Bachelor of Arts Honours in Urban Studies

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to discuss the theory and methodology of Urban Studies and to be able to contribute to current debates in Urban Studies at an intermediate level. He/she will be able to apply this knowledge to issues pertinent to the field of Urban Studies in the Southern African 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 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 qualification, 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 or modules, need to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department offering the module or modules the learner wishes to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules he/she 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, however, be offset by the provision that this is not 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,

c) Recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7.

1. Critically and creatively, describe and apply different theoretical models and constructs in Urban Studies to specific social problems in authentic South African contexts, at an intermediate level; 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 work at an intermediate level;
4. Design, plan, and execute a meso-level framework within an authentic context; reflect on their own research and report on research findings at an intermediate level;
5. Engage with, and critique in a constructive manner, 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, reflecting on this process at an intermediate level;
7. Propose solutions to specific social problems in the Southern African context by taking race, ethnicity, political issues, gender and multi-culturalism into account;
8. Search for and access appropriate resources employing a range of learning strategies and technologies within the field of Urban Studies at an intermediate level;
9. Develop responsibility towards other members of society;
10. Project cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to people from different cultures, based on theoretical knowledge and reflecting on this process;
11. Develop employment-seeking skills within the field of Urban Studies;
12. Explore entrepreneurial possibilities within the field of Urban Studies.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

1. Provide an in-depth discussion of theoretical models in the field of Urban Studies; can apply theoretical constructs and models in authentic Southern African contexts at an intermediate level and can reflect on his/her problem-solving process;
2. Interacts well with his/her peers; contributes positively towards an end product in a group context and can reflect on his/her participation in groups;
3. Take responsibility for own learning through time management as well as ensuring that the quality of his/her work is of an acceptable standard at an intermediate level;
4. Formulate a research question within different methodological approaches to social research; can select a methodology appropriate to a specific research question; selects and uses appropriate data-collection techniques; interprets research data accurately; can discuss the importance of, and upholds, high ethical standards in conducting research; recognises the limitations of his/her 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 accurately; writes the research report in an appropriate register; structures the research report appropriately and transparently; makes a logical, coherent argument and can reflect on his/her research; can present the research results to an academic audience at an intermediate level;
5. Interacts well with his/her 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 logically and coherently; uses the appropriate register and displays cultural sensitivity in critiquing and the argument put forward by someone else;
6. Make a decision and support it by relevant theory and experience; can put together a bibliography in the appropriate style; can source material making use of a range of technologies; can find relevant and up to date information; can 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;
7. Explore challenges and problems facing South Africa; can apply theoretical knowledge to the Southern African South African context at an intermediate level; draws on his/her own experience and takes race, ethnicity, political issues, gender and multi-culturalism into account in the process;
8. Explore and reflect on learning skills and strategies appropriate to the context of Urban Studies at an intermediate level;
9. Shows responsibility towards other members of society;
10. Project cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to people from different cultures; applies theoretical knowledge while doing this and can reflect on this process;
11. Develop employment-seeking skills within the field of Urban Studies;
12. Identify and develop entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of Urban Studies.

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 others: 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 by means of written assignments, formal module tests and the execution and presentation of a research project as well as end-of-semester final examinations.