the dancing. They sing along with us and join the community. I’m sitting thinking, I am in Africa. Singing and dancing. How cool is this? How lucky am I to be in another country…to see what people see here. Incredible. These kind of moments I never want to forget.

Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending a Traditional Drumming class. Let me tell you…once again I died. First of all, because its hard. Second of all because we did the class, outside on benches with our own drums. It was amazing. Lizards came around and were dancing (yes dancing) to our drumming. We learned a few simple phrases and rhythms. A lot of the class was centered on picking out rhythms and seeing how others fit in. Its really more difficult than I expected it to be, especially since I’m not new to the whole music thing. I guess I thought it would be easier. We bought our own drumsticks for 1 cedi, they were handmade. The teacher’s name is Francis and he did a fabulous job teaching a huge class. There is around 30 of us, and all of us are international students. Let’s just say I am thrilled to be taking drumming…and hopefully at the end I can bring back my own drum. Atsu (one of the upals) said that his family makes drums, and we can buy them from him. I will definitely be looking into that.

When looking into what classes to take this semester, I had a lot of issues since I need to get in a TON more credits to do my desired major/minors. However, I looked at the situation and decided that I needed to take Traditional dance as well as Traditional Drumming. I would never have forgiven myself if I was in Ghana for a semester and did not try my hand at both of these things. So I decided that I would take what I wanted to take (those two classes) and then take courses I needed to take. Even if it means I will need to take another summer course, it is totally worth it.

Thursday I had the pleasure of being on the radio station on campus- its called Radio Universe. For those of you who know Kim, she was on it as well. We were asked by one of our upals to go and basically function as an international students panel.  They asked us questions, we answered, etc. It was so much more entertaining than I thought it would be. We were also graced by the presence of a student from Liberia. He had been on campus for two years, but was still considered to be an international student. I think my favorite part of the session was when they asked us what was the most surprising thing you leaned in orientation. Kim and me just looked at each other and immediately had the same thoughts. Definitely the stressed subject of being an American female on this campus and how it would gain unwarranted attention from males. We then went on to describe some typical conversations we have been privy to and how forward the guys are verbally. Then, a man texted in a “Question” for us that basically said something along the lines of, Hi my name is Michael and I live in so and so hall. Please give Kim and Jessie my number and tell them I would like to spend some time in their company. I would love to be their personal tour guide. Haha. Oh yes, men on this campus apparently have a sense of humor. The students running the station loved it.

A quick recap of Friday, I had two courses but neither professor showed up. The first one was for Ghanaian Popular Music, and the second Dramatic Theories and Criticism.

So there you have it! Quick recap of the weeks events-but mainly I wanted to update everyone on the classes. Apparently this week is when classes truly start. Ill be looking forward to that! Also. There are auditions coming up for the first play this semester. It’s a Bernard Shaw piece called Androcles and the Lion. Auditions are this week, and I’m considering doing the audition…but we shall see. I have to do a ton more research before if I want to. Anyway- coming soon to a blog near you will be a sketch of the nightlife we have experienced here so far. Believe me, its pretty ridiculous. :)