Sociology Course: Issues and Insights in South Africa

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As some academics suggest South Africa is at a cross roads, that it “remains on a political precipice” much in need of “genuine economic transformation”. This sociology course places a spotlight on South Africa, its past and present and considers its future.
This sociology course hopes to inspire students to look not only to the Northern Hemisphere for knowledge, for study; but also to the world we, Australia and South Africa are located namely the Southern Hemisphere. More than twenty years have passed since the great optimism of the Mandela era and with the years of Zuma and the prospect of a President Cyril Ramaphosa much is at stake for South Africa to find a path to a democratic and prosperous future.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this sociology course you will:
- Be able to debate and discuss South African history, politics, culture, economics and foreign relations.
- Have a greater understanding of a major country in Africa and a country within our Southern Hemisphere region.
- Have learnt about the latest views, ideas and knowledge of South Africa.
Course Content
The content for this sociology course will be presented with the assistance of influential guest speakers providing you with the platform to study, discuss and debate numerous important topics including:
- South Africa’s history, politics, economics and trade.
- Housing, land reform and education in South Africa.
- South Africa’s music, theatre, literature and food.
- South Africa’s role in BRICS (the five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
- South Africa and the African Union.
Intended Audience
This sociology course is suitable for anyone who is interested in sociology, contemporary issues and the sharing of ideas. The course will be of particular benefit to those who are interested in South Africa and a major country of our Southern Hemisphere region, its history or current topics in the public spotlight.
Delivery Style
This sociology course will be delivered as an interactive workshop consisting of an instructor-led lecture, guest speakers and group discussions. The course will be offered via video link to those in international or regional locations. Registered participants may connect to the video link using Cisco Meeting, Cisco Jabber, Google Chrome, Zoom or Skype for Business and a reliable Internet connection is required. Video connection details will be made available to each participant prior to this course.
This sociology course strives to encourage active and informed participation, group analysis and debate of the facts, issues and insights into our changing world. This course encourages the study of good factual reliable sources and reasoned arguments and conclusions.
Recommended Reading
- Professor Anthony Butler, Cyril Ramaphosa, (Johnnesburg: Jacana Media; Oxford: James Currey, 2013),
- Professor Roger Southall, The ANC has a new leader: but South Africa remains on a political precipice, The Conversation, 19/12/17,
- Professor Pundy Pillay and Head of Wits School of Governance, University of Witwatersrand, David Everatt, What’s in a name? Towards genuine economic transformation in South Africa, The Conversation, 1/8/17,
- Sean Gossal and Misheck Mutize, Why Zuma’s free higher education plan will cripple South Africa’s finances, The Conversation, 16/1/18.
- Jason Burke, We only see politicians on TV' - the district of Soweto in the ANC’s shadow, The Guardian, 17/12/17
- Professor Peter Alexander, Cyril Ramaphosa’s Marikana massacre “apology” is disingenuous and dishonest, The Conversation', 12/5/17
Course Prerequisites
This sociology course has no prerequisites and is open to all members of the public.
Course Features
- Courses open to the public
- Face to face with expert trainers
- Small class sizes
- Course materials – yours to keep
- Certificate of course completion
What people say about this course...
I was impressed that your course really was available to anyone. Also I found this course particularly well put together. Especially as the lecturers willingly gave their time very late at night to speak with us.
Heather
What people say about this course...
The ability to arrange current academics to speak to us providing up to the minute information was very impressive. On the basis of this course I will definitely look to take other courses offered by this facility and I have already recommend this course to others if it is offered again.
Amanda
What people say about this course...
Excellent summary updating us on issues, giving history and ways forward to take the country forward with the challenges.
Philip
What people say about this course...
Excellent professional course.
Pamela
What people say about this course...
The topics were well chosen and contemporary to today’s issues. The speakers were excellent and appropriate to the topics. There was good discussion and questioning within the classes on each of the issues.
Philip
What people say about this course...
The lecturer and guest speakers were very insightful with good analysis of present societal issues.
Philip
What people say about this course...
Great course. Passionate teacher who cares profoundly about their subject and their students. Highly recommend this course.
Julie
What people say about this course...
A wonderful instructor who made sure the course was engaging, thought provoking and interactive.
Angela