Abstract
M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies)
History was made when the Technlkon Natal in January 1989, after approval of the relevant curricula by the Minister of National Education, became the first institution in the Western World to offer an independent tertiary course in homoeopathy. After completion of the five year course, followed by a one year internship, students will be registered with the South African Associated Health Service Professions Board. Homoeopathy originated in Germany when its founder, Samuel Hahnemann (1755 - 1843) rediscovered the principle on which homoeopathy is based - "SimiIia simiIibus curentur": Let likes be cured by likes. In homoeopathy a patient is treated by administering those drugs that could cause similar conditions in a healthy person, to the patient in minute doses. The Materia Medica I I I curriculum is being introduced in 1991. The question posed and researched in this thesis is to what extent the curriculum design complies with curriculum principles. The aim is to evaluate the abovementioned curriculum. To achieve this aim, the following objectives are set:-
- to determine the principles involved in the planning and design of a curriculum;
- to determine the criteria with which a curriculum should comply;
- to determine specific demands and problems posed by the subject;
- to establish how and to what extent the Materia Medica III curriculum complies with the criteria and demands;
- to make recommendations for the possible improvement of the curriculum. This study is unique in the sense that the curriculum is being implemented this year. Generally accepted models are therefore not applicable and an evaluation instrument
has to be developed. The method of enquiry to be followed is mainly a Iiterature study and structured interviews wiII also be conducted.