Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama Studies

The purpose of a qualification in Drama Studies is to equip learners with a broad understanding of the nature and function of theatre and drama in relation to society and with specific and detailed knowledge of selected areas of historical and contemporary theatrical and dramatic practice. Practical and creative competence, investigative and critical analysis, as well as effective communication are all stressed. A particular focus is on the use of drama for education and development and the qualification is designed to enable learners to create work both in community development and education and in the professional theatre. The qualification also aims to engender the development of community arts. Apart from its vocational purpose this qualification encourages learners to think of themselves as social beings who need to be able to analyse critically the cultural artefacts which surround them and which mediate their understanding of themselves and their society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in Drama Studies, NQF Level 7.

The achievement of this qualification means that the learner can

1. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
2. Communicate effectively using oral, written, visual and dramatic skills.
3. Use culture and dramatic arts effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards society and communities.
4. Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
5. Identify and solve problems responsibly and creatively.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
7. Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
8. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsible and effectively.

Integrated Assessment

The institution is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.

Modules within the qualification are independently assessed in both formative ways (through class work, tests, essays, other written work and, where appropriate, practical exercises) and summative ways (written, oral and practical examinations). In some cases, journals, oral presentations and portfolios of work provide additional forms of assessment

The final assessment will be done in two ways

• The overall tabulation of the results obtained during the qualification will show that the learners have achieved the required outcome competencies of the qualification;
• A defined portfolio that the learner will assemble during the last two semesters of study and present at the end of their studies. This portfolio will be designed to assess learners' competence across a range of relevant tasks and will include both further exploration of issues related to the qualification as well as critical reflection on the learning in which they have participated.