UCT scholars have released two new books in recent weeks. Here's a brief introduction to the volumes.

Historical Studies' Prof Vivian Bickford-Smith and Assoc Prof Richard Mendelsohn are the editors of Black and White in Colour: African History on Screen, published by Double Storey Books. This collection of essays focuses on "history films" - titles such as Zulu Dawn and Breaker Morant - that represent the African past rather than those that deal primarily with contemporary Africa. According to Bickford-Smith, the films have been analysed in three ways - as attempted histories of the African past; as markers of the period, place and filmmakers that produced them; and finally, for their impact on history and how, for instance, they may have influenced perspectives on the slave trade, colonial conflict or apartheid South Africa. Contributors include both UCT and international scholars.

The Division of Occupational Therapy has released Practice and Service Learning in Occupational Therapy: Enhancing Potential in Context. The text investigates service learning as a feature of practice education for occupational therapy students. Based on qualitative research, it explores issues faced by students in complex practice situations and highlights educational strategies to promote socially responsive professional development. The book is edited by Theresa Lorenzo, Madeline Duncan and Helen Buchanan, all lecturers in the division, as well as Dr Auldeen Alsop of Sheffield Hallam University in England. Copies of the book are available at a significantly reduced price from jackie@medbooksellers.co.za.