Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics

Linguistics is an academic and broadly vocational discipline, which aims to equip students with an understanding of the structure, acquisition and use of language, and the application of this knowledge in professions/vocations where language is important. Students will be provided with an understanding of the vision and limitations of German as a discipline. Students will also be provided with the skills required to conduct linguistic analysis and research. Such education is crucial in South Africa given the multiplicity of social and educational issues that hinge on questions of language, and the centrality of multilingualism in the constitution. This is especially important in that, to nations developmental and empowerment goals, we require a fuller understanding of how language contributes to human life.

Appropriate Bachelor's degree. Entry is also possible through University of Natal's Rule 33 for postgraduate study.

• Understand the structure, function, and acquisition and use language
• Understand the practical and academic importance of Linguistics as a discipline
• Demonstrate a knowledge of current linguistic issues in relation to theory, method and contextually sensitive applications
• Understand the role of language in human activities and, especially, its importance a person's life chances
• Undertake data-based linguistic research
• Present arguments and perspectives both orally and in written form
• Demonstrate self-directed study
• Summarise and evaluate ideas relevant to the languages professions
• Engage at an advanced level with the theoretical and practical issues faced in these professions
• Work individually and as a member of a group
• Understand linguistic issues arising in seeking to develop complex, multilingual and multiethnic communities
• Conduct research and write a dissertation which demonstrates a degree of originality and creativity
• Demonstrate familiarity with the identified area of study through a survey of the relevant literature and field research or other analytic activities

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the field of linguistics appropriate for the particular exit level
2. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of specific areas of inquiry in the programme
3. Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge
4. Analyze linguistic data and linguistics issues
5. Grasp the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the area of study
6. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates
7. Construct a sustained argument, formulate questions and work towards solutions
8. Command the conceptual discourse of the field
9. Demonstrate command academic English at an appropriate level
10. Work efficiently with groups
11. Present findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing
12. Understand the nature and effects of linguistic diversity
13. Demonstrate a capacity for individual study
14. Demonstrate familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level
15. Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

The University of Natal 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.