131-456 South Africa Repression & Reconciliation

Usually completion of 131-072 South Africa Under Apartheid: 1948-1994.

An Honours seminar, for students with some basic grasp of the history of South Africa 1948-1994 who would like the opportunity to look in more depth at issues, events and people in that society during that important period. Topics for investigation include: the major phases of Apartheid and its enforcement; the major episodes of organised black resistance to Apartheid over this period; important political organisations; significant individuals (black and white, male and female, young and old) and their achievements; in-depth examination of particular significant episodes, and of particular apartheid Acts and their implementation; operations of the Security Police, including detention without trial, torture and deaths in detention, and the Vlakplaas death squads; the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, and related issues including problems of transitional justice in a democratising society, victims, perpetrators, amnesty & reparations; attempts at Reconciliation in a complex multi-ethnic society. On completion of this subject, students should have gained substantial insights into this complex society, and into the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A written paper of 1000 words 20% (due during the semester), a research essay of 4000 words 80% (due at the end of semester).