Question NW989 to the Minister of Basic Education

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18 May 2017 - NW989

Profile picture: Van Dalen, Mr P

Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)With reference to her reply to question 491 on 23 March 2017, on what basis was it claimed that there is emphasis on the works of Shakespeare in the English Literature curriculum; (2) has she found that the work of Shakespeare is foundational to the development of English Literature; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) does the inclusion of African and South African authors such as Sol Plaatjie, Victor Mtubani, Athol Fugard, Chinua Achebe, Glaydah Namukasa, Alan Paton, Sindiwe Magona, Zakes Mda, Kagiso Lesego Molope, Kwame Owusu-Ampomah, Lauri Kubuitsile and Omphile Molusi in the catalogue of current English Literature learner teacher support material require a review; if so, on what grounds is such a review necessary?

Reply:

(1) The works of Shakespeare, unlike any other writer, are prescribed and compulsory for Grades 10, 11 and 12 and therefore constitute a significant emphasis on the English Literature.

(2) Yes, the works of Shakespeare are still relevant in terms of thematic material and character analysis, so that teachers have a standard against which to measure other classical dramas. For example, a classical play includes all literary features such as exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action/anti-climax and resolution/denouement. It also includes timeless motif/themes and/or background and settings.

(3) No, the works listed above do not require a review and are currently included on the national catalogue of prescribed works.

However, the life span of a national catalogue is ideally five (5) years and therefore these catalogues will be continually reviewed to ensure that more African writers and South African writers in particular are included.

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