South Africa

This course provides the basic tools required for understanding linear systems, and the effect that such systems have on deterministic signals. The course covers linear time-invariant systems in terms of input-output relationships, using both time and frequency domain methods and includes concepts related to signal representation, linear convolution, Fourier analysis, sampling of continuous-time signals, and Laplace transforms.

This course develops the understanding of Computer Networks and the Internet: Internet, network edge, network core, network performance metrics, protocol layers and service models, LAN topology, Physical media, OSI reference model and TCP/IP reference model, network standardization, computer network attacks and prevention, history of computer networking and the Internet. Application and Transport Layers: Principle of network applications, socket programming, transport layer services, multiplexing/demultiplexing, connectionless transport, connection-oriented transport (TCP), TCP congestion control and performance issues. Network Layer: Network layer design issues, forwarding and routing, virtual circuit and datagram networks, router architecture, Internet protocol, routing algorithms, routing the Internet, integrated and differentiated services. Data Link Layer: Data link design issues, error detection and correction, multiple access links and protocols, switched local area networks, IEEE 802 family, link virtualization, MPLS, data center networking. Physical Layer: Baseband systems, formatting textual data, formatting analogue information, sources of corruption, pulse code modulation, quantization, baseband modulation and demodulation/detection, inter-symbol interference, equalization, bandpass modulation and demodulation/detection amplitude. Emerging Communication Networks: Fundamentals of mobile networks, fundamentals of smart grid communication networks.

This is an introductory course to Anthropology. Anthropology is explored through four contingent entry points: "Words" focuses on intra- and cross-cultural meaning making; "Deeds" examines the individual's agency within social contexts; "Things" analyses interaction with objects and "Bones" introduces basic principles of archaeology. The course privileges hands-on immersion into anthropology and provides an overview of its complex history. As an introductory course, we use content that engages the diversity of students’ life worlds and is cognizant of our African location. We employ innovative teaching and delivery methods, including multilingual pedagogies and digital literacy, which allow more time for active engagement and the development of critical reading and writing skills in the Humanities. DP requirements: Attendance at tutorials and submission of all written work, plus class test. Assessment: Continuous assessment (essays, projects, class tests) counts 100%.

This course introduces the major concepts, approaches, themes, and topics of inquiry in the field of comparative politics. The course is designed to relate specific theories and relevant case studies and/or empirical evidence. The first part of the course focuses on the broad theme of comparative government and the second on violent processes of political change. DP requirements: Tutorial attendance is compulsory and students who attend fewer than 85% of the tutorials will not be allowed to write the final examination. In addition, completion of all written assignments, essays and tests are a requirement for a DP. Assessment: Coursework counts 50%; final two-hour examination counts 50%. Course entry requirements: POL1004F and POL1005S or with special permission from the Head of Department.

This course explores debates around gender and sexualities as a way both of deepening knowledge about the politics of gender continentally, and of exploring the complexity of different African contexts’ engagement with broad discussions on sexual rights. The course is divided into two sections which broadly focus on South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. The first section addresses concepts on gender and sexualities through an examination of how sexualities were remade as a result of colonial conquest as well as how debates over gender and sexualities shifted post-‘independence’. The second section looks at contemporary debates in gender politics and sexualities. These include debates of the (de)criminalization of sex work, culture and sexuality, reproductive health rights and sexual rights, and gender and the media. DP requirements: Students are expected to attend all classes, and to submit all required assignments by deadlines identified in the course curriculum. Assessment: Continuous assessment (essays, projects, tests, etc.) counts 100%.

This beginners’ course is aimed at non-mother tongue speakers of Swahili. This course provides a broad overview of the study of sociolinguistics with specific reference to Southern Africa. Topics such as language and gender, language and power, linguistic prejudice as well as language planning are covered. The latter is a very important and controversial field in Southern Africa, given the liberal constitution, which allows for 11 official languages. The course focuses on two specific arenas or work situations i.e. the legal and medical fraternities, in order to assess what complications and challenges arise in a multilingual work environment. How are these challenges being addressed? Why is it important for you to be a multilingual citizen? DP requirements: Students are expected to complete all tests and assignments and attend at least 80% of all lectures, tutorials and language labs. Assessment: Coursework 50%; exam 50%.

The course considers the nature of deviance, crime, and criminality in South Africa, from both historical and current viewpoints. The following questions are reviewed: How much crime is there in South Africa? Who are the victims of crime and who are the offenders? Why is crime in South Africa so violent? These discussions draw freely from international, criminological debate, and locate those debates within a developing context. The course explores responses to crime in the South African context by considering what has and is being done by the state and non-state to engage with crime? What is the thinking behind (violent) crime control and prevention programmes and initiatives? How effective have these initiatives been? These discussions focus on crime policies that have been developed as well as community and private sector initiatives to address issues of crime and violence. DP requirements: Completion of all written tests, essays and assignments. Assessment: Coursework counts 50% and one two-hour examination counts 50% of the final mark. Course entry requirements: SOC1001F, SOC1005S, or any 1000-level social science course.