I have had the privilege of contributing to curriculum development across several institutions, with a focus on designing inclusive, rigorous, and socially responsive academic programmes

At the University of the Western Cape, my curriculum development work has centred on creating accessible and engaging learning experiences that challenge students to think critically about complex social issues. In courses such as Contemporary Social Worlds (SOC152), Applied Sociological Research and Theory in Africa (SOC233), Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOC737), and Social Science Research Methods (SOC737), I developed content that explores topics like gender, sexuality, and identity through inclusive and contextually relevant materials. This included the integration of multimedia resources and curated readings to enhance understanding while respecting students’ diverse backgrounds and learning needs.

In the postgraduate Honours courses, Social Science Research Methods (SOC737) and Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOC736), I designed an innovative postgraduate course that equips students with both the theoretical grounding and practical skills necessary to conduct decolonial research in the South African and broader Global South context. The course challenges Eurocentric paradigms embedded in conventional research methodologies and introduces students to alternative, contextually relevant approaches to studying social realities. Through a combination of theoretical engagement, hands-on methodological training, and peer-led discussions, students are encouraged to position themselves as reflexive researchers and active participants in transformative knowledge production. The curriculum integrates the full research process, from conceptualisation and ethical design to data collection, analysis, and dissemination, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Students develop independent research projects, produce conference-ready papers, and present their findings in formal settings, all while engaging deeply with the ethical imperatives of working within historically marginalised communities. This innovative approach not only fosters critical thinking and methodological rigour but also prepares students to contribute meaningfully to decolonial scholarship and sociological inquiry in the region.

Curriculum development, to me, is an evolving process. It is not only about content delivery but also about fostering critical inquiry, self-reflection, and transformative learning. My ongoing goal is to design learning environments that are intellectually rigorous, inclusive, and responsive to the realities and aspirations of our students.

Innovative Curriculum Development

Departmental HONREC Committee

I led the creation of the devolved Research Ethics model in the Sociology Department. We refer to this devolved committee as the HONREC Committee. The purpose of the HONREC is to support Honours students in conducting research that upholds the highest ethical standards. Researchers are expected to give careful consideration to any potential risks posed to participants or themselves. While the Department strives to minimise such risks, it is acknowledged that not all risks can be eliminated. In these instances, the HONREC, in consultation with the student’s supervisor(s), evaluates the ethical viability and overall merit of the proposed research. This evaluation takes into account that Honours research is primarily a training exercise rather than a pursuit of original knowledge. Importantly, the role of the HONREC is not to dictate the topics or themes students may pursue. Rather, its function is to assess the feasibility and ethical integrity of proposed research projects.

Undergraduate Programmes

The course Applied Sociological Research and Theory in Africa (SOC233) is a newly developed course.

Redeveloping the Honours programme to align it with our curriculum transformation objectives

In redeveloping the Honours programme, the goal was to ensure that the programme provides structure and a detailed guide to successful proposal and dissertation writing for Honours students.