University of Cape Town

This course critically engages some of the key conceptual and methodological issues concerning the nature of the historical discipline and its modes of writing and enquiry. It explores different traditions of narrating the past, examines certain major formative moments in the life of the modern historical discipline, and analyzes various critiques of the historical knowledge as well as the reconfiguring effects they have had on the discipline. In exposing diverse styles and approaches of doing history, this course points at some emergent fields of historical enquiry and reflects on the complex relationship between the academic discipline and its popular and public variants.

This course covers the complex relationships between Western, African, and South African Political Thought. Key ideas in these traditions of political theory are introduced and interactions between them explored. In particular, the course investigates the development of ideas concerning colonial rule and the nationalist responses to that rule, which together constitute a rich and complex literature. The themes address over the course include the Western enlightenment, colonial modernity, nationalism, and democracy.

This course introduces a variety of topics relevant to normal cognitive functioning as well as psychopathology. While one-half of the course takes a neuroscientific approach, the other half of the course draws on psychological, sociocultural, cognitive, and biological perspectives. Assessment: coursework (70%), final exam (30%).

The course explores debates and approaches to the study of economic history in Africa, placing South Africa's economic history within the context of the continent as a whole. It examines the economic legacies of colonialism, and the place of institutions in the growth and development of the continent. Using comparisons between different regions and countries, this course investigates why countries which are resource rich have not been able to use these resources to improve living standards and encourage broad-based economic development. It also examines the roles international business and labor have played in the economic history of individual countries. Finally, the course tracks the changing place of Africa in the global economy. Course entry requirements: At least two courses in historical, social science or cultural studies offered by the Faculty of Humanities.

The course develops and promotes skills in the marine sciences in South Africa, focusing on the global marine ecosystem structure and functioning with an emphasis on South African systems. Lectures, tutorials and practicals build upon prior knowledge to further develop interpretative and integrative skills. The course also develops numerical and written skills, as well as providing an introduction to modern research techniques and approaches.