Masters Degrees (Afrikaans and Dutch)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Afrikaans and Dutch) by Author "Baumeister, Anja"

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    The development of a practical model for the editing of theses and dissertations
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Baumeister, Anja; Lourens, Amanda; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Afrikaans and Dutch.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Theses and dissertations constitute a substantial platform for the documentation and dissemination of research findings, and the professional presentation of such findings is crucial for maintaining scientific integrity. Highly effective fact finders may lack writing skills and experience, or they may simply encounter barriers when expressing ideas, and thus perhaps inadequately present what they have so adequately found. In short, adequate editing of theses and dissertations is essential. Whereas a multitude of guidelines is available for thesis and dissertation writing, there is little guidance available on the editing of such works. Thus, with the latter objective in mind, this thesis is dedicated to developing a practical model to editing postgraduate research papers. Despite a notable lack of theory in the field of thesis editing, which became apparent while reviewing the respective literature, the most suitable sources of theory were selected to provide a basis for developing a model for thesis editing. These sources, combined with insights from a practical dissertation editing assignment, allowed for the design of a model for the practical editing process of postgraduate research texts. The editing model is based on a process-oriented approach, i.e. one which focuses on the learning process of the student. Moreover, the model promotes a level of editorial intervention that conforms to the current perception of ethical intervention in thesis editing. Ethical intervention is currently being negotiated against the backdrop of such standards as the purpose of thesis writing as well as the requirement of originality of theses and dissertations. In a testing phase the model was applied in a thesis editing assignment and emerged as a valuable guide in the process of editing. It also proved practicable in all its major aspects. Nevertheless, since a single testing assignment is not sufficient to prove the general practicality of any model, the model is still to be considered a prototype and may have to undergo further refinement after additional comprehensive testing.