Acta Academica

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Acta Academica is an academic journal dedicated to scholarship in the humanities. The journal publishes scholarly articles that examine society, culture and politics past and present from a critical social theory perspective. The journal is also interested in scholarly work that examines how the humanities in the twenty-first century are responding to the double imperative of theorising the world and changing it.

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ISSN 2415-0479 (Online), ISSN 0587-2405 (Print)

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 692

Open Access
Kan 'n mens dit ooit kuns noem? Oor die probleem van 'n definisie van kuns
(University of the Free State, 1991) Snyman, Johan
Die sogenaamde instilusionele teoriee oor kuns is interessante pogings in die analitiese filosofie om onderdie dekmantel van 'n paging om kuns tedefinieer, in die reine te kom met 'n baiewesentlike trek van moderne kuns, naamlik om sy eie geskiedenis in homself op te neem. Hierdie po ging van die analitiese filosofie slaag egter nie, en daar word voorgestel dat 'n begripoor artistieke materiaal ontwikkel word om voorsiening le maak vir die verklaringvan die sosio-historiese dimensievan (moderne) kuns.
Open Access
Spectators in Jerusalem: urban narrative in the scenic tradition
(University of the Free State, 1999) Van den Berg, Dirk
English: This investigation of the narrative prospects of urban pictures in the scenic tradition is devoted co Hans Memling's painting depicting a sequence of Passion scenes set in a topographical view ofJerusalem. In refuting Goodman's view that the painting offers 'not only no direction but no order of telling at all', attention is drawn to the celling rhetoric ofcertain 'micro-scenic' core motifs, whose mature typiconic features emerged only with the formation of che scenic tradition's full array of picture types. Ir is conjectured chat aposcopic vision may well be a source of scenic parallels between distance and proximity, and hence also of narrative parallels between prospector and sightseer roles implicic in various scenic piccure types.
Open Access
Images of European youth at the turn of the century as reflected in the autobiographies of three Jewish writers: Arthur Schnitzler, Stefan Zweig and Ernst Toller
(University of the Free State, 1999) Knobloch, Hans-Jorg
Afrikaans: In hierdie artikel word aan die hand van die outobiografieë van drie Duitstalige outeurs 'n beeld van die Europese jeug van 'n eeu gelede weergegee. Drie temas word ondersoek: ouerhuis en skool, liefde en seksualiteit asook politiek en gemeenskap. Dit blyk dat die jeug van toentertyd nie gelukkiger was as die jeug van vandag nie. Op die gebied van opvoeding is die klem meer op strengheid as op toegeneentheid geplaas, in die skool meer op drilwerk as op bevordering van die intellek. Die eerste liefdesavonture het wel nog die opwinding van die misterieuse gehad, maar is deur (seksuele) skynheiligheid en vrees vir sifilis bederf. Die meeste jeugdiges het ten minste nog in 'n veilige wêreld opgegroei, maar selfs die is ten einde van die negentiende eeu deur toenemende nasionalisme en antisemitisme oorskadu.
Open Access
Landelik-stedelike interaksie en plaaslike owerheidsbestuur in die Stellenbosch-distrik
(University of the Free State, 1999) Cedras, Lucinda; Van der Merwe, Izak
English: The distinction between rural and urban areas in various parts of the world is fading because of increasing interaction between the two groups of communities. lt is particularly the nature and magnitude of the levels of integration between towns and their surrrounding rural areas that holds definitive implications for future local government in the areas. This paper reports the results of the degree of rural-urban interaction and convergence in the magisterial district of Stellenbosch. Aspects examined include demographic characteristics, educational characteristics and economic activities. It is evident that significant convergence between the town and surrounding rural areas has already occurred. The geographical unit of the district together with the interaction between the rural and urban areas justifies further research with regard to possible incorporation of the rural areas into the town.
Open Access
Deracialisation of urban business space: street traders in Pietersburg
(University of the Free State, 1999) Donaldson, Ronnie; Van der Merwe, Izak
English: The 'invasion' of the CBD by informal entrepreneurs signalled the first visible phase of the informal process of deracialisation of business space. A clear distinction between deracialisation and desegregation processes relating to urban residential space has been made by Saff (1994). This paper will apply this distinction to business space, using the secondary city of Pietersburg as a case study of two manifestations of policy concerning business space: processes of urban race-space restructuring and street trading as an example of the deracialisation process of urban development within the context of the response of the restructured democratic local authority.
Open Access
Five generations of applied linguistics: some framework issues
(University of the Free State, 1999) Weideman, Albert
English: In recent years a number of discussions have sustained the debate on the definition of applied linguistics, a debate which addresses both ends of the spectrum of applied linguistic work: the philosophical and the practical. This paper attempts to situate its response to such (re)considerations within an interpretative framework, considering the conception of the discipline as it has evolved over five generations. The argument of the paper is that the many and varied understandings of applied linguistic work during this period confirm the relativity of the discipline and prevent its practitioners from entertaining the illusion that, because they are involved in 'applied science', their particular response to a language problem will provide a full and finite solution.
Open Access
Die weg na 'n omgewingsgeografie
(University of the Free State, 1999) Barnard, Wilhelm
English: While geography's organization in subdisciplines hardly changed since it was institutionalized as a university discipline during the 1880s, its struccure and research styles changed rapidly and fundamentally since 1960. These changes severely stressed physical geography, the traditional base of the discipline. Within geography the socalled quantification revolution of the 1960s alienated physical geography to such extent from the rest of the discipline that physical geographers failed to utilize the opportunities opened up from outside by the 'environmental turn' of the 1970s. At present the interests of physical geographers are accommodated within a new 'environmental geography' which is wider in domain and more flexible and permeable than its predecessor. This article orientates environmental geography in the world of science and suggests a framework for training in and the practice of environmental geography.
Open Access
Die postmodernistiese diskoers en die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomiese oorgang
(University of the Free State, 1999) Naude, Willem
English: The postmodernist reaction to the Cartesian Anxiety caused by the rejection of modernism as philosophical basis for science is set out in this paper. It is argued that the hermeneutical tradition within postmodernism might be a useful way of approaching the current question of an appropriate economic strategy for the postapartheid economy. Some implications that might be relevant for the role of economists at South African Higher Education Institutions (HEls) are drawn out. The paper concludes that discourse, debate and rhetoric might be indispensable for the advance of economic justice in South Africa, and might also be an instrument to allow for individual choice, and eventually, individual reckoning.
Open Access
The death of Alexander the Great
(University of the Free State, 1999) Cilliers, Louise; Retief, Francois
English: The circumstances of Alexander's death are reviewed. Since contemporary sources vary in their accounts of the reason for his death, they are briefly reviewed and assessed. The account of Alexander's final illness is then as recorded by the two major sources, namely the King's Journal and the Liber de Morte Testamentumque Alexandri Magni. The theory that he was poisoned is rejected, as is the hypothesis chat he drank himself co death. His final illness shows symptoms characteristic of malignant tertian mala[ia (Plasmodium falciparum), possibly precipitated by recent wounds, exhaustion and heavy drinking.
Open Access
Frameworks for institutional audits for quality in South African higher education
(University of the Free State, 1999) Lategan, Laetus
English: This paper attempts to establish the most suitable a system for institutional audits of higher education institutions in South Africa. It focuses on four areas: theory, philosophy, categories and practice. The paper argues that self-evaluation is fundamental to the audit portfolio and the institutional audits (theory). An approach is suggested where the focus is on procedures and mechanisms for quality instead of on quality per se (philosophy). The author suggests eight categories for institutional audits: quality, policy implementation, evaluating mechanisms, teaching and learning, strategic management, student satisfaction, cost-effectiveness and external influences on the quality of the institutions.
Open Access
Die verbouing van tafeldruiwe en sultanas in die Benede-Oranje-riviergebied
(University of the Free State, 1999) De Villiers, Gawie; Du Plessis, Annette
English: The table grape and sultana industry is an economic mainstay for the Lower Orange River area, but without irrigation the industry cannot exist, mainly because of the dry climate in the area. However, it is not only the availability of water that is influenced by the climate, but the production of the table grapes and sultanas is also influenced by climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall, as well as the type of soil and the moisture content. A bright future is foreseen for the table grape industry in the Lower Orange River area, and the excellent potential for growth should encourage the farmers to produce even more. It is predicted that the area will eventually produce approximately 30% of all table grapes for the export market. It is also expected that the area under all table grape cultivars will increase from some 1 600 hectares to some 4 100 hectares for the period 1996 to 2000.
Open Access
Health and health care in South Africa in transition: a macro perspective
(University of the Free State, 1999) Van Rensburg, Dingie
English: The South African health care system, along with society in general, is undergoing profound transformation. Afcer almost five years, questions may well be posed about the nature of chis transition, the benefits of the reform for health care, and the effects of the transformation on the health and well-being of the population. The argument is chat reform of a fundamental nature has indeed taken place in numerous dimensions of the health sphere. However, crucial aspects of the health system remain unchanged. Regarding the effects of the transition on the health and well- being of the population, one may certainly assume char significant gains have been achieved as a result of the reform measures, although practice thus far also adduces some evidence co che concrary.
Open Access
In the home stretch: the legalisation of African traditional healing in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 1999) Pretorius, Engela
English: The overall aim of this article is to describe the current status of indigenous health care policy and to determine what progress has been made in translating policy principles into action. The article deals with the models for incorporating traditional health care into the official health care system; the present status of traditional health care and the rationale for legitimising it; the many complex issues involved in developing a policy on ethnomedicine, and an assessment of the progress made in respect of the legalisation of this kind of health care five years into the new order. The main conclusion is that, although great strides have been made, there are still some very serious constraints which are likely to inhibit the indigenous health care sector for some time to come.
Open Access
'Modernity': the historical ontology
(University of the Free State, 1999) Venter, Ponti
English: The article focuses on a fundamental and generally disregarded aspect of modern thought: the turn in eighteenth-century philosophy towards a historical ontology. The works of selected intellectuals such as Defoe and Rousseau (in contrast to Hobbes) highlight the shift away from a static, hierarchical ontology with God as the highest structuring force, in the direction of a historical ontology with an inherent teleology and the dominance of reason as its eschaton - progress between the dialectically related poles of nature and culture. This historical ontology has since been taken up by important nineteenth-century thinkers such as Hegel, Comte, Marx and Darwin, and also makes its influence felt in the irrationalist tradition (albeit with the poles inverted), and even in the present day in various areas of culture (such as the film Dead Poets' Society).
Open Access
'Relevansie' in die sielkunde in Suid-Afrika
(University of the Free State, 1999) Viljoen, Dawie; Louw, Dap; Beukes, Roelf
English: In this article a general view regarding the debate on relevance in psychology in South Africa is given. It would appear that the psychology profession should be established as an important role player in the socio-political context of the country in order to make a contribution towards a peaceful and democratic society. To be able to render efficient cross-cultural services, the universal principles of psychology should be adhered to. Cultural diversity should, however, be acknowledged and Afrocentric principles in psychology should be accommodated. Attention should be given to the shortage of psychologists from non-Western population groups, while co-operation with traditional healers should be promoted. Psychological services should be extended to the broad population, and such services should be made more accessible and should be marketed better. Furthermore some implications of the debate on relevance in the training of psychologists have been discussed.
Open Access
Psychology and culture: the politics of recognition
(University of the Free State, 1999) Beyers, Eefke
English: In this article it is suggested that the two main ontological assumptions prevalent in mainstream Western psychology (atomism and holism) are accompanied by implicit moral ideals as well as concomitant constructions of selves, notions of good and political directives. A case is made for viewing present trends in psychology towards the accommodation of culture as representative of a holistic ideal and of a concomitant politics of recognition of difference. This ontological and political perspective may be seen as a corrective of atomistic liberalism in the direction communitarian liberalism. The latter position is neither collectivise nor ethnocentric in orientation but liberal in the original sense of the word.
Open Access
Universiteitstoelating in die nuwe Suid-Afrika: ideologiese en statistiese oorwegings
(University of the Free State, 1999) Huysamen, Gert
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 This article discusses the misconceptions which can arise when statistically distinguishable groups with diverse school backgrounds compete for admission to tertiary academic institutions. It is recommended that separate correlations (between predictor and criterion) and separate regression equations (for predicting the criterion in terms of the predictor) be determined for such groups. If this is done, it becomes clear that the lower mean matriculation and/or aptitude test scores of one group are not necessarily prejudicial to its members and that simply no statements can be made about the biasedness or unbiasedness of the predictor on the basis of group differences in the above correlation. Ideological objections to the computation of separate statistical indices and equations for different demographic groups are discussed and regarded as inconsistent. ___________________________________________________________________
Open Access
The psychological experience of resource-based learning (RBL) within the South African higher education context
(University of the Free State, 2000) Holtzhausen, Somarie; Lategan, Laetus
English: South African higher education is currencly characterised by massification, globalisation, an increase in non-traditional students entering the system and a paradigm shift from lecture-based to resource-based education (RBL). During the transformation of the South African higher education system, RBL was proposed by the education ministry and in various policy documents as a mode of delivery which could meet the challenges of learners' expectations, the realities of the work place, and the need to maintain a high standard of graduates. Such an experience of change is difficult, due to its complexity and pace. In this article attention is focused on facilitators' and co-ordinators' psychological experiences of higher educational change in an RBL programme.
Open Access
The interdisciplinary nature of technology education: a means of promoting 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' activities
(University of the Free State, 2000) De Swart, Estelle; Ankiewicz, Piet
English: Because the interdisciplinary nature of technology education facilitates its integration with other school subjects, the first aim of this study was to explore and illustrate the possible link between information technology (typewriting) and technology education. Secondly, the study attempted to determine learners' experiences in respect of the development of thinking skills by means of an interdisciplinary approach. This project was developed within a qualitative paradigm and with fourteen grade 10 pupils. It was evident that a link between the two abovementioned fields can be successfully established and that education can promote the type of meaningful learning which empowers learners to be independent, courageous and responsible in taking decisions. Purposeful learning opportunities must therefore be created in order to enable learners to participate in 'minds-on' activities.
Open Access
Die rol van die intertaal by tweedetaalverwerwing
(University of the Free State, 2000) Stander, Magda
English: All speakers have a universal linguistic knowledge which they can apply to any language, making it possible for them to create a linguistic system or interlanguage. Such an interlanguage differs from the standardised form of the second language and can be seen as a variety thereof. Proficiency levels in the interlanguage of a speaker vary from pre-basic to char of a native speaker. Speakers use certain facilitating strategies but certain factors impede the creation of an interlanguage. Contrastive analysis is useful in explaining the origin of language errors while error analysis can increase our knowledge of a speaker's interlanguage and the process of language acquisition.