Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to deepen the student's scientific knowledge of a specialised field in Communication, and acquire scholarly and scientific insight into the connections between related matters in the field of Communication enabling the identification and solving of real problems in a critical and creative manner. A student is thus prepared for a career as a communication practitioner in the diverse context of South Africa and internationally.

Rationale

This Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication qualification is intended to educate learners in the theory and practice of a specialised field in Communication to be a relevant role player and practitioner in the South African society. Graduates would be able to play an important role in solving communication problems within the different fields of specialisation. This qualification in a specialised field of Communication is intended to assist relevant role players, such as potential employers, current students and their parents, to understand the criteria determining job possibilities in the world of Communication.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based-and life-long learning, in which considerations of Recognition of Prior Learning articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme of the North-West University. Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (HET) level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria specified for modules of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Humanities and, if appropriate, allow the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

• A three year Degree in Communication Studies with an average pass rate of 60% for the core modules on third year level in Communication Studies, namely KOMS312, 315, 324 and 325 or an equivalent qualification with a pass rate of 60% for selected modules. b) All applicants are screened before admission.
• Admission to the specialisation fields Journalism is subject to screening according to the criteria stated in the student guide.
• An average of at least 60% for the research module KOMS324.
• The compilation of the students honours curriculum is in all cases subject to the final approval of the subject chairperson as well as the director of the School of Languages.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module and elective modules at Level 8.

Compulsory Module

• Research Report (KCMN671) 32 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Film Studies (KSGS676) 24 Credits.
• Corporate Com Management: (KCMK612) 8 Credits.
• Marketing Management in Communication (KCMK613) Level 8 16 Credits.
• Development Communication: Context and Application (KCMO611) 16 Credits.
• Communication Management: Relationship and Reputat (KCMK621) 16 Credits.
• Communication for Social Changes: Fundamental Approaches (KCMO612) 16 Credits.
• Corporate Communication Man: Context and Application (KCMK622) 16 Credits.
• Communication for Social Change: Context and Application (KCMO621) 16 Credits.
• Public Speaking (KCMK623) 8 Credits.
• Research Article (KCMN621) 16 Credits.
• Corporate Communication Management: Fundamental Approaches (KCMK611) 16 Credits.
• Organisational Media Management: Theoretical Applications (KCMM611) 16 Credits.
• Video Production (KCMV671) 64 Credits.
• Organisational Media Management: Contexts and Application KCMM612) 16 Credits.
• Organisational Media Management: SpecialiSed Projects (KCMM674) 32 Credits.
• Journalism: Media and Society (KCMJ672) 16 Credits.
• Organisational Media Management: Writing (KCMM675) 8 Credits.
• Journalism in Practice (KCMJ673) 72 Credits.
• Research Methodology (KCMN611) 16 Credits.
• Advanced Communication for Social Change (KCMO672) 24 Credits.

1. Acquire scholarly and scientific factual knowledge, and insight into the connections between related matters in the field of Communication by means of an interdisciplinary approach.
2. Identify and solve problems in a critical and creative manner.
3. Acquire, control, apply, analyse, and integrate knowledge independently, as well as to evaluate it in a responsible and well-grounded manner.
4. Be effective learners who understand the need for life-long learning.
5. Describe, contextualise and analyse specific communication problems and phenomena within different theoretical perspectives.
6. Know and master the requirements to be a well rounded beginner communication practitioner.
7. Deal critically with the methodologies of various theories.
8. Articulate and communicate the value of communication within a vocational context.
9. Recognise and understand how to communicate within a culturally-diverse South African and world population.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment ensures feedback to learners on progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment focuses on the Exit-Level Outcomes of the qualification and includes integrated assessments, among others a mini-dissertation, which assess the students' 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. Integrated assignments focuses on assessing whether the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either in to or in the component parts of the programme of study and on the demonstration of applied competence. It is essential that a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes be integrated using innovative methods - and in the assessment of outcomes due recognition should be given to criteria and methods of assessment that assess these appropriately and adequately.