Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) graduates with systematic knowledge, specialised skills and theoretical competence focusing on or within a particular discipline or within an interdisciplinary framework to prepare them for specialist training at an advanced level.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who have in-depth knowledge and the confidence to identify and define complex problems and to apply their skills in finding solutions to those problems, especially within unfamiliar contexts.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate thorough familiarity with a particular discipline or interdisciplinary framework and have the ability to perform independently as intellectual leaders in their society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification recognises

Formal prior learning

• Learners need a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree to register for the Honours (Hons) BA.
• Learners' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

• Learners will be given RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for that module. They may also be awarded blocks of credits towards elective modules. A policy is currently being drawn up.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• A Bachelor's Degree with at least 60% in Communication Science as a major plus 24 Credits in Media Studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Mass Communication Theory, 24 Credits.
• Media Research, 12 Credits.
• Media Management, Policy and Regulation, 24 Credits.
• International Communication and Political Communication, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Research Report, 36 Credits.

1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural and human environments.
2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
3. Manage and organise own activities and life responsibly and effectively, including own studies within the open and distance learning context.
4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required.
5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse.
6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global context.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging own responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify, analyse and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience and theoretical knowledge and on the experiential base of a single discipline or across interdisciplinary lines in the humanities.
• Use their knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions, or to generate alternative strategies, for dealing with problems at a community, national, international and global level.
• Solve problems by generating alternative strategies for dealing with those problems.
• Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to their own views.
• Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from a theoretical knowledge base, from an experiential base, etc.) To support their stated views.
• Analyse the global, national and local community in terms of problems, needs and opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use and propagate 'people skills' (tolerance, empathy, listening skills, etc.) In group situations.
• Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
• Demonstrate tolerance of diversity through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
• Undertake projects of a theoretical and/or practical nature to provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
• Use advanced communication skills within the group.
• Act as supportive followers and group participants.
• Organise themselves and others into effective working groups.
• Communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written and/or oral) reporting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies.
• Organise their study plans and engage in effective time management.
• Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organisational strategies.
• Evolve strategies best suited to their personal situations and contexts.
• Think independently, and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate research skills within a discipline or field of study.
• Use library and other resources effectively to suit the needs of the particular area of research.
• Integrate information from a variety of sources.
• Act responsibly as researchers and scholars (e.g. Appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc).
• Follow relevant discipline-related conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes.
• Critically evaluate theories, examples, experiences, etc.
• Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Communicate their ideas logically and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
• Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments and produce sound arguments.
• Use language competently, showing awareness of written (and/or oral) conventions relevant to the discipline.
• Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation as required in the relevant discipline.
• Use statistics (where necessary) effectively in support of their ideas.
• Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
• Analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
• Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
• Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
• Use natural resources in a sustainable way.
• Show respect for and a responsible/ethical attitude towards science and technology.
• Show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate their prior knowledge and experience as it is relevant to their discipline.
• Connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts.
• Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
• Look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment is done by means of activities in study guides, self-assessment questions in study guides and self-assessment assignments as well as written assignments that have to be submitted for assessment. The assignments are either in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short questions, essays or a combination. Students must submit three assignments for each module. The marks obtained for these assignments contribute a minimum of 20% towards the final mark for the module. The remaining mark is made up of the examination mark.

Summative Assessment is conducted by means of a two-to three-hour examination per module. Feedback on Summative Assessment (examinations) is provided to individual students upon request.