MAGISTER ARTIUM

Minimum study period:
Dissertation: 1 year
Structured: 2 years
NQF level: 9
Total credits: 192

This course can be completed by either option 1, the dissertation with a topic selected by the candidate in consultation with a supervisor in the department, or the structured programme that deals with the umbrella theme “Aspects of the history of twentieth-century South Africa”, which consists of five papers of 2½ hours each, plus a mini-dissertation.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the general prerequisites for admission to study for a Master's degree, the following requirements apply:

• Admission to the Master's degree in History is subject to the approval of the academic head of the department.
• Students must hold at least an Honours degree in History or in a related discipline, or have a postgraduate diploma, and must have successfully completed History at first-, second- and third-year level (i.e. must have taken History for three full academic years).
• A minimum average of 65% across all courses at Honours level is required to qualify for Masters.

CURRICULUM

Option 1: Dissertation (Study code: 1830)
A topic is selected by the candidate in consultation with a supervisor in the department.

HISR8900: Dissertation
An evaluation has to take place, and then a topic is selected by the candidate in consultation with a supervisor in the Department of History. The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the dissertation by external assessors.

or

Option 2: Structured programme (Study code: 1831)
The structured programme deals with the umbrella theme “Aspects of the history of twentieth-century South Africa”, which consists of five papers of two hours each, plus a mini-dissertation.

Please note:

(i) The structured programme is only presented on a part-time basis, and over two years.

(ii) Modules HIST7916, HIST7936, HIST7926 and HIST7946 are presented consecutively in the first year of study with exams for HIST7916 and HIST7936 during the mid-year exam and exams for HIST7926 and HIST7946 during the end-of-year exam.

(iii) Module HIST7956 is presented during the first term of the second year of study, with exams during the mid-year exam.

(iv) The mini-dissertation (HISS7900) must be completed in the rest of the second year of study; under a supervisor appointed by the academic head of the department, and about a topic agreed upon by the supervisor and student.

(v) The modules must be presented in the order HIST7916, HIST7936, HIST7926, HIST7946, HIST7956 and HISS7900.

Core modules

HIST7916: Research methodology and related matters
The module focuses on theoretical concepts underpinning historical methodology; the basic concepts of research in history; the choices with regard to research techniques; the writing of history; as well as the practical handling of an oral history project.

HIST7936: Introduction to the history of twentieth-century South Africa
The most important events in the years 1899 to 1939 are discussed, including the Anglo-Boer War and its consequences, unification, the establishment of the ANC, the 1914-1915 rebellion, poverty, coalition and fusion, and the Great Trek centenary.

HIST7926: Aspects of the history of South Africa, ca 1939-1961
This module focuses on, inter alia, the economic, political and social impact of the entry of South Africa in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. The module also attempts to evaluate the introduction of the apartheid state and the nature of resistance to apartheid between 1948 and 1961.

HIST7946: Aspects of the history of South Africa, ca 1961-1980
The following aspects of South African history, ca 1961-1980 are discussed: the reasons for the formation of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK); international isolation of South Africa and the response thereof by the South African government; resistance, repression and censorship; the introduction of the homeland system; the Black Consciousness Movement; the rise of independent unions; the Soweto uprising.

HIST7956: Aspects of the history of South Africa since ca 1980
The module examines the turbulent 1980s. It will focus on the position of the South African government and that of the African National Congress. After years of violent political conflict, both sides were forced to negotiate. That process will be studied as well as the country's first democratic government.

HISS7900: Mini-dissertation
A topic is selected in consultation with a supervisor. The degree will be awarded after successful completion and assessment of the thesis by external assessors.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ASSESSMENT

(i) Assessment will include internal assessment, as well as external assessment and moderation.

(ii) The research component of the Master's degree (seminars, mini-dissertation and dissertation) must demonstrate autonomous research, independent judgement and insight.