, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
Question 1
1.1 Explain the following concepts
a. Citizenship
Citizenship reflects two distinct formulations: citizenship as a legal status (to be a citizen) and
citizenship as a practice (to act as a citizen) (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 52). It is a concept that
encourages active participation in local, national, and international affairs (Sue Du Plessis et al.,
2018, p. 52).
b. Citizen
A citizen is defined as a person who is an active, critical, and responsible member of society (Sue Du
Plessis et al., 2018, p. 95).
c. Elitism
Elitism is a concept that refers to the rule by elites, who are a class of persons chosen either by nature
or by others to govern, particularly in a democracy (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 96). The textbook
discusses the concept of "competitive elitism" in the context of school governance, where
competition for leadership positions, such as in Representative Councils of Learners, is emphasized
over broad participation (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 69).
d. Modern democracy
Modern democracy is a political system in which citizens are expected to participate in
decision-making processes and the running of affairs in their group, society, or nation (Sue Du
Plessis et al., 2018, p. 96). One of the most common forms of participation in modern society is
participation in elections (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 96).
e. Patriotism
Patriotism refers to a person's sense of identification with or pride for the uniqueness of his or her
country (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 99).
1.2 Distinguish between citizenship education and cosmopolitan citizenship
Citizenship education refers to the different ways of developing people as members of a society or a
nation. This involves teaching people, formally or informally, about the values, norms, practices,
duties, and obligations needed to function optimally in their society (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p.
95). In South Africa, it includes teaching about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Bill of
Responsibilities (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 95).
Cosmopolitan citizenship, on the other hand, is based on a feeling of belonging and recognition of
diversity across a range of communities from the local to the global. It requires consideration of the
meaning of belonging to a world community and an appreciation of common human values.
Learning for cosmopolitan citizenship requires the development of a global awareness and an
understanding of and commitment to human rights (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 71). It urges the
embrace of universal moral ideals of citizenship—the ability to think globally and act locally (Sue
Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 70).
, 1.3 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the active and passive approaches to citizenship
education
Active (Maximal) Approach:
Advantages: A maximal concept of democracy emphasises the broad participation
(decision-making) of 'the people' in government, which can be described as direct democracy
(Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 55). This approach fosters political literacy, where children
learn how to make themselves effective in public life through knowledge, skills, and values
(Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 62). It also encourages community involvement, helping
learners become helpfully involved in the life and concerns of their communities (Sue Du
Plessis et al., 2018, p. 62).
Disadvantages: Implementing a maximal approach can be complex and challenging, as it
requires significant resources, time, and institutional support to facilitate meaningful
participation for all. It may be difficult to manage in large, diverse societies where consensus
on participation methods is not easily reached. Furthermore, it places high demands on
learners' and citizens' time and capacity for engagement, which may not be feasible for
everyone (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 55).
Passive (Minimal) Approach:
Advantages: In a minimal view, political involvement and participation are limited primarily to
voting for elected representatives, which is a simpler and more manageable form of
engagement (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 55). This system is more efficient for large
populations and can provide stability by delegating decision-making to elected officials.
Disadvantages: A minimal approach limits active citizenship and can lead to a passive,
disengaged populace that is not fully informed or involved in public life (Sue Du Plessis et al.,
2018, p. 55). The textbook warns that the Guides for Representative Councils of Learners
emphasizes competition among learners to become representatives rather than the involvement
of all in a form of school participatory democracy. This model of "competitive elitism"
undermines democratic student representation and risks silencing less assertive and articulate
learners (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 69).
Question 1
1.1 Explain the following concepts
a. Citizenship
Citizenship reflects two distinct formulations: citizenship as a legal status (to be a citizen) and
citizenship as a practice (to act as a citizen) (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 52). It is a concept that
encourages active participation in local, national, and international affairs (Sue Du Plessis et al.,
2018, p. 52).
b. Citizen
A citizen is defined as a person who is an active, critical, and responsible member of society (Sue Du
Plessis et al., 2018, p. 95).
c. Elitism
Elitism is a concept that refers to the rule by elites, who are a class of persons chosen either by nature
or by others to govern, particularly in a democracy (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 96). The textbook
discusses the concept of "competitive elitism" in the context of school governance, where
competition for leadership positions, such as in Representative Councils of Learners, is emphasized
over broad participation (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 69).
d. Modern democracy
Modern democracy is a political system in which citizens are expected to participate in
decision-making processes and the running of affairs in their group, society, or nation (Sue Du
Plessis et al., 2018, p. 96). One of the most common forms of participation in modern society is
participation in elections (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 96).
e. Patriotism
Patriotism refers to a person's sense of identification with or pride for the uniqueness of his or her
country (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 99).
1.2 Distinguish between citizenship education and cosmopolitan citizenship
Citizenship education refers to the different ways of developing people as members of a society or a
nation. This involves teaching people, formally or informally, about the values, norms, practices,
duties, and obligations needed to function optimally in their society (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p.
95). In South Africa, it includes teaching about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Bill of
Responsibilities (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 95).
Cosmopolitan citizenship, on the other hand, is based on a feeling of belonging and recognition of
diversity across a range of communities from the local to the global. It requires consideration of the
meaning of belonging to a world community and an appreciation of common human values.
Learning for cosmopolitan citizenship requires the development of a global awareness and an
understanding of and commitment to human rights (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 71). It urges the
embrace of universal moral ideals of citizenship—the ability to think globally and act locally (Sue
Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 70).
, 1.3 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the active and passive approaches to citizenship
education
Active (Maximal) Approach:
Advantages: A maximal concept of democracy emphasises the broad participation
(decision-making) of 'the people' in government, which can be described as direct democracy
(Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 55). This approach fosters political literacy, where children
learn how to make themselves effective in public life through knowledge, skills, and values
(Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 62). It also encourages community involvement, helping
learners become helpfully involved in the life and concerns of their communities (Sue Du
Plessis et al., 2018, p. 62).
Disadvantages: Implementing a maximal approach can be complex and challenging, as it
requires significant resources, time, and institutional support to facilitate meaningful
participation for all. It may be difficult to manage in large, diverse societies where consensus
on participation methods is not easily reached. Furthermore, it places high demands on
learners' and citizens' time and capacity for engagement, which may not be feasible for
everyone (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 55).
Passive (Minimal) Approach:
Advantages: In a minimal view, political involvement and participation are limited primarily to
voting for elected representatives, which is a simpler and more manageable form of
engagement (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 55). This system is more efficient for large
populations and can provide stability by delegating decision-making to elected officials.
Disadvantages: A minimal approach limits active citizenship and can lead to a passive,
disengaged populace that is not fully informed or involved in public life (Sue Du Plessis et al.,
2018, p. 55). The textbook warns that the Guides for Representative Councils of Learners
emphasizes competition among learners to become representatives rather than the involvement
of all in a form of school participatory democracy. This model of "competitive elitism"
undermines democratic student representation and risks silencing less assertive and articulate
learners (Sue Du Plessis et al., 2018, p. 69).
