Bachelor of Social Science

1. The overall purpose of the degree is to produce high-quality graduates within the liberal arts tradition who can apply fundamental and specialist knowledge to solve problems in their specific disciplines.
2. A second purpose of the degree is to produce graduates who are equipped for a variety of careers, depending on the specific disciplines they have studied.

Candidates are not normally admitted to the BSS unless they are in possession of a matriculation exemption certificate.

Special provision is made in the Faculty of Humanities to accommodate learners who would not normally be admitted to the curricula for the degree of BSS, or who are identified as having potential but as lacking an adequate educational background in certain key subjects. A number of special credit earning courses are offered, from which a curriculum suited to the needs of each learner admitted to the foundation programme will be drawn up by the Dean in consultation with the learner.

Candidates should be able to communicate in English.

Learners will be able to

1. Analyse studied material or situations critically, imaginatively and independently.
2. Communicate effectively.
3. Co-operate with others to pursue the common good.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ever-expanding and ever-changing nature of knowledge and appreciate the need for life-long learning.

Specific outcomes.

1. Analyse studied material or situations critically, imaginatively and independently.

In order to meet this outcome, learners will

• acknowledge the moral, socio-cultural, political and economic dimensions of that material /those situations;
• read sympathetically (i.e. taking care to understand the author 's perspective) as well as critically;
• listen carefully to a variety of 'voices' in text and in situations;
• appreciate multi-cultural values;
• make a reasoned judgement /construct an argument on the basis of this analysis.

1. Communicate effectively.

In order to meet this outcome, learners will

• use oral and written forms of language appropriately and effectively;
• present material /construct arguments in an organised and articulate manner;
• use appropriate technology to facilitate communication;
• demonstrate sensitivity to the multi-cultural and multi-lingual nature of South African society.

1. Co-operate with others to pursue the common good.

In order to meet this outcome, learners will

• work as a member of a team or group;
• recognise and acknowledge different perspectives and values;
• be aware that judgements have moral and ethical implications and will act accordingly where appropriate.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the ever-expanding and ever-changing nature of knowledge and appreciate the need for life-long learning.

In order to meet this outcome, learners will

• demonstrate an awareness of the limits of their own knowledge;
• demonstrate an awareness of human fallibility;
• search for and find relevant information;
• demonstrate an understanding of the role of research in academic enquiry as well as an awareness of a range of research approaches and techniques;
• be able to apply basic research techniques under guidance.

After the First Year

1. Learners should be able to demonstrate an understanding, both in theory and practice, of the basic principles, theories and facts that are central to a set of subjects that form the core of a particular social science curriculum. Learners will have a broad knowledge base with substantial depth in some areas.
2. Learners should be able to use available resources to gain access to information.
3. Learners should be able to interpret and summarise information from a variety of sources in the form of a logically structured and well-written essay.

After the Second Year

1. Learners should be able to demonstrate an understanding, both in theory and practice, of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of one or two major sub-disciplines of social science.
2. Learners should be able to use all available library and other information resources to undertake independent study.
3. Learners should be able to analyse and evaluate a wide range of information and present the results as a logically structured and well-written essay.

After the Third Year

1. Learners should be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding, both in theory and practice, of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of one or two major sub-disciplines of social science.
2. The learner will be required to demonstrate basic research, creative problem solving and critical thinking skills, as individuals and in groups.
3. The learner will have well-developed communicative skills and should be able to structure a logical argument both in writing and in the spoken form.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

1. Assessment procedures adhere to Rhodes University Assessment Policy.
2. Assessment entails three elements:

• Continual formal assessment both formative and summative;
• Continual informal assessment (formative);
• Formal end of course assessment (summative).

The course work on which continuous assessment is based includes work done individually and in groups, and may consist of combinations of tests, essays, practical reports and seminars.