Bachelor of Arts Honours in German

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to acquire, assess, analyse and interpret German linguistic and literacy information and principles. The learners must be able to communicate and function in a German-speaking environment and to communicate scientific findings in German, both orally and in writing, on a level appropriate for German as a foreign language.

The learners must be able to translate from German into English/Afrikaans (only German speaking learners would translate into German). Learners must be able apply their knowledge of linguistic and literacy principles independently and responsibly by using these in new contexts. The learners must be able to reflect on and apply the principles acquired. The learners must demonstrate cultural awareness by being able to link their studies to other languages and cultures. The learners must also be able to analyse literacy works and evaluate them in their literary and cultural context.

Recognition of Prior Learning

All potential learners who are not in possession of a Bachelor of Arts degree with German as a major subject need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Faculty of Arts for recognition of prior learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the department offering the module or modules the student wish to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not the detriment of the potential student and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.

The Committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for a) access to, b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in German, NQF Level 7.

1. Identify and solve problems relating to German life, literature and language, using the German language at an appropriate level, as well as demonstrate the ability to reflect on German history and society as it is manifested in German literature through the ages.
2. Work independently, taking responsibility for their own development and completing tasks satisfactorily and in good time.
3. Collect, analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information of a linguistic or literary nature, applying it to the literary works that they study.
4. Communicate in German at a high level, being able to present scientific findings in German, both orally and in writing.
5. Demonstrate the ability to link their studies in German to other languages and cultures.
6. Develop learning strategies appropriate for language acquisition as well as literary criticism.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of cultural differences between South Africa and German speaking countries by analysing literary works and evaluating them in their cultural, historical and literary contexts.
8. Demonstrate their ability to communicate in German at an acceptable level so that they may represent South Africa in German speaking contexts.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes

1. Demonstrate problem solving skills and reflective competence by answering questions, both orally and in writing, related to the field of study.
2. Complete assignments satisfactorily and timeously and come to lectures prepared.
3. Collect, analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information when preparing a paper on literary and/or linguistic topics.
4. Communicate in German at an appropriate level, and present scientific findings in German, both orally and in writing.
5. Demonstrate the ability to link their studies in German to other languages and cultures.
6. Exhibit skills in language acquisition by communicating effectively in the target language and improving their ability.
7. Communicate effectively across cultural barriers and demonstrate cultural sensitivity in dealing with the art and culture of German speaking countries.
8. Interact with German speaking people (informal assessment at conferences and other occasions where the learners come into contact with German speaking people).

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learner's present one seminar paper each for three of the four modules. The formative assessment of the research essay consists of informal discussions with the lecturer as the research progresses.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of one three-hour paper per module written at the end of the year. The written research paper on an author/genre of the learner's choice is handed in at the end of the year.