Bachelor of Social Science Honours

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

Candidates are not normally admitted to any course for an Honours degree unless they have been awarded the ordinary degree (NQF level 6), or have been admitted to the status thereof. Normally, candidates will not be admitted to an Honours programme unless they have obtained at least a second-class pass in the final year of the subject in which they wish to take Honours.

Learners should have a detailed understanding, both in theory and practice, of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of the subject in which they wish to take Honours.

They should be able to communicate in English.

Recognition of prior learning

Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the recognition of prior learning and experience.

Learners will be able to

1. Competently 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.

1. Acknowledge the moral, socio-cultural, political and economic dimensions of that material /those situations;
2. Read sympathetically (i.e. taking care to understand the author 's perspective) as well as critically;
3. Listen carefully to a variety of 'voices' in text and in situations;
4. Appreciate multi-cultural values;
5. Make a reasoned judgement /construct an argument on the basis of this analysis.
6. Use oral and written forms of language appropriately and effectively;
7. Present material /construct arguments in an organised and articulate manner;
8. Use appropriate technology to facilitate communication;
9. Demonstrate sensitivity to the multi-cultural and multi-lingual nature of South African society.
10. Work as a member of a team or group;
11. Recognise and acknowledge different perspectives and values;
12. Be aware that judgements have moral and ethical implications and will act accordingly where appropriate;
13. Demonstrate an awareness of the limits of their own knowledge;
14. Demonstrate an awareness of human fallibility;
15. Search for and find relevant information;
16. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of research in academic enquiry as well as an awareness of a range of research approaches and techniques;
17. Be able to apply basic research techniques under guidance.

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.