MODULES OFFERED INCLUDE

Swahili Literature and Performance Contemporary Swahili novel and play: In-depth analysis of the two genre of Literature that is play and novel in terms of-The plot, characters, themes and language used.Short story in Kiswahili literature. Swahili poetry.Classical Swahili poetry and contemporary Swahili poetry.Types of Swahili poetry. How to write Swahili poetry Language use in Swahili poetry. Swahili epic Oral Literature Swahili songs, dances and music, Swahili History and Identity.

The study of the origins and history of the Swahili, Swahili economy and international relations Spread and development of Kiswahili in East Africa and the Diaspora. Dialects of Kiswahili. Swahili and her neighbors Anthropology of the Swahili Economic activities of the Swahili eg. Fishing, farming, weaving, dhow making, stone house building, wood carving etc.

The Swahili way of life, (birth, marriage and death)Art, dressing, adornments, and other forms of creativity and personal beauty.Religion Beliefs and forms of worship.Swahili songs and dances. Swahili Language will include Swahili basic (beginners) and advanced.

Teaching will be conducted on Swahili grammar and phonetics depending on one's level of proficiency in Swahili. An entry examination will be conducted to determine the student's level of proficiency in Swahili. A part from the four modules, the Institute will also offer where appropriate;Trips/excursions will be arranged: while in Lamu a visit to Matondoni village and Takwa ruins, while in Mombasa will visit Fort Jesus Museums, Mnarani, Jumba and Gede ruins.

Resource persons: will be invited to talk to students/ researchers on different Swahili cultural topics.Panel discussions male and female panel discussion will be organized where students /researchers will get the opportunity to ask questions /inquire on any issue that they would like to know or clarified about the Swahili. Hence there will be interactions between the students/ researchers and selected members of the Swahili community that constitutes the panel.

SPECIAL SUMMER FIELD SCHOOL (JULY - 4 weeks and AUGUST -4 weeks) Topics to be covered:

• Swahili identity and the neighboring communities
• Spread and development of Kiswahili
• Learning basic Swahili
• Swahili Economy
• Rites of passage – birth, marriage and death
• Religion Art – Dressing, songs, dances, adornments and other forms of creativity and personal beauty

Charges: US $ 1000: The charges include; administration fees, tuition fees, excursions and a visit to Swahili villages, sites and monuments.

At the end of the semester the course will be assessed using the following modes:

An independent Research topic chosen by the students; any of the Lecturers can assist in identifying the topic if requested, or A written exam; set by the course tutors.

The administrative and teaching staffs of the institute are mostly drawn from the National Museums of Kenya and those from the community who possess a strong background in Swahili studies and related disciplines. Native Swahili speakers form most of the teaching staff.

The following are some of our staff:

• Mr. Kassim Omar :Director RISSEA,
• Sheikh Ahmed Nabahany:Authority and consultant in Kiswahili language, culture, history and poetry.
• Ms. Rukiya Harith:M.A in Swahili studies from Nairobi University.
• Mr. Mohamed Karama:M.A in Swahili Studies from Kenyatta University.

 RISSEA application form

For further information contact:

Director RISS-EA: Mr. Kassim Omar

P.O.Box 90508-80100 Mombasa, Kenya

Tel: (+254)041-2220717/ +254717721368

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