Cities, as complex social systems within society, are the most complex of all human systems. An increase in this complexity is anticipated since projections estimate that two-thirds of the world’s population will be urbanised by 2030. Cities are “melting pots” of cultures and systems that share the same spatial environment. In South Africa this challenge is exacerbated by one of the highest urbanisation rates in the world. Urban growth implies tremendous change. City centres are especially at risk to structural changes of urban growth and consequent urban decay. Governments commonly adopt urban renewal to cope with changing urban environments. However, the long term sustainability of current urban renewal practices is questioned as they tend to over-emphasise economic revival and physical intervention. The focus on people is often missed and misunderstood, even though social dynamics are the driving forces in cities. Urban renewal is complex and multi-dimensional. In theory it moved away from the linear top-down approach that focused on the physical environment towards a more inclusive, integrated and socially oriented process. This is reflected in paradigm shifts in planning thought from a physical planning and design based product orientated discipline (as reflected in historical and modernist planning approaches), to a socio-political process in which the communicative planning paradigm is the most recent post-modern theory. Understanding cities as social systems and exploring their role in central business areas to include them in urban renewal are important starting points when urban planners work with urban renewal initiatives. As research about social systems and their role in urban renewal is limited in South Africa, this study provides a step towards acknowledging and including urban social systems proactively in urban renewal initiatives. This is especially relevant in central business districts of medium sized cities such as Potchefstroom (Tlokwe Municipality) that experience urban decay and where urban renewal initiatives have not yet been implemented. The Mission Statement of the Tlokwe Municipality emphasises the need for social understanding in the economic sphere, as this enjoys a high priority in the development choices made. A qualitative ethnographic research approach was followed to explore the role of social systems in this context. This allowed the research to capture social dynamics in its natural setting where no extraneous influences occur. This resulted in rich textual descriptions of how people experience social interactions and the physical environment. Unstructured and non-participant field observations and face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were used as methods to identify social systems within the research context and to understand interactions and behaviour patterns that emerge from this context. Findings from the observations expose a dynamic and cyclical network of inter- and intrarelationships that culminate in continuous intense interaction amongst three social systems, namely the private sector, community groups and the general public. Pro-social behaviour patterns (behaviour that promotes good social relations) were observed, including cultural relativism and social awareness. Findings from the interviews provided insight into how social systems interact with one another and with the physical environment. Themes that emerged for the data to describe interactions among social systems include material support, friendliness, cooperativeness, comfortableness, accommodativeness, fixed and established relations and respect for one another. This creates a vibrant, synergetic environment conducive to sustainability and describes an environment of hope. The counter-experience includes forced flexibility and adaptiveness (due to unmet physical needs), feelings of being unsafe, limited choices and a general dissatisfaction with the physical environment in terms of its support. This describes an urban environment of fear. The role of social systems in terms of urban renewal is inclusive, participating and socially sensitive. They should be catalysts for socio-economic functions, contribute to maintenance and act as stakeholders. Based on the above, the study offers recommendations to include social systems in urban renewal in terms of the research process and method to be followed, how and where to include social systems in urban renewal projects and suggestions for physical change to make the area more supportive to the social dynamics. Practical guidelines are offered related to the practice of observations and interviews for the identification and exploration of social systems. The following suggestions are made regarding the urban renewal process: pro-active inclusion of social systems throughout the process in the pre-project stage, during the urban renewal project and post-project stage. Interventions to enhance the physical environment include provision of special requests, access to open space, application of green construction and local distinctiveness. As planners play a proactive role in urban renewal they may contribute to enhancing the sustainability of urban renewal initiatives by understanding urban social systems and their role in city centres in order to acknowledge and include them as important partners. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Cities, as complex social systems within society, are the most complex of all human systems. An increase in this complexity is anticipated since projections estimate that two-thirds of the world’s population will be urbanised by 2030. Cities are “melting pots” of cultures and systems that share the same spatial environment. In South Africa this challenge is exacerbated by one of the highest urbanisation rates in the world. Urban growth implies tremendous change. City centres are especially at risk to structural changes of urban growth and consequent urban decay. Governments commonly adopt urban renewal to cope with changing urban environments. However, the long term sustainability of current urban renewal practices is questioned as they tend to over-emphasise economic revival and physical intervention. The focus on people is often missed and misunderstood, even though social dynamics are the driving forces in cities. Urban renewal is complex and multi-dimensional. In theory it moved away from the linear top-down approach that focused on the physical environment towards a more inclusive, integrated and socially oriented process. This is reflected in paradigm shifts in planning thought from a physical planning and design based product orientated discipline (as reflected in historical and modernist planning approaches), to a socio-political process in which the communicative planning paradigm is the most recent post-modern theory. Understanding cities as social systems and exploring their role in central business areas to include them in urban renewal are important starting points when urban planners work with urban renewal initiatives. As research about social systems and their role in urban renewal is limited in South Africa, this study provides a step towards acknowledging and including urban social systems proactively in urban renewal initiatives. This is especially relevant in central business districts of medium sized cities such as Potchefstroom (Tlokwe Municipality) that experience urban decay and where urban renewal initiatives have not yet been implemented. The Mission Statement of the Tlokwe Municipality emphasises the need for social understanding in the economic sphere, as this enjoys a high priority in the development choices made. A qualitative ethnographic research approach was followed to explore the role of social systems in this context. This allowed the research to capture social dynamics in its natural setting where no extraneous influences occur. This resulted in rich textual descriptions of how people experience social interactions and the physical environment. Unstructured and non-participant field observations and face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were used as methods to identify social systems within the research context and to understand interactions and behaviour patterns that emerge from this context. Findings from the observations expose a dynamic and cyclical network of inter- and intrarelationships that culminate in continuous intense interaction amongst three social systems, namely the private sector, community groups and the general public. Pro-social behaviour patterns (behaviour that promotes good social relations) were observed, including cultural relativism and social awareness. Findings from the interviews provided insight into how social systems interact with one another and with the physical environment. Themes that emerged for the data to describe interactions among social systems include material support, friendliness, cooperativeness, comfortableness, accommodativeness, fixed and established relations and respect for one another. This creates a vibrant, synergetic environment conducive to sustainability and describes an environment of hope. The counter-experience includes forced flexibility and adaptiveness (due to unmet physical needs), feelings of being unsafe, limited choices and a general dissatisfaction with the physical environment in terms of its support. This describes an urban environment of fear. The role of social systems in terms of urban renewal is inclusive, participating and socially sensitive. They should be catalysts for socio-economic functions, contribute to maintenance and act as stakeholders. Based on the above, the study offers recommendations to include social systems in urban renewal in terms of the research process and method to be followed, how and where to include social systems in urban renewal projects and suggestions for physical change to make the area more supportive to the social dynamics. Practical guidelines are offered related to the practice of observations and interviews for the identification and exploration of social systems. The following suggestions are made regarding the urban renewal process: pro-active inclusion of social systems throughout the process in the pre-project stage, during the urban renewal project and post-project stage. Interventions to enhance the physical environment include provision of special requests, access to open space, application of green construction and local distinctiveness. As planners play a proactive role in urban renewal they may contribute to enhancing the sustainability of urban renewal initiatives by understanding urban social systems and their role in city centres in order to acknowledge and include them as important partners. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The objective of the study was to determine the impact of a train-the-trainer career education programme on educators and black grade eleven learners in the Ekurhuleni districts of Gauteng. The context of career education in South Africa is such that learners have little exposure to career information and planning. This is a result of an education system which historically has placed little emphasis on the preparation of learners for the world of work. In the past little or no career guidance was conducted in black schools. To overcome this dilemma a train-the-trainer career education programme was developed and implemented with educators in the Ekurhuleni district. The results showed that educators felt empowered by the programme and that it provided them with resources and information. The impact on the learners in terms of the programme was achieved by means of a pre- and post-test on the Career Development Questionnaire (CDQ). A convenience sample of grade eleven learners (n = 5 1) in the Ekurhuleni East district of Gauteng was taken. The results indicate that the learner's career maturity scores increased after their exposure to the programme. This research serves as a model for the development and implementation of a train the trainer career education programme and demonstrates how an action-oriented research design can empower educators in the implementation of such a programme. The study also highlights the importance of providing adequate resources as part of career education intervention in the South Africa context. Recommendations for organisations and future research are made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

The objective of the study was to determine the impact of a train-the-trainer career education programme on educators and black grade eleven learners in the Ekurhuleni districts of Gauteng. The context of career education in South Africa is such that learners have little exposure to career information and planning. This is a result of an education system which historically has placed little emphasis on the preparation of learners for the world of work. In the past little or no career guidance was conducted in black schools. To overcome this dilemma a train-the-trainer career education programme was developed and implemented with educators in the Ekurhuleni district. The results showed that educators felt empowered by the programme and that it provided them with resources and information. The impact on the learners in terms of the programme was achieved by means of a pre- and post-test on the Career Development Questionnaire (CDQ). A convenience sample of grade eleven learners (n = 5 1) in the Ekurhuleni East district of Gauteng was taken. The results indicate that the learner's career maturity scores increased after their exposure to the programme. This research serves as a model for the development and implementation of a train the trainer career education programme and demonstrates how an action-oriented research design can empower educators in the implementation of such a programme. The study also highlights the importance of providing adequate resources as part of career education intervention in the South Africa context. Recommendations for organisations and future research are made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

Young characters throughout the history of Australian theatre have traditionally been represented as tragic, transient, and dangerous; discourses which have defined and limited their construction. 'Youth' itself is a concept which has been invented and perpetuated within Western Art and Media for much of the twentieth century and beyond, creating an exclusive 'space' for young people: a space between childhood and a standard human being. This thesis seeks to explore the implications of this space, as well as contextualise a new creative work - the stage play like, dead - within the canon of Australian theatre texts which portray young characters. like, dead will be shown to be a work which reappropriates clichéd youthful discourses through the use of irony, humour, and a sense of postmodern 'performativity' among its characters. In so doing it will demonstrate an alternative approach to representing young people on the Australian stage, by enhancing the constructedness of traditional images of 'youth' and pursuing the creation of young characters which are not solely defined by the term.

This study is an inquiry into discourses which influence gay people's lives. Foucault's ideas regarding knowledge, power, discipline, discourse and sexuality form the epistemological background enabling a social constructivist-deconstructive analysis of these concepts in relation to the problem of homosexuality. The theological origins of influential discourses form the focus of one chapter. Additional discursive fields - such as psychology, education, the military and legislature - are also investigated. Besides the research initiator, three other participants shared their experiences of being gay in a conservative religious context. The narrative analysis spawned five themes of discourse ranging from homophobic discourses - which invite oppression into silence - through reverse-discourse, to those discourses which encourage free expression of gayness. The study seems to support a Foucauldian view that there are various influential power-relations which contest for the right to define human sexuality. Judging from the study, homosexuals do not appear to be powerless or completely silenced at all. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / MTH - SPEC PAST THERAPY

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-03T12:30:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vinicius1.pdf: 1297086 bytes, checksum: 206952935faf687b24f207a6dee9539d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-04-14 / The theme of this research is the creation of the corporative social responsibility discourse by means of the specialized magazine published by the CEBDS - Conselho Empresarial Brasileiro para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável, the Brazilian representative of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). - entitled Brasil Sustentável (Sustainable Brazil). The analysis of a communication vehicle specialized in the theme of social responsibility is intended for the definition of characteristics which support the elaboration of a discourse whose relevance and dissemination in our society has been constantly increasing, thus contributing for the understanding of this phenomenon. Bearing in mind the transformation scenery in which the capitalism finds itself in post-modernity, this research will investigate how the re-signification process of the role of the private company for a new inclusion in the political agenda of discussion occurs. This research will be developed with the theoretical basis of the French Discourse Analysis (AD) formulation, making use of its concepts and implements for a study of the corporative social responsibility placed in an amplified social-historical scene.(AU) / O tema desta pesquisa é a formação do discurso da responsabilidade social empresarial por meio da revista especializada publicada pelo Conselho Empresarial Brasileiro para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (CEBDS), a Brasil Sustentável. A análise de um veículo de comunicação especializado no tema da responsabilidade social tem o objetivo de definir características que concorram para a elaboração de um discurso que ganha divulgação e relevância na sociedade, e assim contribuir para uma melhor compreensão desse fenômeno. Levando-se em conta um cenário de transformações do capitalismo no pós-moderno, o trabalho vai investigar como ocorre o processo de ressignificação do papel da empresa privada para uma nova inserção na agenda política de debates. O trabalho será desenvolvido com a base teórica das formulações da análise do discurso (AD), utilizando-se seus conceitos e ferramentas para um estudo do discurso da responsabilidade social empresarial inscrito num quadro social e histórico ampliado.(AU)

Cette étude s’affronte à des poètes qui ne parlent plus spécifiquement de la danse. Elle parcourt les œuvres d’Henri Michaux, de Paul Celan, d’André du Bouchet et de Bernard Noël pour entendre sous le silence thématique de la danse la quête d’une forme de convergence plus élémentaire. D’un pli en deçà des mots qui s’opère à la genèse des gestes expressifs et convie danseurs et poètes à une même expérience du corps interne, de ses sentis infra-motiles et de ses inchoations de mouvement. De là naît un nouvel horizon comparatiste qui rend possible une autre façon de lire la poésie. Car un poème certes ne danse pas, mais il est porté par une certaine dansité qui renvoie au mouvement corporel qui le sous-tend et qui mobilise la motricité du lecteur. Cette trajectoire de l’infra nous déporte aux racines de tout acte créateur et nous permet d’envisager une poétique des arts à partir de l’expérience chorégraphique. Une réévaluation esthétique qui s’ente sur le savoir-sentir du corps dansant et fonde le concept de dansité en lui construisant un abécédaire (ressources motrices communes aux actes de danser et d’écrire) et une grammaire (principaux rythmes qui ressourcent le mouvement). / This study meets poets who don’t properly write about dance. Immersing ourselves in the works of Henri Michaux, Paul Celan, André du Bouchet and Bernard Noël, we try to perceive beneath the thematic silence of dance, the quest for a more elementary form of convergence. This quest is also a confluence out of which expressive gestures are born, before words are formulated; soulful movements which invite dancers and poets to enjoy a common experience of the inner body, its infra-motile stirrings, its inchoate motion. This gives rise to a new comparatist horizon, paving the way for a different experience of reading poetry. For a poem indeed does not dance, but is supported by a certain « dansité » -dancity-, which alludes to the corporeal movement underlying the poem and which appeals to the reader's own motricity. Following this trajectory at the limbo and origin before movement happens, transports us to the root origin of every act of creation, and enables us to envision a poetics for the arts, one which would have the choreographic experience at its core.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:46:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Iris Maria Negrini Ferreira.pdf: 3614523 bytes, checksum: e13584ed49c204d3d0134fcf8b7f1a66 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-10-01 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This Master s degree dissertation had as its object on the work ok carlo Vergara, with a focus on work done in 1960s: Happening G4, Berço Esplêndido, Brinquedo (Ojetos-módulos), Empilhamentos, in addition to works of the 1990s and 2000s, such Capela do Morumbi, Farmácia Baldia and Feira de Adivinhações. From these works, was discussed how the artist turned his production beyond the pictorial medium at different times in his career, who presided over the thrust axis of its operations in the Brazilian avant-garde, from the pure visual experience by the public, or even constituted by his participation. There was thus a reflection on the character expanded in the artist s work since the beginning of his career, in the 1960s to the present of his creative process. It was intended, therefore, to reflect on the changes that triggered the expansion of boundaries / Esta dissertação de mestrado teve como objeto de investigação a obra de Carlos Vergara, com enfoque em trabalhos realizados na década de 1960: Happening G4, Berço Esplêndido, Brinquedo (Objetos-Módulos), Empilhamentos; além de trabalhos dos anos 1990 e 2000, tais como Capela do Morumbi, Farmácia Baldia e Feira de Adivinhações. A partir dessas obras, foi discutido como o artista direcionou sua produção para além do meio pictórico em diferentes momentos da sua trajetória, sobre o impulso que presidiu suas operações no eixo do vanguardismo brasileiro, passando da experiência visual pura ao experimental e às proposições comportamentais que engendraram uma arte com o intuito de ser vivenciada pelo público, ou mesmo constituída pela participação dele. Fez-se, assim, a reflexão sobre o caráter expandido na obra do artista desde o início da sua trajetória, na década de 1960 à atualidade de seu processo criativo. Pretendeu-se, assim, refletir sobre as transformações que desencadeava a ampliação de limites

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T16:03:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 119466.pdf: 267238 bytes, checksum: 5358a99cd828b7a71fe574cce08fec11 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The thesis discusses improvisation as a transformative element of the choreographer function, in dance, that reflects on collaborative processes of creation, which implies the participation of everyone involved in the work of composition, and from their artistic skills have a legitimate space for creation. The research develops a theoretical trajectory that crosses different areas, from the philosophy to the study in dance to illustrate and understand the improvisation role on the individual formation, and locate him in the experience space. Thus, it is possible to refer to the theory of "ethics of existence" and "self-care" developed by Michel Foucault, and Danielle Goldman, which suggests the improvisation practice as a practice of freedom. An analysis of the creation process is considered from multiple instances. In order to do that, this study develops a mapping of experiments and devices of procedures and collaborative processes of composition proposed by the vanguards of the 1960s, and the implications in the transformation of the concept of dance. It reflects on the improvisation phenomenon as a dance technique, as a cause of the transformation and strengthening of the collective, and its use in the creation processes with detailed analysis of the improvisation process. The concepts of language, meaning and affect are discussed to chart a course that outlines the thoughts as a choreographer, and where the dramaturgy and the meaning construction in the dance happen, in the processes one performs the choreographer function. Also, one considers in which state the dance presents and affects the imagination as a starting point for the process of invention and assembly. The aim is also to analyze the changes in the concepts of choreography, choreographer and some principles and practices pertaining to the universe composition before the panorama that is configured in the creation. Finally, in the same direction; however, with a perspective turned to the processes of two processes of assembly of Ronda Grupo, it is possible to describe parts of the proceedings of creation techniques, and the work of producing a sense, in the pieces Socorro (2008) and Lugar Nenhum (2010). Therefore, one brings for discussion the Deleuze and Guattarri s concepts of Ritornello and Fabulation as a way of questioning the creative form of improvisation and the creativity movement. / Esta tese discute a improvisação como elemento transformador da função do coreógrafo na dança que reflete em processos colaborativos de criação, que pressupõe a participação de todos os envolvidos no trabalho de composição que a partir de suas competências artísticas tem espaço legítimo para criação. A pesquisa desenvolve uma trajetória teórica que atravessa campos distintos, da filosofia para a pesquisa em dança para ilustrar e compreender o papel da improvisação na formação do sujeito e situá-lo no espaço da experiência. Para isso faz referência à teoria da ética da existência e o cuidado de si elaborados por Michel Foucault, e à Danielle Goldman, que sugere a prática da improvisação como uma prática de liberdade. A análise do processo de criação é considerada a partir de várias instâncias e, para isso, este estudo faz um mapeamento das experiências e dos dispositivos de procedimentos e processos colaborativos de composição propostas pelas vanguardas da década de 60 e suas implicações na transformação da noção de dança. Reflete sobre o fenômeno da improvisação como técnica de dança e como causa da transformação e do fortalecimento dos coletivos e do seu uso nos processos de criação, com a análise detalhada do processo da improvisação. Os conceitos de linguagem , sentido e afecto são discutidos para traçar um percurso que delineia o meu pensamento enquanto coreógrafa e por onde se dá a dramaturgia e a construção de sentido na dança nos processos onde exerço a função de coreógrafa. Além disso, considero em que estado a dança se apresenta a mim e afeta a minha imaginação como ponto de partida para um processo de invenção e de montagem. Busco, ainda, analisar as transformações nos conceitos de coreografia, de coreógrafo e alguns princípios e práticas pertencentes ao universo de composição diante do panorama que se configura na criação. Por fim, nesta mesma direção, porém com uma perspectiva voltada para os processos de duas montagens do Ronda Grupo, descrevo partes dos procedimentos das técnicas de criação e do trabalho de construção de sentido nos espetáculos Socorro (2008) e Lugar nenhum (2010). Para tanto, trago para a discussão os conceitos de Ritornelo e Fabulação de Deleuze e Guatarri como forma de problematizar a forma criativa da improvisação, ou o movimento da criatividade.