Assignments
The African philosophy of uBuntu and school-community partnerships
Philosophy research project (HREDU82)
2024
Updated: 01 May 2024
Topic
The philosophy of Ubuntu emanates from the Bantu languages in the southern Africa,
especially in the Nguni expression “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”. Ubuntu translates to
mean: ‘I am because we are’, capturing a powerful expression that underscores the
collectivity in preference to individualism. This is stark contrast to the Western notion of
individualistic approach. Ubuntu exhorts the principles of respect, compassion, care,
generosity, courtesy, respect, and kindness to others irrespective of their creed, colour of the
skin and ethnicity. In our quest to explore the relationships between schools and wider
communities, we are inspired by the idea of Ubuntu. This African traditional thought teaches
us to embrace the spirit of unity: our collective existence and wellbeing are dependent on the
ability and willingness to co-exist. We share insights, aspirations and resources that are
grounded in mutual trust and respect. The spirit of Ubuntu urges us to recognise that these
partnerships are a profound recognition of our shared values and common purpose.
Purpose of the project
The purpose of this project is to enable you to write an extended philosophical research essay
of 8000 words.
Organisation
To support the writing of the extended philosophical essay, different assignments are given.
These assignments focus on particular aspects of the final essay. In the process you will
receive formative feedback which should be used to develop further your focus on thinking.
, Assignment 1 (1800 words)
Task
Provide a title (not more than 14 words).
Write the background to your problem statement (1000 words).
Formulate a problem statement, the central research question and (if needed at most 3)
sub-questions (300 words).
Describe the aims and objectives of the research (100 words).
Provide a rationale and significance of the central question (300 words).
Guidelines:
The title is not a repetition of the broad topic you are given but reflects the issue you
want to investigate.
The purpose of the background-section is to provide contexts for the problem
statement. The background is also informed by your initial reading of the literature.
You want to investigate question that in a particular context about which the literature
might not be adequately clear.
The problem statement is a brief explanation of the central problem. It draws on the
background-section.
Formulate one central question. You could also formulate sub-questions that is based
on an analysis of the main question. Responding to the all the sub-questions would
provide a complete response to the main question. The sub-questions should not
invoke issues that do not result from an analysis of the main question.
The rationale and significance are closely related. The rationale provides the reason
why this is a topic worth investigating. Significance points to the value of the study
for educational practices and for the terrain of philosophy of education.
The aims and objectives refer respectively to the main- and the sub-questions.
The African philosophy of uBuntu and school-community partnerships
Philosophy research project (HREDU82)
2024
Updated: 01 May 2024
Topic
The philosophy of Ubuntu emanates from the Bantu languages in the southern Africa,
especially in the Nguni expression “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”. Ubuntu translates to
mean: ‘I am because we are’, capturing a powerful expression that underscores the
collectivity in preference to individualism. This is stark contrast to the Western notion of
individualistic approach. Ubuntu exhorts the principles of respect, compassion, care,
generosity, courtesy, respect, and kindness to others irrespective of their creed, colour of the
skin and ethnicity. In our quest to explore the relationships between schools and wider
communities, we are inspired by the idea of Ubuntu. This African traditional thought teaches
us to embrace the spirit of unity: our collective existence and wellbeing are dependent on the
ability and willingness to co-exist. We share insights, aspirations and resources that are
grounded in mutual trust and respect. The spirit of Ubuntu urges us to recognise that these
partnerships are a profound recognition of our shared values and common purpose.
Purpose of the project
The purpose of this project is to enable you to write an extended philosophical research essay
of 8000 words.
Organisation
To support the writing of the extended philosophical essay, different assignments are given.
These assignments focus on particular aspects of the final essay. In the process you will
receive formative feedback which should be used to develop further your focus on thinking.
, Assignment 1 (1800 words)
Task
Provide a title (not more than 14 words).
Write the background to your problem statement (1000 words).
Formulate a problem statement, the central research question and (if needed at most 3)
sub-questions (300 words).
Describe the aims and objectives of the research (100 words).
Provide a rationale and significance of the central question (300 words).
Guidelines:
The title is not a repetition of the broad topic you are given but reflects the issue you
want to investigate.
The purpose of the background-section is to provide contexts for the problem
statement. The background is also informed by your initial reading of the literature.
You want to investigate question that in a particular context about which the literature
might not be adequately clear.
The problem statement is a brief explanation of the central problem. It draws on the
background-section.
Formulate one central question. You could also formulate sub-questions that is based
on an analysis of the main question. Responding to the all the sub-questions would
provide a complete response to the main question. The sub-questions should not
invoke issues that do not result from an analysis of the main question.
The rationale and significance are closely related. The rationale provides the reason
why this is a topic worth investigating. Significance points to the value of the study
for educational practices and for the terrain of philosophy of education.
The aims and objectives refer respectively to the main- and the sub-questions.
