Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Anthropology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to

• Develop achieving learners with advanced specialist knowledge in the field of anthropology.
• Realise a high degree of sustained proficiency in both scholarship and research.
• Provide professional training at a postgraduate level in anthropology.
• Equip achieving learners with advanced knowledge and skills in planning, conducting and publishing research in the field of anthropology.
• Develop general formative knowledge in the study of anthropology.
• Develop specific knowledge of anthropological theories and approaches.
• Create advanced skills in analysing ethnographic data.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to enhance understanding of anthropological perspectives. The qualification aims to ensure that learners develop a holistic, culturally relativistic and transdisciplinary approach to issues. It makes use of local examples from South Africa and around the African continent are used in order to promote African scholarship.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning conducted in terms of the institution's policy as laid out in general rule 7 (B). Applications are endorsed by the School of Social Science and approved by the College Academic Affairs Board.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A cognate Bachelor' Degree, Level 7 or equivalent.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits

• South African Ethnography, 16 Credits.
• The Development of Anthropological Theory, 16 Credits.
• Ethnographic Research Methods, 16 Credits.
• Local Knowledge & Sustainable Development, 16 Credits.
• Research Project: Anthropology, 32 Credits.
• Understanding Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Africa, 16 Credits.
• Globalisation, Migrancy and Diaspora Studies, 16 Credits.

Learners will be able to

1. Demonstrate an understanding of and familiarity with the primary published literature in the field.
2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate contrasting theoretical approaches in light of research evidence.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with the types of empirical phenomena that motivate theoretical anthropological enquiry.
4. Recognise and appreciate anthropological diversity and variation.
5. Show cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of anthropological contexts.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of anthropological studies.

• Access, outline, evaluate and synthesize the current state of critical/theoretical debate, demonstrating their personal engagement with the literature.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of research, including research design, methods, research processes and methods of data analysis.
• Apply this knowledge and skills by conceptualising a research problem and developing a cogent research proposal.
• Design and conduct applied quantitative or qualitative research.
• Acquire basic skills to analyse, summarise, present and interpret qualitative and/ quantitative data.
• Engage with and become familiar with the critical reviews of recent literature on relevant topics within the national and international context of policy and development studies.
• Develop a research proposal, identify, collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, implement different research styles, present data, reference material correctly, communicate effectively in written presentation, undertake independent research projects.
• Apply a critical analysis in research and teaching in anthropology.
• Demonstrate the mastery of requisite skills with regard to the research for and scientific writing of research papers.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of the taught component will be continuous in the form of, amongst others, research, written assignments, seminars, attendance, oral presentations and participation in discussions and workshops.

The type of work that learners will be assessed on includes the following

• Critical reviews of recent literature on relevant topics.
• Presentations and written seminars on selected topics.
• Written papers in which the learner must demonstrate their ability to access, outline, evaluate and synthesise the current state of critical/ theoretical debate, demonstrating their personal engagement with the literature.
• Research plans, research proposals and ethical clearance forms.
• Independent individual research on anthropological issues.
• Oral presentations and examinations.

The approach and methods of assessment are multi-mode, incorporate both formative and summative assessment and are designed to assess different competencies of the learners. For example, the research proposal and seminar papers constitute formative assessment. The oral presentations and examinations are based on summative assessment. The aforementioned methods of assessment are designed to assess specific competencies of the learners as stated in the learning outcomes. Assessment of performance will take the form of research proposals, seminar papers on theories and models and a discussion of these in the classroom.