Bachelor of Arts Honours in French

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in French is to create an opportunity for learners to study French. Learners will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills required for continuing with their studies at Masters level or for filling a range of positions available in the job market. In the process, learners are able to engage with French literary works and to develop business, translation and research skills necessary to continue with their studies.

The language and cultural attach� at the French Embassy in South Africa were consulted and using their recommendations the qualification was designed. The qualification includes French translation and Business French to increase the ability of the learners to meet the needs of the business and public sectors. The Bachelor of Arts Honours in French also offers those learners wanting to follow an academic career an opportunity to do so by providing two literature modules: African Literature in French and 20th Century French literature. The research part of the qualification allows the learners to choose their topic according to the career path they have chosen to follow. Learners who want to become translators, for example, have the opportunity to research in that field and produce a research paper which will assist them in finding and performing in their future employment.

Rationale

This qualification creates an opportunity to enable learners to concentrate exclusively on the study of French. and/or to fill successfully a range of positions in the job market, in some cases after meeting at a later stage the additional requirements set by the relevant professional body. Language-related include, for instance, court interpreters, in-house and sworn translators, language editors, language teachers/lecturers and tourist guides.

The need for individuals with skills is confirmed by the fact that, for immigration purposes, foreign language speakers who can provide specialist language support in technical or sales occupations are considered to have critical skills.

The learners enrolling for the Degree will have, in the majority of cases, a BA Degree with French as one of their majors. After completing the qualification, the learners can seek employment, if necessary, after having taken the steps needed to meet the additional requirements set by the relevant professional bodies. Also, learners will continue their studies by enrolling for the MA Degree by research in French.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners with relevant work experience related to the field of study may apply for RPL. RPL refers to formal assessment and acknowledgement of skills, knowledge and competencies acquired using work and life experiences. For learners who apply for admission via RPL, the following procedure involves:

• The learner should submit a Portfolio of Evidence that demonstrates their competence to undertake the proposed study qualification.
• RPL will only be granted against specific Exit Level Outcomes.
• The relevant academic unit will consider the application and recommendation by the academic manager to the Faculty Management Committee.
• If the Faculty Management Committee approves the request, the learner is allowed to register for the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

1. Access, organise, analyse and critically evaluate existing knowledge relating to translations, French literature and business French and apply that knowledge in practical situations.
2. Demonstrate intellectual independence and critical thinking about French translations, literature and business-related activities.
3. Engage in independent research and present findings in the form of a treatise on a topic relating to translations or francophone literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Access, organise, analyse and critically evaluate literary works and translation techniques.
• Understand and explain the institutional, operational and communication aspects of the business world in French-speaking countries.
• Apply knowledge relating to translations and business French to a practical situation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate intellectual independence and critical thinking when confronted with an issue relating to French translations, literature and business-related activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Relevant findings on an aspect of translations or francophone literature are based on adequate independent research and presented satisfactorily in the form of a treatise.

Integrated Assessment

Mixed-mode assessment will be implemented as a combination of continuous, diagnostic and formative assessment tasks and assignments as well as weekly progress checks/tests, together with at least two formal summative assessments during and at the end of each module. Some of the assessments will be aimed at encouraging learners to work consistently and to provide feedback on progress made by the learners to the lecturer.

Preparation for assessment will be undertaken by the learners, working independently as well as according to guidelines provided by the lecturer. There will be individual assignments requiring independent self-study. Relevant group work assignments, where applicable, will ensure full participation. These activities will provide opportunities for reinforcement of key concepts (conceptualisation) in a variety of contexts (contextualisation). The learners will receive developmental feedback in all cases of formative assessments.

The final mark will consist of 40% class mark and 60% exam mark. The classmark will consist of the total of the marks awarded for various forms of summative assessment taking place on a continuous basis such as multiple-choice tests, short assignments and long assignments.

The final mark for the treatise is calculated so that the marks of the external examiner count 50% and that of the internal supervisor, and co-supervisor where applicable, will count 50%.