Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Law

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Law is to provide learners with a structured qualification made of three cognate disciplines - Philosophy, Politics, and Law. The benefit of a structured qualification is that while it limits the selection of majors that learners can take during the degree, in comparison to a BA / BSocSc General degree, which allows learners to focus on a diverse (and potentially disconnected) variety of disciplines, this permits the learner to engage more deeply and critically with the areas of specialisation. In addition, because of the close relationships between the three disciplines, the qualification well balanced, and every module provides scaffolding and support for every other module.

While the qualification provides a broad education, many learners find it challenging to know what career to pursue with a general degree. By contrast, the qualification prepares learners interested in a career in law, business, public administration, or for postgraduate study in any of the three disciplines.

Given that the graduate will have a grounding in the three major disciplines - Philosophy, Politics and Law, they will have developed an understanding of some of the philosophical, political and legal issues facing Southern Africa, in particular, and the world, in general; the ability to think clearly and critically, and identify, analyse, and solve problems; the capacity to apply their knowledge and skills to issues affecting contemporary society.

Rationale

As a relatively young country, South Africa is still finding its way in terms of legislation, politics and constitutional issues. The idea to create and maintain the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) comes out of the recognition that to achieve its potential, South Africa needs graduates who can grapple with major questions about politics and law, and it is believed that a grounding in philosophy enables graduates to develop such an ability.

The qualification responds to the needs of the country in terms of developing capable leaders (bureaucrats/managers), and those wishing to pursue academic careers in the fields of philosophy, politics, and law. The qualification is responsive to the needs of the country in several ways. Firstly, it has a global orientation (focusing on world affairs), and this is essential for developing and maintaining international relations; it also has a local orientation. With respect to the latter, many of the modules that comprise the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) deal directly with African and South African content. For example, African Philosophy, Contemporary African Politics and Development, and Aspects of South African Law. Secondly, the whole programme is designed to engage the learner with pressing issues in contemporary society, such as dignity, equality, non-sexism, human rights, democracy, and diversity in general.

As a structured qualification, the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) benefits the learner in several ways. Firstly, it streamlines the modules, resulting in a focused and highly rationalized selection of disciplines. Learners in a general bachelor's degree, which has no restrictions on module choice, tend to make arbitrary module /major selections. This can have negative future consequences when it comes to identifying a career path or applying for a particular job. Secondly, learners who possess a BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) qualification stand out in the marketplace, thereby increasing their possibility of employment. While the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) is highly desirable (attracting thousands of applications each year), intake into the qualification is limited to a few hundred learners each year. Since the attrition rate is high, there are few learners (relatively speaking) who qualify. In a marketplace saturated with general degrees, this degree is noticed by prospective employers. We have received numerous first accounts of this from BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) graduates.

Thirdly, the structure of the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) orientates the learner to understand and engage with political, philosophical, ethical and legal issues facing contemporary South African society. This not only puts the learner in a position of relevance to understand and address pressing social issues; broader society also receives the benefit of their engagements and interventions. Learners who possess the knowledge and skills to make notable contributions to society will be highly employable. This is not only good for the economic status of the individual (learner), but society. Finally, the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) provides an alternative route for learners to enter the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Since access to the LLB is limited, many learners who are unsuccessful in their application to the LLB opt to do the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law). Having completed the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law), learners stand a reasonably good chance of being admitted to the LLB

The qualification typically attracts learners who have just matriculated and are interested in employment in the public sector and wish to make contributions to society through public service.

The BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) prepares learners for a wide variety of careers but is aimed specifically at those considering a career in law, management, and politics (including civil and diplomatic services, and local and national government).

Learners that enter into the BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) are in a position to transition into a host of other undergraduate degrees, which include: Bachelor of Arts (General); Bachelor of Arts in Law; Bachelor of Arts in Ethics; Bachelor of Social Science (General); Bachelor of Social Sciences in Government, Business, Ethics; Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Learners who complete the qualification and obtain a BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) qualification are positioned to pursue the following learning pathways: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy; Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science; Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Relations; Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Policy; Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Ethics. These are all NQF 8 qualifications and are available at the institution.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL

RPL offers an alternative access route into a qualification of learning to those who do not meet the specified qualification entry requirements. Qualifications, part-qualifications, and professional designations registered on the NQF may be awarded in whole or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an important consideration for this qualification. The University Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and rules, and procedures will be considered when learners apply for RPL.

The institution's General Rule 7b (GR7b) states: "An applicant who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted as a learner of the University".

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (amended March 2019) and The Council of Higher Education, Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer in Higher Education (2016) is relevant to this qualification, in terms of the implementation of RPL, which strives to respond to socio-economic redress of historically disadvantaged communities.

Accordingly, RPL implementation in the qualification will be an enabling mechanism for either/or

• Access to academic qualifications.
• Advanced standing for future higher-level qualifications.
• Award of full or partial credits where prior learning meets all the requisite exit level outcomes of the respective qualification.

The RPL assessment recognises knowledge, skills and professional competence achieved through alternative learning pathways such as informal, non-formal, work-based experience, as well as formal learning. A portfolio of evidence (POE) will form the basis of RPL evaluation.

An RPL assessment committee will be set up to examine the POEs. The RPL evaluation process is based on the matching of learning outcomes, obtained via alternative learning pathways, with the exit level outcomes of the qualification. The RPL portfolio of evidence (POE) evaluation will use criterion-referenced rubrics to ensure consistency, fairness and rigour of RPL assessment. A maximum of 10% of admissions in any one year may be granted via RPL. Successful RPL applications are subsequently presented and considered by the School Teaching and Learning Committee, followed by a submission for approval at the College Academic Affairs Board meeting.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, 7, totalling 384 credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 96 Credits.

• Introduction to Philosophy A, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Political Science, 16 Credits.
• Introductory Legal Studies, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Philosophy B, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Global Politics, 16 Credits.
• Aspects of South African Law, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 5, 32 Credits (Select two modules).

• Applied Human Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Arts, 16 Credits
• Religion, 16 Credits
• Philosophy and Classics, 16 Credits
• Social Sciences, 16 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 96 Credits.

• Being and Knowing, 16 Credits.
• Contemporary African Politics and Development, 16 Credits.
• Law of Persons, 8 Credits.
• Legal Research and Reasoning, 8 Credits.
• Thinking and Doing, 16 Credits.
• Issues in International Affairs, 16 Credits.
• Human Rights, 8 Credits.
• Interpretation of Law, 8 Credits

Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 32 Credits (Select two modules).

• Applied Human Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Arts, 16 Credits
• Religion, 16 Credits
• Philosophy and Classics, 16 Credits.
• Social Sciences, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 64 Credits (Select eight modules).

• Study of a Central Philosophical Problem, 16 Credits.
• Issues in Ethical Theory, 16 Credits.
• African Philosophy, 16 Credits.
• Criminal Law, 16 Credits.
• Family Law, 16 Credits.
• Modern Political Thought, 16 Credits.
• International Relations, 16 Credits.
• Metaphysics, 16 Credits.
• Philosophy and Society, 16 Credits.
• History of Philosophy, 16 Credits.
• Jurisprudence, 16 Credits.
• Constitutional Law, 16 Credits.
• Comparative Government and Politics, 16 Credits.
• Political Change in Developing Regions, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic political issues affecting South Africa, Africa, and the world at large regarding global and international affairs and contemporary African politics and development.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the South African constitutional and legal context, including the theory and application of law and human rights.
3. Demonstrate understanding of key philosophical concepts, positions, and arguments.
4. Demonstrate an ability to conduct independent legal, political, and philosophical research.
5. Demonstrate an ability to critically interrogate and evaluate philosophical, moral, political, and legal arguments.
6. Demonstrate an ability to critically construct and defend philosophical, moral, political, and legal arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify pressing local and global political issues, as reported in the media and/or current academic publications.
• Discuss, debate, and reflect on current political issues facing South Africa, Southern Africa, the African continent, and the world.
• Critically engage with discourses (interviews, texts) on a variety of local and international political issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Discuss and debate on current legal issues facing South Africa and relating to the South African constitution.
• Apply South African law to selected local issues
• Apply the South African constitution to important and topical issues

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Provide a clear account of philosophical concepts
• Apply philosophical concepts to selected issues / problems
• Navigate between competing philosophical positions, highlighting points of convergence and divergence and debate
• Outline supporting philosophical arguments attached to a variety of philosophical concepts and positions

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Find pertinent primary and secondary texts that are relevant to a topic/issue
• Correctly apply the findings, in terms of quoting and referencing, to a specified topic/issue.
• Correctly apply the findings, in terms of quoting and referencing, to a specified topic / issue.
• Develop a paper outline that displays clarity of thought, and the capacity to organize and present acquired information

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Assess philosophical, moral, political, and legal arguments for cogency
• Illustrate where selected arguments break down.and suggest ways the argument can be improved/strengthened, to make it cogent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Present and defend a philosophical, moral, political, or legal position by supporting it with evidence.
• Assess the argument that has developed for cogency, to identify where it has broken down.
• Improve on the argument, i.e., offer remedies to improve the argument's cogency.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The BA (Philosophy, Politics and Law) makes use of formative and summative assessments to generate a class mark. All modules have a final examination. Typically, the ratio of class mark to examination is 50:50.

A broad range of assessment types is employed in the programme. These include multiple choice tests, short paragraph assignments, journals, projects, and essays. MCQs are used for assessing comprehension of readings and understanding of primary concepts. Feedback on why answers are incorrect, combined with multiple attempts, provides an opportunity for learning to occur. Short paragraphs provide an opportunity for learners to summarize readings and to offer focused detail and examples around a range of concepts and issues. Journaling gives learners the space to explore the work more loosely, while at the same time requiring them to be self-reflective. Some of the projects require learners to draw from different aspects of their work, and in this way, learners are assessed in an integrated way. Essays typically serve the role of summative assessments, whereby the learner combines their understanding of the material with a practical application and critical engagements (objections and responses to possible objections).

The quality and standard of the modules and summative assessments are guaranteed in several ways. All first and second-year level modules are moderated and examined either internally or externally; all exit-level modules are externally examined by experts outside of the province. Moderators and examiners are selected based on their qualifications, reputations, and expertise. All appointments go through the respective School Teaching and Learning Committees. Moderators' and external examiners' reports are sent to the respective lecturers and to the Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning in the respective Schools. Modules are evaluated by learners, and this is coordinated by QPA, which enables staff members to improve the quality of the modules. In the SRPC, the Teaching and Learning Committee takes the reports from moderators and examiners and allows staff members to discuss the reports with the Committee.