Bachelor of Arts Honours

Purpose

Learners will know the content and basic theories of the Humanities at the intermediate level, and will command a deeper grasp of Arts, Languages and Social Sciences, as well as to enable them to place new knowledge in context and to use appropriate methods for seeking resolution of problems. Learners will know a variety of basic scholarly and intellectual competencies, including the ability to question critically the assumptions of a limited range of theories and authorities, and to develop an understanding of elementary research methods used within the humanities disciplines. Learners will have the ability to give an accurate account of scholarly positions and the competence to express their own opinions clearly and coherently, both in written and oral communication. Learners will have with a well-rounded and broad education in the Humanities, thus preparing them for a wide range of professions crucial to the welfare of society. Learners will be able to think laterally, critically and creatively; they will be prepared for life-long learning; and will understand the principles of, and are capable of critical citizenship. Learners will have gained in skills and the ability to propose a basic research project, to execute, analyse and report on it in a logical and knowledgeable manner.

Rationale

This selection of learning programmes is relevant to the Humanities and Social Sciences needs of the South African labour market by providing Graduates who will be trained to work in the Humanities and Social Sciences, thereby addressing the identified national priorities of the country in respect of social and personal development in particularly rural settings, and improving the general levels of education, security and job opportunities. The qualification will help achieve the objectives of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) by facilitating access, mobility and progression on a training and career path in Humanities and Social Sciences at NQF Level 8.

The qualification will instil a research capacity in qualifying learners that will allow them to continue their career paths academically as well as professionally. It aims to contribute not only to individual personal development, but also to the social and economic development of the nation at large, taking into consideration the existing needs of the workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned to the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the qualification is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the applicant is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the applicant's studies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Studio Arts, Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts, Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts, Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

English Studies.

Literature Stream

• Research Report (English), 40 Credits.
• Poetics, Modern Literary Theory and Criticism, 20 Credits.
• African Literature in English, 20 Credits.
• The Twentieth Century: 1900 the Present, 20 Credits.
• South African Literature, 20 Credits.

Or

Language Stream

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits

• Research Report (English), 40 Credits.
• Second Language Acquisition, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits (Select any three)

• English Second Language in Education, 20 Credits.
• English in Society, 20 Credits.
• English in Communication, 20 Credits.
• An Outline of English Grammar, 20 Credits.

Tshivenda

• Tshivenda Linguistics, 20 Credits.
• Tshivenda Oral Literature, 20 Credits.
• Semantics, 20 Credits.
• Tshivenda Modern Literature, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Tshivenda), 40 Credits.

Xitsonga

• Xitsonga Linguistics, 20 Credits.
• Sociolinguistics, 20 Credits.
• Xitsonga Oral Literature, 20 Credits.
• Modern Literature, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Xitsonga), 40 Credits.

Northern Sotho

• Northern Sotho Phonology, 20 Credits.
• Northern Sotho Language and Linguistics, 20Credits.
• Northern Sotho Modern Literature, 20 Credits.
• Northern Sotho Oral Literature, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Northern Sotho), 40 Credits.

Applied Language and Multilingual Studies

• Research Report (Applied Language and Multilingual Studies), 40 Credits.
• Foundations in Applied Language Studies, 20 Credits.
• Research Methods for Bi/Multilingual Studies, 20 Credits.
• Language, Learning and Social Constructivism, 20 Credits.
• Theories and Models of Bilingual Education, 20 Credits.

Media Studies

• Media Theories, Ethics and Law, 20 Credits.
• New Media and Society, 20 Credits.
• Print Journalism and Practicum, 20 Credits.
• Broadcasting Studies and Practicum, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Media Studies), 40 Credits.

Translation Studies

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits

• Research Report (Translation Studies and Linguistics), 40 Credits.
• Psycholinguistics, 20 Credits.
• Lexicography, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 40 Credits (Select any two)

• Translation Theory, 20 Credits.
• Interpreting Theory, 20 Credits.
• Translation Practice, 20 Credits.
• Interpreting Practice, 20 Credits.

Communication Studies

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits

• Communication Theory, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Communication Studies), 40 Credits.
• Strategic Organisational and Corporate Communication, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 40 Credits (Select any two)

• Digital Communication, 20 Credits.
• Advertising Management, 20 Credits.
• Government and State Communication, 20 Credits.
• Intercultural Communication, 20 Credits.

Criminology and Criminal Justice

• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Criminology), 40 Credits.
• Victimology, 20 Credits.
• Juvenile Delinquency, 20 Credits.
• Corrections, 20 Credits.
• Community Policing, 20 Credits.

History

• Social Science Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Historiography and Historical Science, 20 Credits.
• A Theme from Modern or Contemporary History, 20 Credits.
• A Theme from the Modern History of Africa, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (History), 40 Credits.

International Politics

• Research Report (International Politics), 40 Credits.
• Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, 20 Credits.
• International Political Economy, 20 Credits.
• International Organisations and Regional Integration, 20 Credits.
• Strategic Studies and Conflict Management, 20 Credits.

Political Science

• Research Report (Political Science), 40 Credits.
• Social Movements, 20 Credits.
• Comparative Politics, 20 Credits.
• Gender Studies, 20 Credits.
• Public Policy Analysis, 20 Credits.

Psychology

• Research Report (Psychology), 40 Credits.
• Psychometrics and Psycho Diagnostics, 20 Credits.
• Child and Adult Psychopathology, 20 Credits.
• Developmental Psychology and Community Psychology, 20 Credits.
• Clinical and Neuropsychology, 20 Credits.

Philosophy

• Research Report (Philosophy), 40 Credits.
• Trends in Contemporary Philosophy, 20 Credits.
• A Study of a Period in the History of Philosophy, 20 Credits.
• African Philosophy, 20 Credits.
• Bio-Medical Ethics, 20 Credits.

Sociology

• Social Science Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Sociology of Social Problems, 20 Credits.
• Globalisation, Social Policy and Social Development, 20 Credits.
• Sociology of Health and Illness, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Sociology), 40 Credits.

Anthropology

• Theory and Methods in Anthropology, 20 Credits.
• Contemporary African Theories and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), 20 Credits.
• Overview of Southern African Archaeology, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Research Report (Anthropology), 40 Credits.

Geography

• Research Report (Geography), 40 Credits.
• Development of Philosophy and Methodology in Geography, 20 Credits.
• Demographic Studies, 20 Credits.
• Tourism Development, 20 Credits.
• Transport and Spatial Interaction, 20 Credits.

1. Acquire a scope of knowledge and knowledge literacy that are demonstrated in the field in which the honours qualification is obtained. Consolidate and deepen one's expertise in a particular discipline.
2. Acquire problem solving skills and the use of related methods and procedures to solve problems.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues in the related field of specialisation.
4. Apply effective learning strategies to cope with the high-level of theoretical engagement and to demonstrate intellectual independence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a broad scope of knowledge within a particular field of interest.
• Demonstrate insight in the topic at hand by researching the literature and other available resources and integrate the acquired knowledge in one's academic expression.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Make an informed decision on the types of methods and techniques available to execute, analyse and report on a research topic within the field of specialisation.
• Solve problems relating to the field of specialisation within limited boundaries.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Make decisions on ethical values and practices within the field of specialisation.
• Communicate effectively regarding topics with one field of specialisation through various assessment strategies

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Engage in reflective writing by producing an honours dissertation following basic research problem identification, exploration and solution.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment across exit level outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments are based on formative assessments which are in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to learners and summative assessments which ensure a judgement of learning at exit level outcomes. Such assessments should assess the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.