Southern Utah University

History 4610

                                        Topics in African History:  South Africa

                                                                               

 

Spring 2006

MC 110

Dr. Earl Mulderink

Office Hours: TR, 10-11:30,

2-3, & by appointment

T&R, 11:30-12:50

mulderink@suu.edu

Centrum 225

3 Credits

435/865-8323

 

Course Description

 

This course will explore major themes and issues in the history of a fascinating and complex country.  Not only does South Africa embody the history of the larger continent of Africa – with its history of slavery, colonialism, and modern independence movements, among other issues – but this nation recently experienced a revolution that brought political power to a majority of its citizens.  South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, spent twenty-eight years in prison as a political foe of apartheid, a system of racially-determined segregation that shaped much of the nation’s history since 1948.  This course will examine the roots of apartheid society and its demise by examining the history of South Africa since the 1650s.

 

History 4610 will be run in a seminar format which will require ample preparation and participation on the part of all students.  Assigned readings should be read prior to each class session, and individual students will shoulder responsibility for leading and generating discussions about specific course materials.  This seminar format should work well because of the nature and scope of the course, the quality and number of students, and your instructor's desire to have you work closely with the required readings.  Documentaries and other movies will be used when appropriate, as will internet resources and supplementary materials.

 

 

Required Reading

 

These three books should be purchased at the SUU bookstore. 

 

Your course reading assignments require you to read and reflect upon several different types of historical scholarship.  The primary textbook, Leonard Thompson's A History of South Africa, Third edition, is an outstanding work that features a chronological overview of South Africa's history.  In addition, you will be reading and writing about the autobiography of one of the twentieth century's great figures, Nelson Mandela.  Finally, Mark Mathabane's African Women, Three Generations, provides an interesting account of the author's grandmother, mother, and sister as they faced lives of adversity in the apartheid era.  Additional materials may be distributed in class or placed on reserve in the SUU library.

 

 

Grading and Assignments

 

This class will operate as a seminar with extensive class participation and several short written assignments.  There will be no examinations in this course.  Your grade will be computed as follows:

·         Summary and Discussion of Thompson Text                   20% x 2 = 40%

·         4-6 Page Paper on Long Walk to Freedom (Mandela)                        20%

 

The grading scale is based on the following:  A, 93-100; A-, 90-92; B+, 87-89; B, 83-86; B-, 80-82; C+, 77-79; C, 73-76; C-, 70-72; D+, 67-69; D, 63-66; D-, 60-62; F, 0-59.

 

Summary Outline/Discussion of Thompson Text

3 pages, single-spaced x 2 Presentations (Please see sign-up sheet for due dates)

 

You will be responsible for summarizing and presenting a chunk of the primary text for this course, Thompson’s A History of South Africa.  This task will allow you to sharpen some of your reading skills while providing useful information in outline form to share with the class.  When this exercise is completed, all students will have outlines and discussion questions for all of Thompson’s book.  This assignment calls for student presenters to be responsible for generating questions and discussion for each new topic.  Note that all students are expected to keep up with all required reading so that we may have the most useful discussions of course material.

 

In your single-spaced summary, first provide a one- to two-page outline of the relevant chapter material, making sure that you note in parentheses page numbers for each topic or subtopic.  Please ask if you do not know how to prepare a standard outline.  Second, provide another page of useful information (such as a glossary) found in those pages.  For example, you may wish to list names, events, terms, dates, or interpretations found within these pages.  Third, please provide a list of at least two useful web sites along with their URL’s (electronic addresses), along with a brief description of what is found at each site.  Fourth, compose a list of three to five discussion questions that correspond with the reading.  These questions will be used to generate class discussions, and each presenter will be encouraged to be prepared and imaginative.

 

Please provide these materials to me before your scheduled class so they can be photocopied and distributed.  You should email these materials (as Word documents) or give me a hard copy.  Your work will be evaluated on how well you succinctly and correctly summarize portions of Thompson’s work and initiate class discussion.  Note, again, that this assignment should be single-spaced and should be completed prior to your scheduled presentation.  Each outline and presentation will be worth 20% of your final grade (for a total of 40% of your final grade in History 4610).  If needed, some students may be asked to review other materials in place of the Thompson text.

 

4-6 Page Paper on African Women (Mathabane)

 

This book provides insights into the lives of three generations of black South African women, Granny, Geli, and Florah.  Your paper will focus on the impacts of racism, sexism, and apartheid on ONE (1) of these three women as you read the entire book.  During Week 12, we will devote class time to discussing the book after you have submitted your written papers.  In your 4-6 page written paper, use specific examples from the book (with relevant page numbers) to support your key points.  You can choose which of the women to write about, but your work should show knowledge of all three women’s experiences.  This paper will count toward 20% of your final grade in History 4610.  Please submit an electronic copy to the class homepage at turnitin.com (more information will be provided).

 

4-6 Page Paper on Long Walk to Freedom (Mandela)

 

You will be reading a fascinating (if lengthy) autobiography written by Nelson Mandela, a key figure in late-twentieth century South Africa, if not the world.  The key question you must examine is:  According to Nelson Mandela, what factors made him a leader?  Use specific evidence drawn from Mandela's entire life story to document and explain your answer in a written paper of four to six typewritten, double-spaced pages. 

 

In your exploration of Mandela's leadership, you have much latitude in examining his life in relation to that of other South Africans in the twentieth century.  Possible topics could focus on Mandela's education, political struggles, imprisonment, negotiations with the government, family relationships, and tribal identity.  You may want to assess Mandela's relations with other black leaders, or his views of religion and violence.  Use your imagination! 

 

Your written work of four to six (4-6) pages will be evaluated on how thoroughly and imaginatively it uses this autobiography to discuss the leadership of Nelson Mandela.  We will devote a full class period to Mandela's autobiography and his role in shaping South Africa.  Please note that your papers are due at the start of class, and no late papers will be accepted.  This assignment will count toward 20% of your final grade.  Please submit an electronic copy to the class homepage at turnitin.com.

 

 

Other Course Matters

 

Students are expected to arrive at class in a timely manner, and attendance is expected for all class sessions.  If you plan to be absent, particularly in the case of serious illness, please try to inform your instructor in advance.  All assignments should be submitted on or before their deadlines, and late papers will be subjected to a penalty of at least one letter grade (10 points) for each tardy assignment.  Finally, plagiarism — using the work or words of another individual without proper attribution — is a serious academic offence and will be treated accordingly with a failing grade.  Plagiarism may include using another student's words or work without attribution, and it may include using printed materials and electronic sources without acknowledging their use in your own work.  In an effort to encourage honest and independent work, you will be submitting your written papers to turnitin.com, an effective plagiarism detection web site. 

 

You are welcome to visit during my office hours or to make an appointment if these times are not convenient.  My office is Centrum 225E, and my office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11:30 AM and 2-3 PM.  My office phone number is 865-8323.  I encourage you to communicate through email for any questions, problems, or concerns you may have.  My email address is mulderink@suu.edu.

 

When In Doubt, Ask!

 

This course syllabus has been prepared to explain course requirements, students’ obligations, and the instructor’s expectations.  Please be advised, however, that the instructor reserves the right to take attendance, to ask for additional work or assignments, and to change the course schedule if needed.  If you have questions about your progress in History 4610 or remain unclear about course assignments or materials, please do not hesitate to ask.  Feel free to contact me at any time about course-related issues.

 

Text Box: ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the student handbook (published by Student Services) regarding student responsibilities and rights, and the intellectual property policy, for information about procedures and about what constitutes acceptable on-campus behavior. STUDENT DISABILITY NOTICE Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Southern Utah University Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or phone (435) 865-8022. SSD determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services. DISCLAIMER STATEMENT Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Spring 2006 Schedule

History 2710

Earl Mulderink

                       

 

 

Week 1

 

 

Read Thompson, Preface

 

1/10

(T)

Course Introductions

 

1/12

(R)

South Africa, An Overview

Movie and Discussion:  Witness to Apartheid

 

 

 

 

Week 2

 

 

 

 

1/17

(T)

Thompson, pp. 1-15

 

1/19

(R)

Movie and Discussion:  Bushmen of the Kalahari

 

 

 

 

Week 3

 

 

 

 

1/24

(T)

Thompson, pp. 15-30

 

1/26

(R)

Thompson, pp. 31-52

 

 

 

 

Week 4

 

 

 

 

1/31

(T)

Movie and Discussion:  Goree, Door of No Return

 

2/2

(R)

Thompson, pp. 52-69

 

 

 

 

Week 5

 

 

Reminder:  Read Long Walk to Freedom

 

2/7

(T)

Thompson, pp. 70-87

 

2/9

(R)

Movie and Discussion:  Zulu

 

 

 

 

Week 6

 

 

 

 

2/14

(T)

Thompson, pp. 87-109

 

2/16

(R)

Thompson, pp. 110-132

 

 

 

 

Week 7

 

 

 

 

2/21

(T)

Movie and Discussion:  World’s Deepest Goldmine

 

2/23

(R)

Thompson, pp. 132-153

 

 

 

 

Week 8

 

 

 

 

2/28

(T)

No Class – Alternative Assignment

 

3/2

(R)

Thompson, 154-170

 

 

 

 

Week 9

 

 

Reminder:  Read African Women

 

3/7

(T)

Thompson, 170-186

 

3/9

(R)

Movie and Discussion:  Generations of Resistance

 

 

 

 

SPRING BREAK – March 13-17

Week 10

 

 

Finish reading African Women

 

3/21

(T)

Thompson, pp. 187-200

 

3/23

(R)

Thompson, pp. 200-220

 

 

 

 

Week 11

 

 

 

 

3/28

(T)

Thompson, pp. 221-240

 

3/30

(R)

African Women Papers Due in Class; Discussion

 

 

 

 

Week 12

 

 

 

 

4/4 

(T)

Thompson, pp. 241-252

 

4/6 

(R)

Thompson, pp. 252-264

 

 

 

 

Week 13

 

 

Finish reading Long Walk to Freedom

 

4/11

(T)

Movie and Discussion:  Apartheid’s Last Stand

 

4/13

(R)

Thompson, pp. 265-278

 

 

 

 

Week 14

 

 

 

 

4/18

(T)

Long Walk to Freedom Papers Due In Class; Discussion

 

4/20

(R)

Movie and Discussion:  Nelson Mandela

 

 

 

 

Week 15

 

 

 

 

4/25

(T)

Thompson, pp. 278-296

 

4/24

(R)

Discussion:  Contemporary South Africa

 

 

On Tuesday, May 2, during the Final Exam period we will meet in the classroom to view and discuss The Power of One.  Attendance is required.