Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Ethics

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide a bridge between broad and trans-disciplinary topics covered in the undergraduate curriculum and the focused research that is required of an ethics scholar. This qualification will also introduce learners to a variety of methodological approaches to the study of Applied Ethics, which will prepare students for research-based postgraduate study. It will also serve to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in Applied Ethics as well as develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Applied Ethics as a discipline. The qualification provides a well-rounded education that equips the graduate with requisite subject content knowledge, pedagogical learning, fundamental learning etc. Finally, it will provide opportunities for a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Rationale

There is a need in the country for people with advanced analytical and ethical reasoning skills. Daily, we read of actions and behaviours that show an absence of self-regulation and a lack of integrity, morality or any sense of social responsibility. Crime and many social ills have characterized our society. A look at the changing society suggests serious degeneration of our moral values. The Applied Ethics qualification is one of the opportunities for developing professional ethicists who are equipped with the knowledge and ability to identify trends, patterns and conceptual similarities within theoretical and practical ethical concerns, issues and problems in a wide range of sub-fields and sub-disciplines. The production of qualified and appropriately qualified ethicist will hopefully contribute a great deal in reclaiming the deteriorating morality in our society.

The School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics have the experience, competence, capacity and capabilities of offering a well-conceptualised relevant and quality-driven applied ethics programme. The supply of ethicists by the qualification will contribute to the pool of qualified postgraduates who will be available for employment thereby influencing the workplace and their communities positively. Also, the qualification seeks to produce morally conscious individuals who will in turn influence society. The qualification introduces students to research methodologies in the sub-field of Ethics and enables them to explore those fields of study through further research.

Ethics is a key discipline in the Humanities because it enhances ethical reasoning skills in applying theoretical ethics to practical ethical issues, debates and problems in society and their resolution on the African continent.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification will comply with the institution's policy and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning for purpose of admission to University Studies. The policy requires that prospective learners, who have attained a level of competence considered adequate by the University's senate be admitted into postgraduate and research studies in the University. In line with this document, the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics will assess the level of competence of prospective students through its internal structures before seeking the approval of the College Academic Affairs Board and the Senate in respect of each candidate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

Or

• An appropriate Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8, totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Comparative and Applied Ethics: African Perspective (Core), 32 Credits.
• African Feminist Ethics (Core), 16 Credits.
• Alternative Methods and Approaches in Applied Ethics (Core), 16 Credits.
• Research Paper (Core), 32 Credits.
• Development Ethics (Core), 16 Credits.

Electives Modules (Choose one)

• Environmental Ethics: An African Perspective (Elective), 16 Credits.
• Ethical Issues in African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (Elective), 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the moral issues and problems on the African continent.
2. Understand the contemporary theories in Applied Ethics.
3. Evaluate the concrete moral issues, decisions, and policies.
4. Articulate the knowledge and demonstrate the academic skills of ethical reasoning, evaluation, and decision-making.
5. Demonstrate and respect the moral values of the academic enterprise, and critical ethical and reflexive sensitivity to and awareness of their own ethical beliefs and values and those of others through team work.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Analyse case studies using ethical principles.
• Apply ethical theories to contemporary Issues and situations facing Africa.
• Develop an appropriate response to concrete issues, decision and policies.
• Make an informed ethical contribution to debates using theoretical knowledge, value systems, and principles of moral.
• Demonstrate evidence of either deconstructions and/or construction of ethical beliefs and values.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is based on a continuous assessment model using tests, assignments, projects and case studies (see the uploaded Applied Ethics Module outlines).

The focus and the content of these assessment tasks include the demonstration of disciplinary and content knowledge, application knowledge, and reflexive skills. Integrated assessment, therefore, forms a core to the assessment task:

• Six modules use group and or individual presentation counting for 10%.
• Reading reactions, 20%.
• Essays or term paper 20%.

Six modules have Summative Assessments in the form of a long essay or which count for 50% of the course mark.