Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to discuss the theory and methodology of Sociology and to contribute to current debates in Sociology on an intermediate level. Learners will be able to apply this knowledge to issues pertinent to the field of Sociology in the South Africa context. Also, a qualifying learner will be able to plan, design, and execute research, using appropriate methodology, and report on research findings. He/she will be able to understand, interpret, analyse and present research data.

Recognition of prior learning

All potential learners who do not have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology or Industrial Sociology need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those learners who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning that should give them access to the programme, need to apply to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Sociology for recognition of prior learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and experience for a particular module(s), need to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Sociology, 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 should not be to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances of success are 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, NQF Level 7.

The learner should be able to

1. Critically and creatively describe and apply different theoretical models and constructs in Sociology to specific social problems in authentic Southern African contexts on an intermediate level and be able to reflect on their problem-solving process.
2. Work in a group and reflect on their participation in groups.
3. Accept responsibility for own learning in terms of time management and quality of the work at the intermediate level.
4. Design, plan, and execute a meso-level research task based on a theoretical framework within an authentic context; be able to reflect research and to report on research findings on an intermediate level.
5. Engage with and critique constructively the ideas of their peers and others.
6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, based on a theoretical framework, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others and reflect on this process on an intermediate level.
7. Propose solutions to specific social problems in the South African context by taking race, ethnicity, political issues, gender and multiculturalism into account.
8. Search for and access appropriate resources employing a range of learning strategies and technologies within the field of Sociology on an intermediate level.
9. Develop a responsibility towards other members of society.
10. Project cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards people from different cultures based on theoretical knowledge and reflect on this process.
11. Develop employment-seeking skills within the field of Sociology.
12. Explore entrepreneurial possibilities within the field of Sociology.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Provide an in-depth discussion of theoretical models in the field of Sociology; can apply theoretical constructs and models in authentic South African contexts on an intermediate level and reflect on the problem-solving process.
• Interacts well with peers, contributes positively towards an end product in a group context and to reflect on participation in groups.
• Take responsibility for their learning through management as well as ensuring that the quality of their work is of an acceptable standard on an intermediate level.
• Formulate a research question within an authentic context; can distinguish between different methodological approaches to social research, can use an innovative methodological appropriate to a specific research question; selects and uses appropriate data collection techniques; interprets research data accurately; can discuss the importance of and uphold high ethical standards in conducting research; recognises the limitations of research design; addresses validity and reliability concerns raised by the research design and can defend the validity and reliability of the study; reports research findings currently; writes the research report in an appropriate register; structures the research report appropriately and transparently; makes a logically coherent argument and can reflect on research; can present the research results to an academic audience on intermediate level.
• Interacts well with peers and others; contributes positively towards an end product in a group context, contributes to class and seminar discussions, critiques a research proposal or argument put forward by a peer in a logical and coherent manner; uses the appropriate register and displays cultural sensitivity in critiquing an argument put forward by someone else.
• Make a decision and support it by relevant theory and experience; is able to put together a bibliography in the appropriate style; can source materials making use of a range of technologies; is able to find relevant and up-to-date information; is able to use appropriate media when doing presentations; takes the environment and the health of others into account in this process and critically reflects on arguments put forward by authors on an intermediate level.
• Explore challenges and problems facing South Africa, is able to apply theoretical knowledge to the South African context on an intermediate level; draws on his/her own experience and takes race, ethnicity, political issues, gender and multiculturalism into account in the process.
• Explore and reflect on learning skills and strategies appropriate to the context of Sociology at an intermediate level.
• Shows responsibility towards other members of society.
• Project cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards people from different cultures; applies theoretical knowledge while doing this and is able to reflect on this process.
• Develop employment seeking skills within the field of Sociology.
• Is able to identify and develop entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of Sociology.

Integrated assessment

Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners, and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, among other things, short essays, presentations in small groups and practical activities. Self-assessment activities are included in study guides. Opportunities for peer assessment are included.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done using written assignments, formal module tests and the execution and presentation of a research project, as well as end-of-semester final examinations.