Bachelor of Arts Honours in Gender Studies

Purpose

On achievement of the qualification, the learner will be able to implement gender sensitive policies in all public and private sectors. The learner will be a pace setter in addressing issues such as the 50/50 gender parity needs as postulated by the constitution of South Africa.

Rationale

The rationale for this Degree is to promote equity and social justice on cross-cutting issues of gender for the transformation of society and to elevate those groups of people that are marginalised from the socio-economic mainstream. This Honours Degree was established to respond simultaneously to the legacy of racial, gender and class divisions which had left an indelible mark on the immediate socio-economic environment of our various societies especially in South Africa. Learners have been able to do advocacy work on issues of gender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual and Intersexed (LGBTI), and development. Our graduate students are occupying strategic positions in Government, the Private Sector, and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Academic Board of the Institute for Gender Studies may consider working experience as an alternative admission criterion. The Academic board follows the policy of the University of Venda.

Entry Requirements

Those who wish to enrol in this Honours programme should have a minimum of an undergraduate Degree with an average of at least 60% pass mark for any third year level modules (Level 7).

This Honours Degree will be awarded on production and submission of a mini-dissertation that has been assessed by the external examiner. The modules are offered as follows:

Curriculum

The curriculum is composed of six modules. Three of these are compulsory.

Semester 1

• HGS 5530 - Mini-dissertation 30 Credits.
• HGS 5520 - Theories of Gender and Social Inequalities 18 Credits.
• HGS 5521 - Research Methods 18 Credits.

Students to choose ONE of the following modules

• HGS 5522 - Gender Issues in Science Education 18 Credits.
• HGS 5523 - Gender and Health 18 Credits.
• HGS 5524 - Gender and Religion 18 Credits.
• HGS 5525 - Gender and Economic Development 18 Credits.

Semester 2

Students to choose any TWO of the following modules

• HGS 5623 - Gender and Agriculture 18 Credits.
• HGS 5624 - Gender and Violence 18 Credits.
• HGS 5625 - Gender and Law 18 Credits.
• HGS 5626 - Gender and Environment 18 Credits.
• HGS 5629 - Strategies for Empowerment 18 Credits.
• HGS 5631 - Language and Gender/Linguistics 18 Credits.

1. Demonstrate ability to write a research proposal.
2. A demonstrable ability to identify, collect, and analyse relevant primary or secondary data to provide findings relevant to gender mainstreaming and development.
3. A demonstrable ability to communicate research outcomes effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Formulation of research questions and rationale of study.
• Relate Gender theories to practice.
• Appraisal of recent literature on the area of gender chosen for the study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Production of research instruments for primary data collection.
• Creation of library on major resources regarding gender, women studies and development.
• Creation of a data-bank on patriarchy, gender and violence.
• Interpretation of results and findings to inform policy on gender and development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Production of written Mini-dissertation.
• Presentation of research methods findings and policy recommendations.
• Defend ideas that are outcomes of the Mini-Research.

Integrated Assessment

Modules are externally examined by experts in the field of Gender Studies.

There is formative and summative assessments of students by way of examinations, assignments and tests. Mini-dissertations are examined by at least two external examiners.