Bachelor of Arts Honours in African Studies

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied competence in intellectual and analytical skills with a view to the acquisition of knowledge of analysing, interpreting and understanding of events, as well as economic, social, political and cultural relationships and life situations in Africa as a region.

Recognition of Prior Learning

All potential learners who are not in possession of a B-degree need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning that should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for recognition of prior learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the departmental chairperson of the department offering the module or modules the learner wishes to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner.

The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not to be to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.

The committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for a) access to, b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7.

1. A sufficient understanding of the existing knowledge on Africa, including the relevant theories, processes and contexts.
2. The ability to integrate the different areas of study to develop a holistic and multi-disciplinary perspective on African issues and their contexts.
3. Research skills in the library (including the use of the Internet) and in the field by being able to conduct surveys, do interviews, analyse fieldwork data and write a research report.
4. The ability to apply social science research skills in the practical African situation and reflect on the process.
5. The ability to communicate effectively with others, using appropriate visual, conceptual, statistical or language skills (oral and written) on African issues.
6. An emphatic understanding of the social processes of Africa in context and of the people in Africa, and a commitment to the improvement of their lives.
7. Scientific interaction and teamwork with other role-players in the field of African studies.
8. A disposition towards self-reliance, honesty, commitment and sensitivity to differences (cultural, gender, race, religion etc.)
9. Various learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a specialist on African issues.
10. Acceptable employment seeking skills (including entrepreneurship) for entry into the different sectors/levels related to African studies.
11. Responsible citizenship through the promotion of a holistic understanding of Africa.

1. Show a sufficient understanding of the existing knowledge on Africa, including the relevant theories, processes and contexts?
2. Integrate the different areas of study to develop a holistic and multi-disciplinary perspective on African issues and their contexts?
3. Demonstrate research skills in the library (including the use of the Internet) and in the field by being able to conduct surveys, do interviews, analyse fieldwork data and write a research report?
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply social science research skills in the practical African situation and reflect on the process?
5. Communicate effectively with others, using appropriate visual, conceptual, statistical or language skills (oral and written) on African issues?
6. Demonstrate empathetic understanding of the social processes of Africa in context and of the people of Africa, and a commitment to the improvement of their lives?
7. Demonstrate scientific interaction and teamwork with other role-players in the field of African studies?
8. Show a disposition towards self-reliance, honesty, commitment and sensitivity to differences (cultural, gender, race, religion etc)?
9. Explore various learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a specialist on African issues?
10. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills (including entrepreneurship) for entry into the different sectors/levels related to African studies?
11. Demonstrate responsible citizenship through the promotion of a holistic understanding of Africa?

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are continuously assessed via a range of formative assessment strategies: class assignments, essays and presentations. Learners also do practical work (independently and in groups during study visits) that is evaluated by assessors. Self-assessment activities are included in study guides. In addition, learners will assess the work of each other and reflect on the dynamics of this process.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of he exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of written assignments, and/or a research or practical project, as well as end of semester final examinations.