This dissertation concentrates on the development of writing skills in learners of Czech as a foreign/second language at A2-B2 levels. It aims to determine whether creative writing has positive influence on linguistic and discursive competence in acquiring Czech, as opposed to classic approaches. For these purposes, a probe was conducted in form of a one-semester qualitative action research. The sample consisted of 30 non-native University respondents. They were divided into two experimental and two control groups - with upmost regard to their comparability in terms of language levels, socio-linguistic parameters, the genres and topics assigned, as well as the number of lessons taught. In experimental groups, the writing skills was developed by the method of creative writing while the control groups were taught by means of traditional approach. After the semester, in case of experimental group I and control group I (at levels B1/B2), comparable increase in competences took place, therefore it can be concluded that the creative writing method may influence the development of the writing skills positively. In case of experimental group II and control group II (at levels A2/B1), the results are ambiguous. Nevertheless, the experimental groups̕ respondents had higher sureness in drafting.

This thesis reports on the findings of a study to validate an assessment scale for writing in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) context by first-year students in their responses to English literary texts. The study involved the interrogation of an existing scale, adapted from Jacobs et al. (1981), which was being used for the Foundations in English Literary Studies (ENG1501) module at the University of South Africa. Despite the credibility of the original scale, the modified version had been used in language- and literature-based courses in the English Studies Department since 1998 and had not been updated or empirically tested in the context of the target group. Thus, the gap that this current study addressed was the need for a valid rating scale that takes into account the complexities of literature teaching and ODL in the current South African university environment. This thesis includes a review of the debate on validity and the validation of rating scales both internationally and in South Africa, the ODL environment, and the assessment of assignments based on literary texts, particularly in the multicultural South African context. The methodology included research of both a quantitative and a qualitative nature. The outcome was an empirically-validated scale that should contribute to the quest for accuracy in assessing academic writing and meet the formative and summative assessment needs of the target group / English Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (English)

This research surveys the Swiss missionaries' management of social transformation in South Africa (1873-1973). It has as its major focus the management of schools, hospitals and churches as the primary institutions of social change in society. The researcher's realisation that more often than not, the changes brought to bear on proselytes by the change forces take time to manifest themselves vividly induced him to extend the scope to include the dawn of the new political dispensation in this country in 1994. This need not surprise the readership as the triadic approach, which is synonymous with historical analyses compels researchers to avail readers of what happened in the past, present as well as what is likely to occur in future. In other words, readers will encounter the ethnic nationalism engineered by different change agents in this country and the repercussions thereof, and the schism within the Swiss Mission in South Africa/Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa that started in 1989 and became reality in 1991. Finally, the thesis also appraises readers of what should be done in periods of rapid social change. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (History of Education)

This research surveys the Swiss missionaries' management of social transformation in South Africa (1873-1973). It has as its major focus the management of schools, hospitals and churches as the primary institutions of social change in society. The researcher's realisation that more often than not, the changes brought to bear on proselytes by the change forces take time to manifest themselves vividly induced him to extend the scope to include the dawn of the new political dispensation in this country in 1994. This need not surprise the readership as the triadic approach, which is synonymous with historical analyses compels researchers to avail readers of what happened in the past, present as well as what is likely to occur in future. In other words, readers will encounter the ethnic nationalism engineered by different change agents in this country and the repercussions thereof, and the schism within the Swiss Mission in South Africa/Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa that started in 1989 and became reality in 1991. Finally, the thesis also appraises readers of what should be done in periods of rapid social change. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (History of Education)