What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine the essential components of an undergraduate social science curriculum in the southern African context.

July 3, 2026Open Access

The focus of an undergraduate social science curriculum for Southern Africa: historical consciousness, human rights and social and development issues

Key Points

To determine the essential components of an undergraduate social science curriculum in the southern African context.
Analysis of the experience at the Faculty of Arts, University of Port Elizabeth
Discussion of competing interests in the university setting
Review of historical and contemporary social dynamics
Identified key themes: historical consciousness, human rights, social and development issues for curriculum.
Highlighted the need for a curriculum that reflects the southern African context.
Emphasized the importance of addressing competing interests and financial concerns in curriculum development.

Abstract

In this paper the authors revisit the idea of the university in the southern African context, and ask the question: what should be the focus of a social science degree in this context? They draw on the experience of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Port Elizabeth in order to reach some conclusions about what should constitute the basis of a general undergraduate social science curriculum in the southern African context. The intention here is is tot take a step back from the dynamics and politics of the university as an institution, embodying as it does competing interests, role-players and financial concerns.

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