Bachelor of Arts Honours in Anthropology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to equip learners with the ability to identify, analyse and explore, with a measure of independence, new theoretical and empirical information in Anthropology. Qualifying learners will be able to use specialised skills needed in particular problem solving Anthropology, and to apply the skills progressively with less guidance. The qualifications provide learners with the competence to argue a position, orally or in writing, from a theoretical stance, taking into account relevant literature, with a cogency and coherence that show familiarity with the discourse of the discipline.

Qualifying learners will be able to transform from the basic level to the more advanced research level, with control over essential theoretical and methodological material. Learners will be able to develop analytical skills and methodological competence to address problems in society, with the capacity for independent and informed critical assessment of complex issues.

The qualifying learner will be able to continue his/her studies for a Master's in Anthropology Qualifying learners will participate in faculty research seminars, graduate reading groups and graduate academic discussion groups, and organise lectures and seminars and conferences on anthropological issues.

The benefits to the leaner on obtaining the qualification includes the follows

• To reach out to communities where possible, by way of practical research and projects, and to make this information accessible to interested constituency groups.
• To undertake independent research.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is recognising that cultures exist in time and space and are unique to that time and that space. Cultures are distinctive and understanding them requires accepting and negotiating otherness. This also relates to appreciating that cultural forms - from rituals to class relations to one's self-understanding - are socially or culturally constructed and enacted by symbolic process. Understanding that politics is intrinsically cultural and culture intrinsically political as well as appreciating the influence of the environment in enabling and constraining social life.

The qualification meets the needs of the sector because Anthropology looks into human interactions and relationships. It is important that a qualification like this is developed to conscientious people about human interactions.

Learners will operate within the research environment by acquiring the knowledge on the interactions of human beings. The appropriate leaning pathway in which the qualification resides on graduating with the Honours is that the learner will be ready to register for a Master's Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification is structured in a manner favourable to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Prospective learners wishing to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning should state their intent to do so from the beginning of their application towards the Honours qualification. Learners will be considered for RPL if they have developed skills and knowledge through work experience. Learning from experience refers to work experience, in-service training, self-study or life experience, such as voluntary or community work which encompasses applied anthropological work both in the public and private sectors. The learner will be assessed using the institution's RPL policy and the Faculty's processes for gaining admission to a qualification. On successful application for RPL, learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence. If the learner has been able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification, the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner and used to achieve accelerated access to this National Qualification Framework level.

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate Bachelor Degree in Anthropology.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at level 8, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules (80 Credits)

• Computer Applications, Qualitative Research in Anthropology, 25 Credits.
• Selected Topics in Development, 25 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules (Select two - 40 Credits)

• Selected Studies in Culture and Technology, 20 Credits. Selected Studies in Cultural Interactions, 20 Credits.
• Museum Anthropology, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Studies in Culture, Power and Politics, 20 Credits.
• Urban Anthropology, 20 Credits.
• Communications Anthropology, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of an anthropological perspective built upon a holistic understanding of cultural systems.
2. Develop an understanding of local and global processes and social complexity through space and time.
3. Pose research questions and investigate these questions creatively, critically, ethically, and independently, including through sophisticated use of appropriate theory and methodology as appropriate to anthropology, and place these investigations in the context of the relevant intellectual tradition.
4. To develop the ability to critically evaluate anthropological data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Define theory and describe its role in building anthropological knowledge.
• Compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations.
• Describe how anthropology differs from and is similar to other social sciences, and give examples of these differences.
• Articulate knowledge of the extent of anthropology, including its main subfields, and its ties to other sciences and the humanities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the following: culture, of the range of past and present cultural and political systems, subsistence, social organisation, and health and belief systems.
• Describe the historical/cultural contexts in which social processes occur and how they influence local and global processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Identify basic methodological paradigms and approaches and describe the general role of methods in building anthropological knowledge.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the differences among the basic methodological approaches for gathering data.
• Design research in an area of choice and explain why various decisions were made.
• Assess a published research and explain how such research is related and/or relevant to their own work, and how their work can benefit from such research if possible.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Formulate a critical, scientific understanding of the basis for contemporary human variation and situations, both cultural and social, including the appreciation of related ethical concerns.
• Express the ability to think holistically and comparatively in describing human ways of life, including the use of non-ethnocentric methods.
• Demonstrate anthropological skills applicable to solutions to present-day concerns, both in the Southern African context, the African continent in general, and worldwide.

Integrated Assessment

Modules are externally examined by experts in the field of Anthropological Studies. There are Formative and Summative Assessments of learners by way of examinations, assignments and tests. Research projects are examined by at least two external examiners.