Bachelor of Arts Honours in Anthropology

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with specialised knowledge of and competence in contemporary relevant fields of social and cultural anthropology. The learner will develop skills with regard to research methods, fieldwork, analysis of data, interpretation of social and cultural dimensions of human life, application of anthropological understanding in new contexts and the presentation of results in written and oral forms.

To enrol for this qualification, potential learners need to demonstrate that they have acquired the intellectual competencies and practical skills to discuss, problematise and investigate anthropological issues, particularly in the South African context. The learner should have strong analytical skills and a firm theoretical grasp on the field of anthropology. Furthermore, the learner should be able to communicate effectively on an advanced level and be able to conduct a limited research project.

Potential learners should be in possession of a B degree (NQF level 6) with a minimum of at least 60% in Anthropology. If the degree was obtained more than 10 years ago, the potential learner will have the Recognition of Prior Learning process of the faculty.

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, which should give them access to the programme, 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 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.

1. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of general anthropological research skills to be able to conduct a limited research project independently and to reflect on the process.
2. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of relevant anthropological theory and debate to be able to relate fieldwork data to key research questions and to apply the anthropological understanding in practical contexts as well as to reflect on the process.
3. Identify the ethical issues involved with doing research and have an emphatic attitude towards people.
4. Show commitment, honesty and responsibility in the context of academic and research work.
5. Demonstrate a good understanding of social and cultural processes, specifically in the South African context.
6. Use social scientific theory and methodology competently.
7. Identify social science problems and suggest research possibilities to understand these problems better.
8. Work effectively with social scientists and other role players in a team aimed at exploring, analysing and interpreting phenomena within society.
9. Communicate through the spoken and written word with different role players in the field of anthropology and society in general.
10. Demonstrate responsible citizenship through the promotion of a holistic understanding of social and cultural processes.
11. Acquire successful employment seeking skills for entry into research activities or employment opportunities where skills for human understanding through the social or cultural dimensions are required.
12. Use advanced technology for research and communication, where appropriate.

1. Display sufficient knowledge of general anthropological research skills in order to be able to conduct a limited research project independently and to reflect on the process?
2. Display sufficient knowledge of relevant anthropological theory and debate to be able to relate fieldwork data to key research questions and apply the anthropological understanding in practical research contexts?
3. Identify the ethical issues involved with doing research and have an emphatic attitude towards people?
4. Show hard work, honesty and responsibility in the context of academic and research work?
5. Reveal a good understanding of social and cultural processes, specifically in the South African context?
6. Use social scientific theory and methodology competently?
7. Identify social science problems and suggest research possibilities to understand these problems better?
8. Work effectively with social scientists and other role players in a team aimed at exploring, analysing and interpreting phenomena within society?
9. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through the spoken word with different role players in the field of anthropology and society in general?
10. Demonstrate responsible citizenship through the promotion of a holistic understanding of social and cultural processes?
11. Demonstrate having acquired employment seeking skills for entry into research activities or employment opportunities and reveal having the skills for human understanding through the social or cultural dimensions?
12. Demonstrate the ability to use advanced technology for research and communication?

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) which is evaluated by assessors. Self-assessment activities are included in study guides. In addition, learners will assess one another's work and reflect on the dynamics of this process.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the 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.