Language and the Thing in Itself in the fiction of John Banville
- Authors: Payne, Jessica Raechel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Banville, John Criticism and interpretation , English literature 20th century History and criticism , Language and languages in literature , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Hermeneutics , Excess (Philosophy) , Literary criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190019 , vital:44956
- Description: This thesis consists of an exploration of the interaction between language and the thing in itself in the fiction of John Banville. The thing in itself is that which exceeds the text and to which it cannot refer, even as it is compelled to do so. In exploring this tension, the thesis focuses on how Banville’s writing, in foregrounding the inadequacy of the literary text, makes the reader aware of the existence of what exceeds it. Each of the chapters in the study examines the various strategies through which Banville gestures beyond the text in spite of the limitations placed upon him by form and genre. The first chapter studies the tendency in this writer’s texts to view death as an apotheosis of the soul in which the individual finally has access to the thing in itself, which they had previously encountered as infants before entering language. The second chapter examines how elements of Romantic thought, such as nostalgia, the seniority of the child over the adult and a particular impression of the natural world, contribute to Banville’s attempt to gesture towards the thing in itself. In the third chapter, the role of language in distorting one’s understanding of the other is examined. The final chapter of the thesis examines the narrative strategies (including mise en abyme, ekphrasis, metaphor and catachresis) Banville uses in order to present the reader with excess. Ultimately, this study suggests that Banville uses various narrative strategies to make his reader aware of that which exists outside of the text. By gesturing beyond the novel to the sublime, and by self-reflexively exposing the inner workings of the writing process to the reader, Banville’s texts confront the reader with an intimation of ineluctable excess. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Payne, Jessica Raechel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Banville, John Criticism and interpretation , English literature 20th century History and criticism , Language and languages in literature , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Hermeneutics , Excess (Philosophy) , Literary criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190019 , vital:44956
- Description: This thesis consists of an exploration of the interaction between language and the thing in itself in the fiction of John Banville. The thing in itself is that which exceeds the text and to which it cannot refer, even as it is compelled to do so. In exploring this tension, the thesis focuses on how Banville’s writing, in foregrounding the inadequacy of the literary text, makes the reader aware of the existence of what exceeds it. Each of the chapters in the study examines the various strategies through which Banville gestures beyond the text in spite of the limitations placed upon him by form and genre. The first chapter studies the tendency in this writer’s texts to view death as an apotheosis of the soul in which the individual finally has access to the thing in itself, which they had previously encountered as infants before entering language. The second chapter examines how elements of Romantic thought, such as nostalgia, the seniority of the child over the adult and a particular impression of the natural world, contribute to Banville’s attempt to gesture towards the thing in itself. In the third chapter, the role of language in distorting one’s understanding of the other is examined. The final chapter of the thesis examines the narrative strategies (including mise en abyme, ekphrasis, metaphor and catachresis) Banville uses in order to present the reader with excess. Ultimately, this study suggests that Banville uses various narrative strategies to make his reader aware of that which exists outside of the text. By gesturing beyond the novel to the sublime, and by self-reflexively exposing the inner workings of the writing process to the reader, Banville’s texts confront the reader with an intimation of ineluctable excess. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
L’analyse du Panafricanisme dans la littérature africaine d’expression française: étude de Les Soleils des Indépendances d’Ahmadou Kourouma
- Batubenga David-Roger, Ndaye
- Authors: Batubenga David-Roger, Ndaye
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African literature (French) History and criticism , Kourouma, Ahmadou. Soleils des indépendances , Pan-Africanism in literature , Postcolonialism in literature , Africans in literature , Identity (Philosophical concept) in literature , Ethnicity in literature
- Language: French
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45204
- Description: Analysis of pan-Africanism in French African literature: case study of The Suns of independences by Ahmadou Kourouma. (L’analyse du Panafricanisme dans la littérature africaine d’expression française : étude des Soleils des Indépendances d’Ahmadou Kourouma) This study seeks to analyse the concept of pan-Africanism in French African Literature as depicted in The Suns of independences by Ahmadou Kourouma. The theme as well as the plot of the novel are both part of the post-colonial era, when African states acceded to the so-called national sovereignty. Theoretically, this was the end of colonization. Indeed, the advent of independence in Africa was, among other things, the fulfilment of one of the objectives of the pan-Africanism movement. Those objectives, according to Estanilas Ngodi (2003:6), were to promote the well-being as well as the unity of African people and those of African descendants around the world; to ensure equal civic rights for African people; to ensure the total abolition of all forms of racial discrimination; and to demand a self-determination and genuine independence of and for African’s people and states. To understand this challenging concept of pan-Africanism, we will draw inspiration from the studies of Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832-1912) who defined it as emerging a distinctive African personality: It is accepted in this study that the manner in and the extent to which the concept of pan-Africanism will be analysed should not be confused with other concepts such as Negroism or Negritude. The concern of asserting African history and identity by African people is justified by the fact that for centuries the philosophical and anthropological Eurocentric trend that Africans and their cultures and knowledge had no value. For this purpose, Trevor Roper (1963:871) asserted: “Perhaps in the future, there will be some African history, but at present, there is none; only the history of Europeans in Africa. The rest is darkness…and darkness is not a subject of history…” This denial of African history and civilization was, according to Europeans, the reason for the slave trade and colonization, and the development of pan-Africanism was the reaction or resistance against these views. That is the reason why, in the novel (The Suns of 4 independences), Kourouma depicts the concept of pan-Africanism and reveals the need for African people to assert themselves in humanity as being equal to all other races. Indeed, the advent of independence in Africa was an opportunity for Africans to regain their pre-colonial roots. Because it raised hopes and expectations to see Africa being led by its own sons. Unfortunately, independences have become a missed rendezvous or a disappointment for Africans. This argument is confirmed by the metaphor of Fama, a traditional king in the post-independence Africa: find himself “dried and undressed by colonization and Independences” (p.116). Broadly speaking, Kourouma interrogates the evolution of African societies in the light of pan-Africanism and denounces political, economic, and social issues that are affecting Africa in the post-colonial era. These issues include dictatorship, mismanagement, corruption, poverty, and the challenge of regaining African personality from colonial influence. What differentiates my study from the previous research is that I seek to investigate to which extent Kourouma portrays the failure of African society in the light of pan-Africanism before and after the colonialist era, and the impact of this failure upon the establishment of the pan-Africanist vision in Africa. Little attention has been given to the analysis of this novel (The Suns of independences) in this perspective. Kourouma is an Ivorian writer. In 1970, he published his first novel (The Suns of Independences) which is considered as a masterpiece in French African Literature and which many critics have classified it as one of the founding works in African Literature. In this study, in accordance with the novel above-mentioned I have considered three different aspects of pan-Africanism. Firstly, I described pan-Africanism as the search for the dignity of black people. Secondly, I examined it as the desire of regaining or rebuilding the African unity (African states without colonial borders). Thirdly, I analysed it as the return of African people to their history, their origin, and their cultural identity, in short, the return of Africa to its original state before the slave trade and colonization. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Batubenga David-Roger, Ndaye
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African literature (French) History and criticism , Kourouma, Ahmadou. Soleils des indépendances , Pan-Africanism in literature , Postcolonialism in literature , Africans in literature , Identity (Philosophical concept) in literature , Ethnicity in literature
- Language: French
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45204
- Description: Analysis of pan-Africanism in French African literature: case study of The Suns of independences by Ahmadou Kourouma. (L’analyse du Panafricanisme dans la littérature africaine d’expression française : étude des Soleils des Indépendances d’Ahmadou Kourouma) This study seeks to analyse the concept of pan-Africanism in French African Literature as depicted in The Suns of independences by Ahmadou Kourouma. The theme as well as the plot of the novel are both part of the post-colonial era, when African states acceded to the so-called national sovereignty. Theoretically, this was the end of colonization. Indeed, the advent of independence in Africa was, among other things, the fulfilment of one of the objectives of the pan-Africanism movement. Those objectives, according to Estanilas Ngodi (2003:6), were to promote the well-being as well as the unity of African people and those of African descendants around the world; to ensure equal civic rights for African people; to ensure the total abolition of all forms of racial discrimination; and to demand a self-determination and genuine independence of and for African’s people and states. To understand this challenging concept of pan-Africanism, we will draw inspiration from the studies of Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832-1912) who defined it as emerging a distinctive African personality: It is accepted in this study that the manner in and the extent to which the concept of pan-Africanism will be analysed should not be confused with other concepts such as Negroism or Negritude. The concern of asserting African history and identity by African people is justified by the fact that for centuries the philosophical and anthropological Eurocentric trend that Africans and their cultures and knowledge had no value. For this purpose, Trevor Roper (1963:871) asserted: “Perhaps in the future, there will be some African history, but at present, there is none; only the history of Europeans in Africa. The rest is darkness…and darkness is not a subject of history…” This denial of African history and civilization was, according to Europeans, the reason for the slave trade and colonization, and the development of pan-Africanism was the reaction or resistance against these views. That is the reason why, in the novel (The Suns of 4 independences), Kourouma depicts the concept of pan-Africanism and reveals the need for African people to assert themselves in humanity as being equal to all other races. Indeed, the advent of independence in Africa was an opportunity for Africans to regain their pre-colonial roots. Because it raised hopes and expectations to see Africa being led by its own sons. Unfortunately, independences have become a missed rendezvous or a disappointment for Africans. This argument is confirmed by the metaphor of Fama, a traditional king in the post-independence Africa: find himself “dried and undressed by colonization and Independences” (p.116). Broadly speaking, Kourouma interrogates the evolution of African societies in the light of pan-Africanism and denounces political, economic, and social issues that are affecting Africa in the post-colonial era. These issues include dictatorship, mismanagement, corruption, poverty, and the challenge of regaining African personality from colonial influence. What differentiates my study from the previous research is that I seek to investigate to which extent Kourouma portrays the failure of African society in the light of pan-Africanism before and after the colonialist era, and the impact of this failure upon the establishment of the pan-Africanist vision in Africa. Little attention has been given to the analysis of this novel (The Suns of independences) in this perspective. Kourouma is an Ivorian writer. In 1970, he published his first novel (The Suns of Independences) which is considered as a masterpiece in French African Literature and which many critics have classified it as one of the founding works in African Literature. In this study, in accordance with the novel above-mentioned I have considered three different aspects of pan-Africanism. Firstly, I described pan-Africanism as the search for the dignity of black people. Secondly, I examined it as the desire of regaining or rebuilding the African unity (African states without colonial borders). Thirdly, I analysed it as the return of African people to their history, their origin, and their cultural identity, in short, the return of Africa to its original state before the slave trade and colonization. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Media consumption and identity formation: the consumption of Latin American telenovelas in two neighbourhoods of Maputo in Mozambique
- Authors: Ofumane, Alvo Naftal
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Television soap operas Mozambique Maputo , Identity (Psychology) and mass media Mozambique Maputo , Television soap operas History and criticism , Visual reception theory Mozambique Maputo , Mozambique Politics and government , Mozambique Social conditions , Mozambique Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192287 , vital:45212
- Description: This study explores how the residents of two neighbourhoods in Maputo, KaMaxakeni and KaMpfumo interact with and make meanings of (Latin American) telenovelas, as part of their identity formation process. It is guided by questions on how the residents of these two neighbourhoods interact with telenovelas in their daily lives; how this shapes their own values and understanding of themselves and the world in which they live; what aspects of telenovelas they value, and what meanings they make from them; and, finally, what determines their choices of media consumption. The study adopted reception theory, rooted in qualitative methodology. This approach explores the ‘insider’s’ perspective of the research subjects, taking the actors’ perspective as the empirical point of departure. Using a purposive theoretical sampling procedure, targeting those families who are avid viewers of telenovelas, the data were generated through participant observation, focus groups discussions, and individual interviews. To understand and interpret the interface between the telenovela (medium) and its viewers (audience) in Maputo, the study used qualitative thematic content analysis of the telenovelas viewing process by the residents of KaMpfumo and KaMaxakeni. The data show that the residents of KaMpfumo and KaMaxakeni in Maputo interact and make sense of the telenovelas in various ways. Telenovelas are used as an educational tool; they are used to reinforce daily life world practices; they s shape people’s personal character; they become another family presence; they are used to build or strengthen physical and virtual viewing networks, and, “Pure” telenovela viewing is a relatively rare occurrence. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ofumane, Alvo Naftal
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Television soap operas Mozambique Maputo , Identity (Psychology) and mass media Mozambique Maputo , Television soap operas History and criticism , Visual reception theory Mozambique Maputo , Mozambique Politics and government , Mozambique Social conditions , Mozambique Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192287 , vital:45212
- Description: This study explores how the residents of two neighbourhoods in Maputo, KaMaxakeni and KaMpfumo interact with and make meanings of (Latin American) telenovelas, as part of their identity formation process. It is guided by questions on how the residents of these two neighbourhoods interact with telenovelas in their daily lives; how this shapes their own values and understanding of themselves and the world in which they live; what aspects of telenovelas they value, and what meanings they make from them; and, finally, what determines their choices of media consumption. The study adopted reception theory, rooted in qualitative methodology. This approach explores the ‘insider’s’ perspective of the research subjects, taking the actors’ perspective as the empirical point of departure. Using a purposive theoretical sampling procedure, targeting those families who are avid viewers of telenovelas, the data were generated through participant observation, focus groups discussions, and individual interviews. To understand and interpret the interface between the telenovela (medium) and its viewers (audience) in Maputo, the study used qualitative thematic content analysis of the telenovelas viewing process by the residents of KaMpfumo and KaMaxakeni. The data show that the residents of KaMpfumo and KaMaxakeni in Maputo interact and make sense of the telenovelas in various ways. Telenovelas are used as an educational tool; they are used to reinforce daily life world practices; they s shape people’s personal character; they become another family presence; they are used to build or strengthen physical and virtual viewing networks, and, “Pure” telenovela viewing is a relatively rare occurrence. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Mental Health Professionals’ Gender-Sensitivity and Responsiveness to the Genderqueer population in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Systematic Review
- Authors: Maseko, Moosa Lorenzo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Gender nonconformity , Substance abuse , Mental health personnel , Gender-nonconforming people Counseling of , Discrimination in mental health services , Joanna Briggs Institute’s systematic review method
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190133 , vital:44966
- Description: Background: The prevalence of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) amongst the genderqueer population is a huge concern in the public mental health system. The genderqueer population’s help-seeking barriers have been attributed to SUD treatment centre’s questionable ability to be responsive to the unique mental health needs of genderqueer individuals. Aim: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review on mental healthcare workers‟ responsiveness and gender-sensitivity towards the genderqueer population in SUD treatment centres. Methods: Employing the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBIs) systematic review method, 25 qualitative articles were included in this study. A thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Results: The analysis revealed that SUD treatment centres are experienced as discriminatory and unreceptive by the genderqueer population due to several barriers. The barriers identified were structural, financial, personal, cultural and the use of a heterosexual framework to treat SUD which led to abuse, isolation, and stigma. Mental healthcare providers lack skills in working with genderqueer individuals as well as a lack of knowledge on genderqueer related needs. Lack of gender sensitivity affects genderqueer individuals in accessing SUD treatment centres and the progress they make. This magnified the need and importance of specialised gender-responsive and gender-sensitive training in working with genderqueer individuals. Twelve interventions to address the areas of difficulty were identified. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Maseko, Moosa Lorenzo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Gender nonconformity , Substance abuse , Mental health personnel , Gender-nonconforming people Counseling of , Discrimination in mental health services , Joanna Briggs Institute’s systematic review method
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190133 , vital:44966
- Description: Background: The prevalence of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) amongst the genderqueer population is a huge concern in the public mental health system. The genderqueer population’s help-seeking barriers have been attributed to SUD treatment centre’s questionable ability to be responsive to the unique mental health needs of genderqueer individuals. Aim: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review on mental healthcare workers‟ responsiveness and gender-sensitivity towards the genderqueer population in SUD treatment centres. Methods: Employing the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBIs) systematic review method, 25 qualitative articles were included in this study. A thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Results: The analysis revealed that SUD treatment centres are experienced as discriminatory and unreceptive by the genderqueer population due to several barriers. The barriers identified were structural, financial, personal, cultural and the use of a heterosexual framework to treat SUD which led to abuse, isolation, and stigma. Mental healthcare providers lack skills in working with genderqueer individuals as well as a lack of knowledge on genderqueer related needs. Lack of gender sensitivity affects genderqueer individuals in accessing SUD treatment centres and the progress they make. This magnified the need and importance of specialised gender-responsive and gender-sensitive training in working with genderqueer individuals. Twelve interventions to address the areas of difficulty were identified. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Negotiating shame: An exploration of the body experience among young South African women who have attended or are attending University
- Authors: Spyker, Jessica Grace
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Shame , Body image in women , Body image Social aspects , College students Social conditions , College students Attitudes , Feminist aesthetics , Self-perception in women
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294880 , vital:57265
- Description: Guided by phenomenological and feminist phenomenological perspectives, this research aimed to explore the ways in which young South African women, who were attending or had recently graduated from university, navigated body shame. It interrogated the socially situated ‘lived body’ and the way it was impacted by restrictive appearance ideals. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted, mostly through the video conferencing website Zoom. It became evident that women experienced their bodies in complex ways. There was evidence of conformity to as well as resistance against the “regime of shame”. Conformity and resistance often happened simultaneously. Both of these kinds of experiences were viewed as valid and explored in their own right. External messages around women’s bodies and how they should look had greatly influenced participants experiences of their own bodies. This included messages from discourses such as postfeminism and the body positivity movement, which informed the ways in which they navigated shame. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Spyker, Jessica Grace
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Shame , Body image in women , Body image Social aspects , College students Social conditions , College students Attitudes , Feminist aesthetics , Self-perception in women
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294880 , vital:57265
- Description: Guided by phenomenological and feminist phenomenological perspectives, this research aimed to explore the ways in which young South African women, who were attending or had recently graduated from university, navigated body shame. It interrogated the socially situated ‘lived body’ and the way it was impacted by restrictive appearance ideals. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted, mostly through the video conferencing website Zoom. It became evident that women experienced their bodies in complex ways. There was evidence of conformity to as well as resistance against the “regime of shame”. Conformity and resistance often happened simultaneously. Both of these kinds of experiences were viewed as valid and explored in their own right. External messages around women’s bodies and how they should look had greatly influenced participants experiences of their own bodies. This included messages from discourses such as postfeminism and the body positivity movement, which informed the ways in which they navigated shame. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
On the Wiener index of bicyclic graphs and graphs with fixed segment sequence
- Authors: Xhanti, Sinoxolo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Graph theory , Chemistry Mathematics , Chemistry Graphic methods , Wiener index , Bicyclic graphs , Fixed segment sequence , Degree sequence , Circumference , Core
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190700 , vital:45019
- Description: Wiener index is defined as the sum of the distances between all unordered pairs of vertices in a graph. The study of the Wiener index is motivated by its application in chemistry. This thesis focuses on finding extremal bicyclic graphs relative to Wiener index under various conditions such as fixed circumference (length of the longest cycle) or fixed size of the core (maximal subgraph with no degree less than 2). A segment of a graph G is either a path whose end vertices have degree 1 or at least 3 in G and all the internal vertices have degree 2 in G, or a cycle where all the vertices have degree 2 in G except possibly one. The lengths of all the segments of G form it segment sequence. We also discuss extremal graphs with given segment sequence. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Xhanti, Sinoxolo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Graph theory , Chemistry Mathematics , Chemistry Graphic methods , Wiener index , Bicyclic graphs , Fixed segment sequence , Degree sequence , Circumference , Core
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190700 , vital:45019
- Description: Wiener index is defined as the sum of the distances between all unordered pairs of vertices in a graph. The study of the Wiener index is motivated by its application in chemistry. This thesis focuses on finding extremal bicyclic graphs relative to Wiener index under various conditions such as fixed circumference (length of the longest cycle) or fixed size of the core (maximal subgraph with no degree less than 2). A segment of a graph G is either a path whose end vertices have degree 1 or at least 3 in G and all the internal vertices have degree 2 in G, or a cycle where all the vertices have degree 2 in G except possibly one. The lengths of all the segments of G form it segment sequence. We also discuss extremal graphs with given segment sequence. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Opportunities for the inclusion of Environmental Education in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate, Geography, Grade 11-12: a case study from Namibia
- Authors: Ashipala, Helena Taakondjo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education Namibia , Geography Study and teaching (Secondary) , Teacher participation in curriculum planning Namibia , Geography teachers Training of Namibia , Student-centered learning Namibia , Action competence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245725 , vital:51399
- Description: Geography is widely recognised in Namibia as a subject within the curriculum that has been framed for understanding and resolving environment issues and sustainable development. It is in this light that this study examined the inclusion of opportunities for environmental education (EE)1 embedded in the Grade 11-12 Geography curriculum in the Namibian context. This study is undertaken as a case study of two schools in the Omusati region in northern Namibia. It investigated opportunities for EE that are embedded in the Geography curriculum using action competence as a lens to review the curriculum and how teachers are working with it in two rural school contexts. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, an analysis of curriculum documents, classroom observations and focus group interviews. Ethical issues were taken into consideration throughout the study. The key findings from the study are: 1. The specification of EE has mainly emerged as a series of concerns that present as topics to be taught and compared with similar concerns in other parts of the world; 2. Teachers have little experience of what and how to teach and inform environmental education within their classrooms; 3. Learners are not actively involved in seeking and probing environmental concerns or in seeking solutions to these. These findings have been used to make recommendations that teachers: 1. Revisit and review the curriculum documents to carry theory into classroom practice; 2. Encourage learners’ participation to enhance their interest and emotional responsibility in environmental education. The study concludes by calling for further research into EE in Geography. This can be used to improve EE in the region where this study was conducted and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ashipala, Helena Taakondjo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education Namibia , Geography Study and teaching (Secondary) , Teacher participation in curriculum planning Namibia , Geography teachers Training of Namibia , Student-centered learning Namibia , Action competence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245725 , vital:51399
- Description: Geography is widely recognised in Namibia as a subject within the curriculum that has been framed for understanding and resolving environment issues and sustainable development. It is in this light that this study examined the inclusion of opportunities for environmental education (EE)1 embedded in the Grade 11-12 Geography curriculum in the Namibian context. This study is undertaken as a case study of two schools in the Omusati region in northern Namibia. It investigated opportunities for EE that are embedded in the Geography curriculum using action competence as a lens to review the curriculum and how teachers are working with it in two rural school contexts. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, an analysis of curriculum documents, classroom observations and focus group interviews. Ethical issues were taken into consideration throughout the study. The key findings from the study are: 1. The specification of EE has mainly emerged as a series of concerns that present as topics to be taught and compared with similar concerns in other parts of the world; 2. Teachers have little experience of what and how to teach and inform environmental education within their classrooms; 3. Learners are not actively involved in seeking and probing environmental concerns or in seeking solutions to these. These findings have been used to make recommendations that teachers: 1. Revisit and review the curriculum documents to carry theory into classroom practice; 2. Encourage learners’ participation to enhance their interest and emotional responsibility in environmental education. The study concludes by calling for further research into EE in Geography. This can be used to improve EE in the region where this study was conducted and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Peer-to-peer energy trading system using IoT and a low-computation blockchain network
- Authors: Ncube, Tyron
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) , Internet of things , Renewable energy sources , Smart power grids , Peer-to-peer architecture (Computer networks) , Energy trading system
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192119 , vital:45197
- Description: The use of renewable energy is increasing every year as it is seen as a viable and sustain- able long-term alternative to fossil-based sources of power. Emerging technologies are being merged with existing renewable energy systems to address some of the challenges associated with renewable energy, such as reliability and limited storage facilities for the generated energy. The Internet of Things (IoT) has made it possible for consumers to make money by selling off excess energy back to the utility company through smart grids that allow bi-directional communication between the consumer and the utility company. The major drawback of this is that the utility company still plays a central role in this setup as they are the only buyer of this excess energy generated from renewable energy sources. This research intends to use blockchain technology by leveraging its decentralized architecture to enable other individuals to be able to purchase this excess energy. Blockchain technology is first explained in detail, and its main features, such as consensus mechanisms, are examined. This evaluation of blockchain technology gives rise to some design questions that are taken into consideration to create a low-energy, low-computation Ethereum-based blockchain network that is the foundation for a peer-to-peer energy trading system. The peer-to-peer energy trading system makes use of smart meters to collect data about energy usage and gives users a web-based interface where they can transact with each other. A smart contract is also designed to facilitate payments for transactions. Lastly, the system is tested by carrying out transactions and transferring energy from one node in the system to another. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ncube, Tyron
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) , Internet of things , Renewable energy sources , Smart power grids , Peer-to-peer architecture (Computer networks) , Energy trading system
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192119 , vital:45197
- Description: The use of renewable energy is increasing every year as it is seen as a viable and sustain- able long-term alternative to fossil-based sources of power. Emerging technologies are being merged with existing renewable energy systems to address some of the challenges associated with renewable energy, such as reliability and limited storage facilities for the generated energy. The Internet of Things (IoT) has made it possible for consumers to make money by selling off excess energy back to the utility company through smart grids that allow bi-directional communication between the consumer and the utility company. The major drawback of this is that the utility company still plays a central role in this setup as they are the only buyer of this excess energy generated from renewable energy sources. This research intends to use blockchain technology by leveraging its decentralized architecture to enable other individuals to be able to purchase this excess energy. Blockchain technology is first explained in detail, and its main features, such as consensus mechanisms, are examined. This evaluation of blockchain technology gives rise to some design questions that are taken into consideration to create a low-energy, low-computation Ethereum-based blockchain network that is the foundation for a peer-to-peer energy trading system. The peer-to-peer energy trading system makes use of smart meters to collect data about energy usage and gives users a web-based interface where they can transact with each other. A smart contract is also designed to facilitate payments for transactions. Lastly, the system is tested by carrying out transactions and transferring energy from one node in the system to another. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Perceptions and experience of school violence among teachers and learners within a black township in the Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ndemka, Sibulela
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: School violence South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers South Africa Eastern Cape Attitudes , High school students South Africa Eastern Cape Attitudes , High school students Conduct of life , High school students Economic conditions , High school students Social conditions , Social constructionism South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190760 , vital:45025
- Description: In exploring the knowledge/awarness of school violence within the teacher and student school relationship. The principal objective of the study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of school violence among teachers and learners by reference to a public high school in a historically black African, working class township in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The high school was chosen for its geographical location within the community and relative nature of shared stories of violence within the surrounding vicinity. The conceptual, theoretical, and analytical frameworks underpinning this study is social constructionism theory, expanding from the theoretical claim that violence is socially constructed through the process of socialisation and institutionalization. The study reviewed relavant literature on violence in South African schools highlighting the relationship of school violence to current social and educational challenges and crises and the impact that school violence has on learners, teachers, and communities. The research methodology employed is qualitative and evidence was derived through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A sample male and female teachers and learners were recruited through networking. The researcher recruited participants outside the school and through participant referrals to uncover intricacies of school violence drawing on relevant literature in relation to the dynamics of this social and institutional problem. Data was analysed and thematically presented in line with the research objectives. The study findings imply that school violence is complex and gendered. Arguing that cultural, socio-economic, family, community, and social interpersonal factors account for school violence in South Africa. Male teachers and students mostly bieng the victims and perpetrators, implicating this behaviour to a culture of toxic masculinity and shared complicities as contributing factors to school violence. In addition, the study found that the change in status and expectations of boys who return from initiation sometimes provoked violence between initiated learners and adults who did not accord them the respect expected post-initiation. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ndemka, Sibulela
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: School violence South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers South Africa Eastern Cape Attitudes , High school students South Africa Eastern Cape Attitudes , High school students Conduct of life , High school students Economic conditions , High school students Social conditions , Social constructionism South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190760 , vital:45025
- Description: In exploring the knowledge/awarness of school violence within the teacher and student school relationship. The principal objective of the study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of school violence among teachers and learners by reference to a public high school in a historically black African, working class township in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The high school was chosen for its geographical location within the community and relative nature of shared stories of violence within the surrounding vicinity. The conceptual, theoretical, and analytical frameworks underpinning this study is social constructionism theory, expanding from the theoretical claim that violence is socially constructed through the process of socialisation and institutionalization. The study reviewed relavant literature on violence in South African schools highlighting the relationship of school violence to current social and educational challenges and crises and the impact that school violence has on learners, teachers, and communities. The research methodology employed is qualitative and evidence was derived through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A sample male and female teachers and learners were recruited through networking. The researcher recruited participants outside the school and through participant referrals to uncover intricacies of school violence drawing on relevant literature in relation to the dynamics of this social and institutional problem. Data was analysed and thematically presented in line with the research objectives. The study findings imply that school violence is complex and gendered. Arguing that cultural, socio-economic, family, community, and social interpersonal factors account for school violence in South Africa. Male teachers and students mostly bieng the victims and perpetrators, implicating this behaviour to a culture of toxic masculinity and shared complicities as contributing factors to school violence. In addition, the study found that the change in status and expectations of boys who return from initiation sometimes provoked violence between initiated learners and adults who did not accord them the respect expected post-initiation. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Performing Emil Hartmann – The Importance of Musical Contextualisation: A practice-based research project
- Authors: Robertson, Garreth Damon
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Hartmann, Emil, 1836-1898 , Hartmann, Emil, 1836-1898 Criticism and interpretation History 19th century , Practice (Philosophy) , Research Methodology , Contextualism (Philosophy) , Music Denmark History and criticism , Music appreciation , Musical analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190771 , vital:45026
- Description: When embarking on a journey of preparing a musical work for performance, a contextualisation process is undertaken which informs the performer/s of the factors which govern the parameters of the work. In this study, the author performed Emil Hartmann’s piano trio op. 10 as a part of an integrated master’s degree program. As the composer was not a part of mainland European musical society, information on his life and work was difficult to access, which presented the performer with a contextualisation problem. This study aimed to highlight the process of contextualisation, in the absence of sufficient literary material, through the lens of Emil Hartmann’s piano trio op. 10. The research used a three-pronged methodological approach in order to construct the narrative around Hartmann’s life and composition. Through a structured process of using practice-based research to analyse the creative process undertaken by the practitioners, alongside a micro-historical and analytical methodology, the study builds layers of understanding to inform Hartmann’s narrative, and thus provides interpretational insight into the execution of the work. The research finds that, although it is possible to interpret a musical work based on the musical score, there are layers of depth which cannot be accessed without a contextual understanding of the composer and the conditions in which the composition was written. Through forming the narrative on Emil Hartmann and his piano trio, the research uses the methodology to highlight a method which can be undertaken in the absence of contextual knowledge, and thus presents a contextual understanding of Emil Hartmann’s narrative. With the constructed knowledge, the author uses the findings based on the methodological approaches to weave a narrative around the life of Emil Hartmann. Applying the information discovered in the findings, interpretational approaches are discussed to inform future performances of the work. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Robertson, Garreth Damon
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Hartmann, Emil, 1836-1898 , Hartmann, Emil, 1836-1898 Criticism and interpretation History 19th century , Practice (Philosophy) , Research Methodology , Contextualism (Philosophy) , Music Denmark History and criticism , Music appreciation , Musical analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190771 , vital:45026
- Description: When embarking on a journey of preparing a musical work for performance, a contextualisation process is undertaken which informs the performer/s of the factors which govern the parameters of the work. In this study, the author performed Emil Hartmann’s piano trio op. 10 as a part of an integrated master’s degree program. As the composer was not a part of mainland European musical society, information on his life and work was difficult to access, which presented the performer with a contextualisation problem. This study aimed to highlight the process of contextualisation, in the absence of sufficient literary material, through the lens of Emil Hartmann’s piano trio op. 10. The research used a three-pronged methodological approach in order to construct the narrative around Hartmann’s life and composition. Through a structured process of using practice-based research to analyse the creative process undertaken by the practitioners, alongside a micro-historical and analytical methodology, the study builds layers of understanding to inform Hartmann’s narrative, and thus provides interpretational insight into the execution of the work. The research finds that, although it is possible to interpret a musical work based on the musical score, there are layers of depth which cannot be accessed without a contextual understanding of the composer and the conditions in which the composition was written. Through forming the narrative on Emil Hartmann and his piano trio, the research uses the methodology to highlight a method which can be undertaken in the absence of contextual knowledge, and thus presents a contextual understanding of Emil Hartmann’s narrative. With the constructed knowledge, the author uses the findings based on the methodological approaches to weave a narrative around the life of Emil Hartmann. Applying the information discovered in the findings, interpretational approaches are discussed to inform future performances of the work. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Pessimism and the secular problem of evil
- Authors: Ruiters, Siphamandla
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Good and evil , Pessimism , Optimism , Secularism , Quality of life
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190111 , vital:44964
- Description: How should we respond to the prevalence of ubiquitous evil? In this thesis, I present two responses to the secular problem of evil. The secular problem of evil exists because we want to live good lives, but we are all existentially vulnerable to evil. Consequently, we can think of various ways in which evil's existence poses a problem for us. When faced with such evil, I distinguish two responses that we may adopt, namely, optimistic or pessimistic responses to the secular problem of evil. These responses may be understood as stances that we may adopt about the relative evil and goodness in the world. Once I have made a thorough evaluation of the discussion around the secular problem of evil and the responses, I will suggest that pessimism is an appealing and appropriate response that we should adopt. To achieve the aims of this thesis, I will first clarify the kind of evil at stake in this thesis and then explain how philosophers have historically responded to this problem. Secondly, I will focus on the contemporary discussion on the secular problem of evil and show the responses are optimistic responses. Finally, I will provide a case against optimism and then show why pessimism is the most appealing and appropriate response. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ruiters, Siphamandla
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Good and evil , Pessimism , Optimism , Secularism , Quality of life
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190111 , vital:44964
- Description: How should we respond to the prevalence of ubiquitous evil? In this thesis, I present two responses to the secular problem of evil. The secular problem of evil exists because we want to live good lives, but we are all existentially vulnerable to evil. Consequently, we can think of various ways in which evil's existence poses a problem for us. When faced with such evil, I distinguish two responses that we may adopt, namely, optimistic or pessimistic responses to the secular problem of evil. These responses may be understood as stances that we may adopt about the relative evil and goodness in the world. Once I have made a thorough evaluation of the discussion around the secular problem of evil and the responses, I will suggest that pessimism is an appealing and appropriate response that we should adopt. To achieve the aims of this thesis, I will first clarify the kind of evil at stake in this thesis and then explain how philosophers have historically responded to this problem. Secondly, I will focus on the contemporary discussion on the secular problem of evil and show the responses are optimistic responses. Finally, I will provide a case against optimism and then show why pessimism is the most appealing and appropriate response. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Photosynthetic microbial fuel cells and fabricated photobioreactors applied with halotolerant microorganisms for nutrient and metal remediation under adverse hypersaline
- Authors: Smith, Galad Gilbert
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192561 , vital:45237
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Smith, Galad Gilbert
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192561 , vital:45237
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Potential of the Gravel Filter Towers, Pilot-scale Filter system and Biochar/Clay adsorbents for Bio-Physicochemical remediation and Desalination of greywater
- Authors: Bani, Siphumze
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188375 , vital:44748
- Description: Thesis embargoed until 2023 , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Bani, Siphumze
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188375 , vital:44748
- Description: Thesis embargoed until 2023 , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Power in periods: a Foucauldian-feminist exploration of menstruation in an all-girls’ secondary school in South Africa
- Authors: Parkinson, Catherine Anne
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Menstruation South Africa , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa , High school girls Health and hygiene South Africa , Communication in reproductive health South Africa , Sexual health South Africa , Sex differences (Psychology) in adolescence South Africa , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa , Feminist theory , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984. Surveiller et punir. English , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190930 , vital:45042
- Description: Absenteeism from school among girls due to a lack of menstrual health management (MHM) products has increasingly attracted attention from researchers and activists in recent years. Having highlighted the challenges caused by a lack of MHM products, the focus has been on the available facilities at schools to ensure MHM. Many schools in South Africa lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to ensure hygiene standards for the removal of bodily excre-ment, which further causes distress to girls needing MHM while at school. To investigate fur-ther the MHM challenges girls face, apart from access to products and WASH, this qualita-tive study purposively selected an all-girls’ school with access to good sanitation facilities. This research uses Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Feminist Theory to explore the forms of discipline and control that girls experience at school to contain their bodily functioning and fluids, and the forms of resistance and support that girls encounter with MHM at school. I will argue that the ambivalent meanings girls acquire about menstruation at home and in soci-ety persist at school despite their own views that menstruation is normal. While MHM prod-ucts and WASH facilities need to be freely available, the problematic social response to men-struation is what needs to be addressed in order to emancipate women from the social patriar-chal power that informs their understanding that menstruation is shameful. MHM cannot only encompass products and facilities but needs to encompass a change in societal views of sex-ual and reproductive health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Parkinson, Catherine Anne
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Menstruation South Africa , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa , High school girls Health and hygiene South Africa , Communication in reproductive health South Africa , Sexual health South Africa , Sex differences (Psychology) in adolescence South Africa , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa , Feminist theory , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984. Surveiller et punir. English , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190930 , vital:45042
- Description: Absenteeism from school among girls due to a lack of menstrual health management (MHM) products has increasingly attracted attention from researchers and activists in recent years. Having highlighted the challenges caused by a lack of MHM products, the focus has been on the available facilities at schools to ensure MHM. Many schools in South Africa lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to ensure hygiene standards for the removal of bodily excre-ment, which further causes distress to girls needing MHM while at school. To investigate fur-ther the MHM challenges girls face, apart from access to products and WASH, this qualita-tive study purposively selected an all-girls’ school with access to good sanitation facilities. This research uses Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Feminist Theory to explore the forms of discipline and control that girls experience at school to contain their bodily functioning and fluids, and the forms of resistance and support that girls encounter with MHM at school. I will argue that the ambivalent meanings girls acquire about menstruation at home and in soci-ety persist at school despite their own views that menstruation is normal. While MHM prod-ucts and WASH facilities need to be freely available, the problematic social response to men-struation is what needs to be addressed in order to emancipate women from the social patriar-chal power that informs their understanding that menstruation is shameful. MHM cannot only encompass products and facilities but needs to encompass a change in societal views of sex-ual and reproductive health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Practicing conciliation: Towards a practical application of the Equal Weight View
- Authors: Hartley, Danyel Jordan
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Knowledge, Theory of , Opinion (Philosophy) , Verbal self-defense , Epistemics , Interpersonal relations , Equal Weight View
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188341 , vital:44745
- Description: The Equal Weight View is a frequently discussed position in the philosophy of disagreement. It holds that when someone disagrees with an epistemic peer, they should adjust their belief to be closer to their peer’s belief. While the reasons for adopting this response to disagreement have been debated, there has been less discussion about its utility as a tool for handling real-world disagreements. In this thesis I pursue a version of the Equal Weight View which is useful in practice. I argue that traditional applications of the Equal Weight View do not reflect its underlying principles when they are used to resolve real-world disagreements. I develop an idealized application of the Equal Weight View that addresses the problems traditional applications face in real-world scenarios. Unfortunately, addressing these problems results in an application that is unrealistically cognitively demanding. The application trades being insensitive to the environment it would be used in for being insensitive to the limits of its user. I suggest that we might be able to save the idealized application and work around those limits by either externalizing or simplifying the most demanding aspects of the application. Externalization is best achieved by making use of some kind of computer assistance. Simplification involves replacing taxing data tracking and computation with heuristic methods. While neither approach is ideal, I argue that both get us closer to resolving disagreements in accordance with the underlying principles of the Equal Weight View than traditional applications do. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Hartley, Danyel Jordan
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Knowledge, Theory of , Opinion (Philosophy) , Verbal self-defense , Epistemics , Interpersonal relations , Equal Weight View
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188341 , vital:44745
- Description: The Equal Weight View is a frequently discussed position in the philosophy of disagreement. It holds that when someone disagrees with an epistemic peer, they should adjust their belief to be closer to their peer’s belief. While the reasons for adopting this response to disagreement have been debated, there has been less discussion about its utility as a tool for handling real-world disagreements. In this thesis I pursue a version of the Equal Weight View which is useful in practice. I argue that traditional applications of the Equal Weight View do not reflect its underlying principles when they are used to resolve real-world disagreements. I develop an idealized application of the Equal Weight View that addresses the problems traditional applications face in real-world scenarios. Unfortunately, addressing these problems results in an application that is unrealistically cognitively demanding. The application trades being insensitive to the environment it would be used in for being insensitive to the limits of its user. I suggest that we might be able to save the idealized application and work around those limits by either externalizing or simplifying the most demanding aspects of the application. Externalization is best achieved by making use of some kind of computer assistance. Simplification involves replacing taxing data tracking and computation with heuristic methods. While neither approach is ideal, I argue that both get us closer to resolving disagreements in accordance with the underlying principles of the Equal Weight View than traditional applications do. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Queer as Africa: Representations of queer lives in selected Nigerian, Kenyan, and South African literature and film
- Authors: Wilson, Jon Stephen Edward
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Africans in literature , Africans in motion pictures , Homosexuality in literature , Homosexuality in motion pictures , Sexual minorities in literature , Sexual minorities in motion pictures , African literature History and criticism , Motion pictures, African History and criticism , Sexual minorities South Africa Public opinion , Sexual minorities Kenya Public opinion , Sexual minorities Nigeria Public opinion , Sexual minorities South Africa Social conditions , Sexual minorities Kenya Social conditions , Sexual minorities Nigeria Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187428 , vital:44651
- Description: This thesis contests the notion that nonnormative sexualities are ‘un-African’ by examining a range of representations of queer African lives on film and in literature, produced by Africans for Africans, as a means to interrogate the role played by the interconnected histories of colonialism, religion, and the policing of queer intimacy, specifically in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Through a close reading of a selection of texts from these three countries, this thesis takes a cultural-historical approach to exploring the complex struggles engaged in by queer people in Africa to protections under the law, and to represent themselves in literary and cinematic narratives. The first chapter is focused on the Kenyan film Rafiki (2018), directed by Wanuri Kahiu, which tells the story of queer love between two young Kenyan women who face the vehement condemnation of their relationship from their homophobic community. The film was banned in Kenya, but the director was granted a temporary injunction by Kenya’s high court in order for it to be screened in Nairobi. This made Rafiki the first queer film ever to be screened in Kenya, and viable for an Academy Award nomination. The second chapter focuses on the bold assertion of a queer African identity through the short story collections Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction (2013) and Queer Africa 2: New Stories (2017). Written by various authors from the African continent, and compiled and edited by Karen Martin and Makhosazana Xaba, both collections offer a wide variety of fictional narratives focused on queer experiences in Africa. The second chapter has a focus on stories from Kenyan and Nigerian authors and explores notions of home, queer belonging, and visibility. The third chapter presents a close reading of the South African film Inxeba (2017), also known as The Wound, directed by John Trengove and adapted by Trengove and Thando Mgqolozana from Mgqolozana’s novel, A Man Who Is Not A Man (2009). The film depicts the traditional Xhosa initiation ritual, ulwaluko, and is set in the rural Eastern Cape. Inxeba is an important case study in the history of queer representation in Africa, as the film hit a nerve with many, interrogating what South Africans believe about culture, traditions, masculinity, and the right of artists to represent sacred ritual in art. This thesis pays attention to the historical entanglements between homophobia, imperialism, and Christianity – relationships that continue to affect the experiences of queer people in Africa and attitudes towards them and interrogates why queer individuals are still being left out of efforts towards creating a new normal in postcolonial Africa. This thesis suggests that increased visibility is a key aspect of queer activism in Africa – through the act of representation, sharing lived experiences, and telling queer stories. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Wilson, Jon Stephen Edward
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Africans in literature , Africans in motion pictures , Homosexuality in literature , Homosexuality in motion pictures , Sexual minorities in literature , Sexual minorities in motion pictures , African literature History and criticism , Motion pictures, African History and criticism , Sexual minorities South Africa Public opinion , Sexual minorities Kenya Public opinion , Sexual minorities Nigeria Public opinion , Sexual minorities South Africa Social conditions , Sexual minorities Kenya Social conditions , Sexual minorities Nigeria Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187428 , vital:44651
- Description: This thesis contests the notion that nonnormative sexualities are ‘un-African’ by examining a range of representations of queer African lives on film and in literature, produced by Africans for Africans, as a means to interrogate the role played by the interconnected histories of colonialism, religion, and the policing of queer intimacy, specifically in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Through a close reading of a selection of texts from these three countries, this thesis takes a cultural-historical approach to exploring the complex struggles engaged in by queer people in Africa to protections under the law, and to represent themselves in literary and cinematic narratives. The first chapter is focused on the Kenyan film Rafiki (2018), directed by Wanuri Kahiu, which tells the story of queer love between two young Kenyan women who face the vehement condemnation of their relationship from their homophobic community. The film was banned in Kenya, but the director was granted a temporary injunction by Kenya’s high court in order for it to be screened in Nairobi. This made Rafiki the first queer film ever to be screened in Kenya, and viable for an Academy Award nomination. The second chapter focuses on the bold assertion of a queer African identity through the short story collections Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction (2013) and Queer Africa 2: New Stories (2017). Written by various authors from the African continent, and compiled and edited by Karen Martin and Makhosazana Xaba, both collections offer a wide variety of fictional narratives focused on queer experiences in Africa. The second chapter has a focus on stories from Kenyan and Nigerian authors and explores notions of home, queer belonging, and visibility. The third chapter presents a close reading of the South African film Inxeba (2017), also known as The Wound, directed by John Trengove and adapted by Trengove and Thando Mgqolozana from Mgqolozana’s novel, A Man Who Is Not A Man (2009). The film depicts the traditional Xhosa initiation ritual, ulwaluko, and is set in the rural Eastern Cape. Inxeba is an important case study in the history of queer representation in Africa, as the film hit a nerve with many, interrogating what South Africans believe about culture, traditions, masculinity, and the right of artists to represent sacred ritual in art. This thesis pays attention to the historical entanglements between homophobia, imperialism, and Christianity – relationships that continue to affect the experiences of queer people in Africa and attitudes towards them and interrogates why queer individuals are still being left out of efforts towards creating a new normal in postcolonial Africa. This thesis suggests that increased visibility is a key aspect of queer activism in Africa – through the act of representation, sharing lived experiences, and telling queer stories. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Re-imagining the use of the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense in Grade 3 learners
- Authors: Elifas, Taimi Ndinelago
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Abacus , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) Namibia , Visual learning , Teaching Aids and devices , Constructivism (Education) , Effective teaching Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191953 , vital:45182
- Description: The poor performance of learners in mathematics has long been a matter of concern in Namibia. After more than three decades after independence, the country's education system is still seeking ways of addressing the high rate of poor performance in mathematics. Research previously conducted pointed out the lack of number sense in learners, as one of the contributing factors to the poor performance in mathematics. This research study is a contribution towards using the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense in the Foundation Phase. The study was premised on the thought – supported by literature – that effective use of concrete equipment and manipulatives, of which the abacus is part of, does affect the teaching and learning of number sense. The study further examines the use of the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense by the four selected Grade 3 teachers. The study argues that the effective use of the abacus develops number sense in learners. This study was framed as a multiple case study that was grounded within an interpretive paradigm and informed by the constructivist learning theory. The qualitative data of this study were collected using questionnaires, observation, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis and an analytical tool developed from relevant literature. A survey was conducted using 50 Foundation Phase teachers in the //Kharas region, while the intervention programme consisted of four purposively selected teachers from the four primary schools in the Kalahari circuit in the Keetmanshoop district. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers were not aware of abacus use in teaching mathematics before the intervention programme. It was also revealed that the few teachers that use the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense, employ it as a counting tool for explaining certain concepts and as well as for teaching simple arithmetic. In this research study, the selected teachers use the abacus to link the abstract mathematics content to a concrete way of doing mathematics. In the absence of the abacus in classrooms, various manipulatives are used to develop learners’ number sense. Mathematical games, verbalizing mathematics concepts, and drawing pictures to visualize abstract concepts among others are used by the selected teachers to enhance the development of number sense in the Foundation Phase. The use of the abacus by the selected teachers effectively fostered the visualization process and the conceptual understanding of number sense in learners. Through the abacus, teachers led their learners into visualizing number sense concepts such as subitizing, computing, performing mental mathematics and physical representation of numbers in different ways. The abacus was used by teachers to enhance listening skills, improve concentration and strengthen the memory of learners. On the other hand, the study also revealed that despite the various benefits of the abacus, it is time consuming. The lack of abacus use in previous grades has a huge impact on the use of it and the development of learners’ number sense in the grades being studied in this research study. Teachers are recommended to make their own abacuses, encourage learners to make their own abacuses from the readily available materials, and to allow the learners to realize that the mathematics they are doing in classrooms is around them. The use of re-imagining, re-envisioning, re-conceptualizing and re-examining of so-called ‘old teaching tools’ such as the abacus, needs to be encouraged through in-service and pre-service teacher training programmes. The study concludes that the use of traditional algorithm methods do not promote conceptual understanding and visual strategies for Foundation Phase learners and should be discouraged. It is hoped that this study will contribute towards improving the practices of mathematics teachers primarily in the Keetmanshoop district, //Kharas Region and in the rest our Namibian schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Elifas, Taimi Ndinelago
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Abacus , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) Namibia , Visual learning , Teaching Aids and devices , Constructivism (Education) , Effective teaching Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191953 , vital:45182
- Description: The poor performance of learners in mathematics has long been a matter of concern in Namibia. After more than three decades after independence, the country's education system is still seeking ways of addressing the high rate of poor performance in mathematics. Research previously conducted pointed out the lack of number sense in learners, as one of the contributing factors to the poor performance in mathematics. This research study is a contribution towards using the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense in the Foundation Phase. The study was premised on the thought – supported by literature – that effective use of concrete equipment and manipulatives, of which the abacus is part of, does affect the teaching and learning of number sense. The study further examines the use of the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense by the four selected Grade 3 teachers. The study argues that the effective use of the abacus develops number sense in learners. This study was framed as a multiple case study that was grounded within an interpretive paradigm and informed by the constructivist learning theory. The qualitative data of this study were collected using questionnaires, observation, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis and an analytical tool developed from relevant literature. A survey was conducted using 50 Foundation Phase teachers in the //Kharas region, while the intervention programme consisted of four purposively selected teachers from the four primary schools in the Kalahari circuit in the Keetmanshoop district. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers were not aware of abacus use in teaching mathematics before the intervention programme. It was also revealed that the few teachers that use the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense, employ it as a counting tool for explaining certain concepts and as well as for teaching simple arithmetic. In this research study, the selected teachers use the abacus to link the abstract mathematics content to a concrete way of doing mathematics. In the absence of the abacus in classrooms, various manipulatives are used to develop learners’ number sense. Mathematical games, verbalizing mathematics concepts, and drawing pictures to visualize abstract concepts among others are used by the selected teachers to enhance the development of number sense in the Foundation Phase. The use of the abacus by the selected teachers effectively fostered the visualization process and the conceptual understanding of number sense in learners. Through the abacus, teachers led their learners into visualizing number sense concepts such as subitizing, computing, performing mental mathematics and physical representation of numbers in different ways. The abacus was used by teachers to enhance listening skills, improve concentration and strengthen the memory of learners. On the other hand, the study also revealed that despite the various benefits of the abacus, it is time consuming. The lack of abacus use in previous grades has a huge impact on the use of it and the development of learners’ number sense in the grades being studied in this research study. Teachers are recommended to make their own abacuses, encourage learners to make their own abacuses from the readily available materials, and to allow the learners to realize that the mathematics they are doing in classrooms is around them. The use of re-imagining, re-envisioning, re-conceptualizing and re-examining of so-called ‘old teaching tools’ such as the abacus, needs to be encouraged through in-service and pre-service teacher training programmes. The study concludes that the use of traditional algorithm methods do not promote conceptual understanding and visual strategies for Foundation Phase learners and should be discouraged. It is hoped that this study will contribute towards improving the practices of mathematics teachers primarily in the Keetmanshoop district, //Kharas Region and in the rest our Namibian schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Remote fidelity of Container-Based Network Emulators
- Authors: Peach, Schalk Willem
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Computer networks Security measures , Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Computer security , Host-based intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Emulators (Computer programs) , Computer network protocols , Container-Based Network Emulators (CBNEs) , Network Experimentation Platforms (NEPs)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192141 , vital:45199
- Description: This thesis examines if Container-Based Network Emulators (CBNEs) are able to instantiate emulated nodes that provide sufficient realism to be used in information security experiments. The realism measure used is based on the information available from the point of view of a remote attacker. During the evaluation of a Container-Based Network Emulator (CBNE) as a platform to replicate production networks for information security experiments, it was observed that nmap fingerprinting returned Operating System (OS) family and version results inconsistent with that of the host Operating System (OS). CBNEs utilise Linux namespaces, the technology used for containerisation, to instantiate \emulated" hosts for experimental networks. Linux containers partition resources of the host OS to create lightweight virtual machines that share a single OS kernel. As all emulated hosts share the same kernel in a CBNE network, there is a reasonable expectation that the fingerprints of the host OS and emulated hosts should be the same. Based on how CBNEs instantiate emulated networks and that fingerprinting returned inconsistent results, it was hypothesised that the technologies used to construct CBNEs are capable of influencing fingerprints generated by utilities such as nmap. It was predicted that hosts emulated using different CBNEs would show deviations in remotely generated fingerprints when compared to fingerprints generated for the host OS. An experimental network consisting of two emulated hosts and a Layer 2 switch was instantiated on multiple CBNEs using the same host OS. Active and passive fingerprinting was conducted between the emulated hosts to generate fingerprints and OS family and version matches. Passive fingerprinting failed to produce OS family and version matches as the fingerprint databases for these utilities are no longer maintained. For active fingerprinting the OS family results were consistent between tested systems and the host OS, though OS version results reported was inconsistent. A comparison of the generated fingerprints revealed that for certain CBNEs fingerprint features related to network stack optimisations of the host OS deviated from other CBNEs and the host OS. The hypothesis that CBNEs can influence remotely generated fingerprints was partially confirmed. One CBNE system modified Linux kernel networking options, causing a deviation from fingerprints generated for other tested systems and the host OS. The hypothesis was also partially rejected as the technologies used by CBNEs do not influence the remote fidelity of emulated hosts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Peach, Schalk Willem
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Computer networks Security measures , Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Computer security , Host-based intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Emulators (Computer programs) , Computer network protocols , Container-Based Network Emulators (CBNEs) , Network Experimentation Platforms (NEPs)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192141 , vital:45199
- Description: This thesis examines if Container-Based Network Emulators (CBNEs) are able to instantiate emulated nodes that provide sufficient realism to be used in information security experiments. The realism measure used is based on the information available from the point of view of a remote attacker. During the evaluation of a Container-Based Network Emulator (CBNE) as a platform to replicate production networks for information security experiments, it was observed that nmap fingerprinting returned Operating System (OS) family and version results inconsistent with that of the host Operating System (OS). CBNEs utilise Linux namespaces, the technology used for containerisation, to instantiate \emulated" hosts for experimental networks. Linux containers partition resources of the host OS to create lightweight virtual machines that share a single OS kernel. As all emulated hosts share the same kernel in a CBNE network, there is a reasonable expectation that the fingerprints of the host OS and emulated hosts should be the same. Based on how CBNEs instantiate emulated networks and that fingerprinting returned inconsistent results, it was hypothesised that the technologies used to construct CBNEs are capable of influencing fingerprints generated by utilities such as nmap. It was predicted that hosts emulated using different CBNEs would show deviations in remotely generated fingerprints when compared to fingerprints generated for the host OS. An experimental network consisting of two emulated hosts and a Layer 2 switch was instantiated on multiple CBNEs using the same host OS. Active and passive fingerprinting was conducted between the emulated hosts to generate fingerprints and OS family and version matches. Passive fingerprinting failed to produce OS family and version matches as the fingerprint databases for these utilities are no longer maintained. For active fingerprinting the OS family results were consistent between tested systems and the host OS, though OS version results reported was inconsistent. A comparison of the generated fingerprints revealed that for certain CBNEs fingerprint features related to network stack optimisations of the host OS deviated from other CBNEs and the host OS. The hypothesis that CBNEs can influence remotely generated fingerprints was partially confirmed. One CBNE system modified Linux kernel networking options, causing a deviation from fingerprints generated for other tested systems and the host OS. The hypothesis was also partially rejected as the technologies used by CBNEs do not influence the remote fidelity of emulated hosts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Retrospective
- Authors: Pillay, Previn
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , South African poetry (English) 21st century , Identity (Philosophical concept) in literature , Grandmothers in literature , Families in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191636 , vital:45128
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems, divided into 4 sections. The first section draws on my experiences and background as an Indian South African, presenting a portrait of a KwaZulu-Natal Indian community, infused with the lingo of the streets. It also delves into my background by sharing real stories from my childhood and youth. The second section is about my grandmother, who is an influential character on my writing and a source for many unique stories. The third section is a brief look at my recent past and the fourth section is a sharing of my life and what is most important to me. My collection is a timeline of my life and the events which have shaped me. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Pillay, Previn
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , South African poetry (English) 21st century , Identity (Philosophical concept) in literature , Grandmothers in literature , Families in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191636 , vital:45128
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems, divided into 4 sections. The first section draws on my experiences and background as an Indian South African, presenting a portrait of a KwaZulu-Natal Indian community, infused with the lingo of the streets. It also delves into my background by sharing real stories from my childhood and youth. The second section is about my grandmother, who is an influential character on my writing and a source for many unique stories. The third section is a brief look at my recent past and the fourth section is a sharing of my life and what is most important to me. My collection is a timeline of my life and the events which have shaped me. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Robot Rights, an approach appealing to Animal Rights Theory
- Authors: Millin, Murray David
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Artificial intelligence , Singer, Peter, 1946- , Dennett, D C (Daniel Clement) , Animal rights , Ethics , Asimov, Isaac, 1920-1992 Criticism and interpretation , Asimov, Isaac, 1920-1992. Bicentennial man , Asimov, Isaac, 1920-1992. Sally , Preference utilitarianism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191854 , vital:45172
- Description: This thesis proposes that Peter Singer’s theory of preference utilitarianism, which is designed to be universally applicable to humans and animals, can be applied to robots of a particular kind — such as those seen in Isaac Asimov’s work. I shall do this by using Singer’s conception of interests as a framework, and appealing to Daniel Dennett’s intentional stance to deal with methodological issues about other minds. I shall then apply those theories to Isaac Asimov’s Sally and The Bicentennial Man. These two narratives show the importance of the intentional stance as an ethical tool and provide an example of how we might talk about the interests of a robot. Sally’s behaviour and ethical status is examined according to how she is perceived, and so I shall investigate how various persons engage with her and why they do so in those manners. This narrative demonstrates the value of the intentional and design stance as methods to approach other minds problems with regards to ethical status. The Bicentennial Man’s Andrew allows us to look for interests in a more concrete way. I look to see how he situates himself in his world, as well as investigate how and why he makes the demand to be morally considerable. This will be done by examining his creativity, personal development and drive for mortality throughout the narrative. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Millin, Murray David
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Artificial intelligence , Singer, Peter, 1946- , Dennett, D C (Daniel Clement) , Animal rights , Ethics , Asimov, Isaac, 1920-1992 Criticism and interpretation , Asimov, Isaac, 1920-1992. Bicentennial man , Asimov, Isaac, 1920-1992. Sally , Preference utilitarianism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191854 , vital:45172
- Description: This thesis proposes that Peter Singer’s theory of preference utilitarianism, which is designed to be universally applicable to humans and animals, can be applied to robots of a particular kind — such as those seen in Isaac Asimov’s work. I shall do this by using Singer’s conception of interests as a framework, and appealing to Daniel Dennett’s intentional stance to deal with methodological issues about other minds. I shall then apply those theories to Isaac Asimov’s Sally and The Bicentennial Man. These two narratives show the importance of the intentional stance as an ethical tool and provide an example of how we might talk about the interests of a robot. Sally’s behaviour and ethical status is examined according to how she is perceived, and so I shall investigate how various persons engage with her and why they do so in those manners. This narrative demonstrates the value of the intentional and design stance as methods to approach other minds problems with regards to ethical status. The Bicentennial Man’s Andrew allows us to look for interests in a more concrete way. I look to see how he situates himself in his world, as well as investigate how and why he makes the demand to be morally considerable. This will be done by examining his creativity, personal development and drive for mortality throughout the narrative. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29