Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to produce learners who will be able to

• Construct and elaborate on a firm Sociology knowledge base concerning the social construction of reality, social structures, social dynamics, and social and environmental policy issues, in a way that acknowledges the complexity of our globalizing world.
• Implement and develop research skills with increasing independence, with a bearing on social processes and social change, using appropriate methodologies, and pursuing acceptable forms of analysis within the discipline of Sociology. Particular emphasis will be placed on addressing inequality, social conflict, and environmental sustainability issues.
• Cultivate an interdisciplinary skill set and learn the value of analytical rigour though engaging with different methodological and sociological approaches to understanding social problems.
• Implement the ethical orientation towards others and the environment encouraged through a Sociological approach, in the interest of building a worthy contemporary ethos, which is crucial given the crises faced locally, continentally and globally.
• The qualification consists of three compulsory modules, one elective, as well as an Honours research Project. All modules in this qualification contribute in an integrated fashion towards the qualification's intended outcomes.

Graduates will be equipped with the critical skills needed in order to understand various intergroup relations and social dynamics. Thus in terms of career paths, graduates will be able to assume entry-level positions as academics, social researchers, social policy analysts, health specialists, and Non-profit Organisation (NGO) consultants, among other occupations. Furthermore, skills learned and knowledge gained in postgraduate sociological training see graduates equipped with transferable skills, including: multi-disciplinary understanding; contextual sensitivity; knowledge of policy and society, and research competency.

Rationale

Sociology is critical for the human ecology; societal development and advancement; and the sustainability of the natural environment. It addresses key issues of health, human rights, gender and labour matters.

The Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) in Sociology currently on offer is due to be phased out, with the last intake in 2018. The BAHons (Sociology) will replace the current qualification and ensure not only an alignment with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF) requirements but also a continuation of a vertical articulation route to the existing Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) research qualifications in Sociology. More specifically, the qualification will be far more of a focused offering than the previous qualification, drawing on the specific discipline strengths of the Sociology staff at the institution. In addition, the content of this qualification builds on the undergraduate Sociology modules but without duplication. This will lend structural coherence to Sociology at the institution, whereby first, second and third year modules build upon one another in a gradated way, leading into the Honours and then into the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.

This qualification is relevant for political, economic, social, cultural, educational, and environmental contexts. The curriculum will draw on staff research strengths, thus developing a niche for the institution's Sociology-focusing on development of academic knowledge and critical skill sets in the sociology of human rights; gender and labour studies and health and society.

Because of the nature of work and economy in the Nelson Mandela Bay region, it makes sense to equip BA Hons in Sociology learners with necessary skills in order to understand the region, and contribute to the development of the local and national economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is not applicable to this qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission are

A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum pass of 60% in Sociology or a cognate discipline.

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

Compulsory Modules, 100 Credits

• Research Project, 40 Credits.
• Social Theory, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Social Research, 20 Credits.
• Gender and Labour Studies, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, 20 Credits (Choose one module)

• Human Rights and Social Justice, 20 Credits.
• Sociology of Health, 20 Credits.

1. Draw on the existing, and contribute to, the Sociology knowledge base, with particular reference to the social construction of reality, social structures, social dynamics, and social and environmental policy issues.
2. Demonstrate competence in relevant research methodologies and forms of analysis, in order to apply these skills in real-world conditions within human rights, gender, and social welfare and environmental sustainability.
3. In their academic work consistently manifest analytical rigour in terms of Sociology methodologies and methods, while demonstrating a firm grasp of the necessity of interdisciplinary analysis.
4. Conduct themselves ethically in the academic and public domain, and constitute an example for others to follow in terms of interpersonal relations and reflection on issues of health.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:

• Critically engage with different sociological perspectives.
• Compare, contrast, select, apply, and critically evaluate sociological frameworks.
• Adhere to discipline specific academic writing (grammar, structure, referencing, coherence and relevance of arguments etc).
• Demonstrate integrated critical reading.
• Demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills.

Integrated Assessment

Various formative and summative assessments will be used in line with the nature of the subject of assessment. These will include:

• Research projects (internally and externally examined).
• Departmental and class presentations.
• Essays.
• Tests.

Each module will be concluded by a summative assessment in the form of an examination.