TMN3706 588691

NW Mnganisa
62769405 Assignment 02
Question 01
1.1.

One of the fundamental ideas in geography that aids in understanding and analyzing
our environment is geographic space. It alludes to the concrete and figurative realms
in which nature and human processes take place. Geographical space is seen by
geographers as a key framework for the events and interactions that occur inside it.
When talking about geographic space, keep the following points in mind:

1. Physical Dimensions: Geographers are aware that physical dimensions like

distance, area, and volume exist in geographical space. The spatial
distribution of features and occurrences on the surface of the Earth is shaped
by these physical dimensions. To comprehend the spatial patterns and
interactions between various locations, geographers can, for instance, look at
the size of nations, the length of rivers, or the height of mountains.

2. Geographical space is a socially produced idea as well as a physical

substance, according to human perception and construction. People's
perceptions of and interpretations of space are influenced by their social,
cultural, and political surroundings. Geographers research how humans use
and interpret space, including ideas like place attachment, territoriality, and
boundary-making. Understanding how people perceive and build space is
essential for understanding how societies are organized spatially and how
people and groups interact with their surroundings.

3. Geographers place a strong emphasis on the significance of spatial

interactions within a given geographic location. This idea relates to the trans-
spatial movement and flows of people, things, information, and ideas. When it
comes to migration, trade networks, communication systems, and cultural
dissemination, for example, geographers investigate the patterns and
processes that shape these relationships. Geographers obtain insights into
how spatial linkages impact human behaviors and affect the distribution of
resources and power by investigating these interactions.

4. Scale: Geographical space functions on a variety of sizes, from the tiny to the
enormous. Geographers understand that depending on the scale at which
they are viewed, events and processes can have various patterns and effects.
For instance, a geographer may examine the effects of urbanization at several
scales, such as the neighborhood, the city, or the continent. For
contextualizing and comprehending geographical events and their interactions
within and across various spatial levels, an understanding of scale is crucial.

5. Physical dimensions, human perceptions and constructions, spatial

relationships, and scale considerations are all included in the fundamental
idea of geographical space. Geographers obtain important insights into the
 spatial patterns, connections, and dynamics of the Earth's surface and how
they are changed by both natural and artificial processes by studying
geographical space.

1.2.

Geography's core idea of interaction examines the links and linkages between
diverse elements of the planet's physical and societal systems. Geographers
investigate how various environmental components interact with one another as well
as how people interact with their environments. knowledge the complexity of
geographical phenomena and the processes that shape our environment requires a
knowledge of this idea. We will go through the main components of interaction in
geography here:

Environmental interaction describes the dynamic interactions between the planet's

physical components, including ecosystems, temperature, water bodies, and
landforms. Geographers examine how these elements interact and have an impact
on one another. They investigate things like how rivers build landscapes, how
mountains influence weather patterns, and how ecosystems react to changes in
precipitation or temperature. Geographers can better understand Earth's physical
processes and foresee their outcomes by being aware of these interconnections.

The movement and linkages of people, things, information, and ideas through space
are referred to as spatial interactions. The patterns, fluxes, and networks that result
from these interactions are studied by geographers. They delve into issues including
migration, commerce routes, transportation systems, communication networks, and
the processes of globalization. Geographers may better assess the distribution of
resources, the spread of innovations, the emergence of cultural landscapes, and the
interdependencies across locations by having a better understanding of spatial
relationships.

Overall, the idea of interaction in geography acknowledges the interdependence of

many elements of the Earth's systems, including the environment, people, and
society. Geographers may advance the creation of sustainable solutions for a world
that is changing quickly by better understanding the complexity of geographical
phenomena, foreseeing the effects of human activity on the environment, and
anticipating these effects.

Question 02
The social sciences are seen as being extremely important to the educational
system in the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). The RNCS seeks to
offer a thorough and integrated curriculum that gives students the information,
abilities, morals, and attitudes they need to contribute to society. The study of human
society and its different facets falls under the umbrella of the social sciences, which
also includes history, geography, economics, sociology, and political science. Let's
talk about the RNCS's inclusion of social sciences and their significance.

1. Holistic understanding of society: Social sciences provide students a

comprehensive grasp of society, its history, and the forces that have shaped it.
Learners develop understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and political
aspects of many civilizations through courses like history, geography, and
sociology. They gain empathy, critical thinking skills, and a deeper
understanding of the world around them thanks to this information.

2. Social sciences support active engagement, civic duty, and an awareness of

democratic procedures in the context of citizenship education. Learning about
ideas like social justice, equality, social justice, and democracy encourages
students to become knowledgeable, responsible citizens who can make a
positive difference in their neighborhoods and society.

3. Historical awareness: By studying history as a social science, students may

better comprehend the past, how it has affected the present, and how it will
affect the future. By studying history, students gain understanding of pivotal
moments, people, and social shifts that help to shape their sense of self,
cultural heritage, and historical consciousness.

4. Environmental consciousness: Geography, a social science field, aids

students in gaining knowledge of both the natural and human components of
the environment. It advocates for environmental responsibility, sustainable
growth, and the value of protecting natural resources. Learning about
geography gives students the ability to think spatially, which helps them
understand problems with the environment and their effects on society and
come to wise judgments.

5. Economic literacy: The inclusion of economics in the social sciences

curriculum provides students with a foundational knowledge of economic
principles as well as economic literacy. They gain knowledge on subjects
including entrepreneurship, distribution, consumption, production, and the
function of the government in the economy. This information enables students
to develop into responsible, capable consumers of money.

6. Diversity and social cohesiveness are important concepts that the social
sciences place a strong emphasis on. Learners gain a respect for cultural
variety, social integration, and the importance of multiculturalism through
studying other societies, cultures, and social systems. This promotes social
cohesiveness and aids in the development of tolerant and inclusive
communities.
 7. Research, inquisitiveness, and critical thinking are all encouraged in the social
sciences. Students analyze primary and secondary sources, carry out
research, and create arguments supported by facts. These abilities are
necessary for assessing data, formulating personal ideas, and participating in
reasoned argument.

In conclusion, the importance of comprehending society, citizenship education,

historical awareness, environmental consciousness, economic literacy, social
cohesiveness, and critical thinking skills is highlighted by the inclusion of social
sciences within the Revised National Curriculum Statement. The information, abilities,
and values that students get through studying social sciences equip them to
successfully traverse the world's complexity and make valuable contributions to
society.

2.2.

The South African government-imposed apartheid, a system of racial segregation

and inequality, from 1948 to 1994. It influenced several societal elements, including
education. Social sciences were crucial in creating and supporting the notion of
racial superiority and segregation under apartheid.

The education system during apartheid was created to uphold white supremacy
while systematically stifling the rights of non-white population groups, especially
Black South Africans. The teaching of social sciences in schools significantly
contributed to the spread of apartheid ideology and the upkeep of the racial
hierarchy.

Maintaining distinct racial identities and groups was another topic covered in the
social sciences curriculum. Students learned about South Africa's many racial
groupings and the reasons behind their segregation in the course. The Bantu
Education Act of 1953, which segregated schools based on race and provided non-
white children with drastically uneven chances and resources, put this split into effect.

Additionally, social sciences in education during apartheid promoted prejudices and

inaccurate depictions of non-white societies. They were portrayed as being
uncivilized and undeveloped, in need of the control and direction of the white
minority. This

misrepresentation served to uphold racial biases and to justify the brutal measures
used by the apartheid administration.

It is crucial to remember that not everyone working in the social sciences sector
endorsed or promoted apartheid ideology. Some scholars and teachers fought
against the apartheid curriculum's prejudices and worked to advance inclusive and
equal education. Together with the larger anti-apartheid movement, their actions
helped South Africa develop a more just educational system and finally end
apartheid.

In summary, apartheid education employed social sciences as a vehicle to spread

and legitimize the ideology of racial segregation and discrimination. The curriculum
was created to reinforce racial stereotypes, isolate non-white groups, and justify
white supremacy. However, it is critical to acknowledge the activity and opposition
that came from the social sciences community and helped pave the way for the final
overthrow of apartheid and the pursuit of a more inclusive educational system in
South Africa.

References
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://media.nationalgeogr
aphic.org/assets/file/Framework_correlation_Jan_2019.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjnr4b6-
Nn_AhXTGMAKHX3RD3AQFnoECA0QBQ&usg=AOvVaw3awls6JCex_yhCaltC4psr

http://aphumangeog.weebly.com/module-12-geographical-concepts.html

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/africa-human-geography/

https://www.academia.edu/980298/From_apartheid_education_to_the_revised_natio
nal_curriculum_statement_Pedagogy_for_identity_formation_and_nation_building_in
_South_Africa

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40574095

Declaration
I Nomalisa Wandy Mnganisa (62769405) …. declare that this examination is my own.

original work. Where secondary material has been used (either from a printed

source or from the internet), this has been carefully acknowledged and

referenced in accordance with Departmental requirements. I understand what.

plagiarism is and am aware of the Department’s policy in this regard. I have not

allowed anyone else to copy my work.

Signature: NW Mnganisa

Date: 20/06/2023