Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Behaviour Studies (HIV/AIDS)

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose is to provide the discipline and research knowledge on the psychological and social wellbeing of people in the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

A further purpose is to provide discipline-based knowledge and research and analytical skills with regard to the design, analysis and evaluation of education materials for HIV and AIDS communication interventions at aimed at different target audiences.

A third purpose is to provide the nature, steps and writing of a comprehensive literature review to simulate the impacts of social issues such as HIV and AIDS.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification recognizes formal prior learning and non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

Formal prior learning

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

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

• Students 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

An appropriate Bachelor's Degree in the relevant discipline or a discipline closely associated with it, with 60% or more.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8 Credits: 120

• Behaviour Change and Communication, 24 Credits.
• Psycho-Social Well-Being in The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Context, 24 Credits.
• Social Research Methodology in Sociology and HIV and AIDS, 12 Credits.
• Research Report, 36 Credits.
• Social Behavioural Aspects of HIV/AIDS, 24 Credits.

1. Engage in critical thinking and problem solving in studying topics of a complex and specialised nature.
2. Reflect on their own knowledge and practice in the light of the theory and practice in Public Administration.
3. Conduct research.
4. Communicate research results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

These Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner

1. Identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of living, of individual and societal kinds, creatively and innovatively.
2. Work effectively with others as members and leaders of a team, group, organization, community, and provide leadership to the group output in tasks growing out of the fields traditionally considered as the humanities.
3. Manage and organise their activities and life responsibly and effectively, including their studies and careers.
4. Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information.
5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in 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 contexts.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.

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, depending on the level of study. MCQs are largely used at first level. Students must submit assignments for each module. The marks obtained for these assignments contribute a minimum of percentage towards the final mark for the module. The remaining mark is made up of the examination mark. Feedback on activities and self-assessment questions are provided in study guides and tutorial letters. Individual feedback on assignments is provided by assessors in marked assignments while general feedback on these assignments is provided in tutorial letters.

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.