Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Communication

The (first) purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with advanced graduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the Social Sciences with core focus on human and applied communication and information management, provide opportunities for life long learning and personal intellectual growth and equip learners with skills for a successful career in the communication professions and communication research.

The (second) purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with highly qualified graduates who will become leading professionals and researchers in the ever-growing communication and management professions in the public and private sectors

B.A or B.Soc. Sc in Communication or equivalent.

1 Communication Problem Solving

The B.Soc.Sc (Hon) graduate is competent to

1. Identify, assess, understand, solve and resolve fundamental human communication problems creatively and innovatively
2. Recognise the import of and make use of research skills in the study and understanding of communication problems

2 Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge

The B.Soc.Sc (Hons) graduate is competent to

1. To demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary in the selected areas of applied communication: advertising, public relations, journalism, development and organisational communication as well as explain the importance and impact of these on groups, business and society
2. Apply knowledge of the fundamental of social science, human and mediated communication and applied communication theories and skills to solve and resolve communication problems at various levels: Intra-personal, interpersonal, group, organisational, public and mass communication levels
3. Apply the acquired research skills in writing a research proposal carrying out the research project and writing it up line with academic writing standards

3 Professional and General Communication

The B.Soc.Sc (Hon) graduate is competent to

1. Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally, non - verbal and writing, with or without communication and information technology, in interpersonal, group and mediated communication contexts
2. Use the knowledge and skills acquired to improve and facilitate the flow of information in and within a group, an organisation and society at large and between them
3. Read and understand communication research reports of others and communicate own research findings in line with academic writing standards

4 Impact of communication on people and general society

The B.Soc.Sc (Hon) graduate is critically aware of

1. The import and impact of communication activity on: interpersonal relationship in various contexts; group and organisational management and society at large
2. The import and impact of communication and information technology on: interpersonal relationship in various contexts; group and organisational management and society at large
3. The import of research in understanding the impact of communication on people and general society

5 Team and multi-disciplinary working

The B.Soc.Sc (Hons) graduate is competent to

Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in complex multi-disciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical (especially communication) functions

6 Lifelong Learning

The B.Soc.Sc (Hons) graduate understands

1. The requirements to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to-date communication and research skills, technology and techniques;

and is competent to

1. Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills

7 Professional ethics and Practice

The B.Soc.Sc (Hons) graduate is critically aware of

1. The need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of competence

and is competent to

1. Exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience

Integrated assessment criteria

Students write individual assignments to demonstrate and illustrate their understanding of the fundamental communication concepts, theories, skills and dynamics that have been learned.

During seminar and written presentations, students recognize the importance of communication skills in self-development, management of conflict and fostering teamwork and harmony in interpersonal and group situations.

During group discussion the seminar preparation and presentations, students develop creative thinking plus analytical and problem solving skills.

During practical assignments, students demonstrate ability to work creatively, both independently and in teams, with regard to communication technology application.

Students demonstrate a healthy curiosity and enthusiasm to communicate their acquired communication knowledge and skills to their peers in a variety of modes and are able to assess the performance of others in this regard.

Students demonstrate their basic research competence by writing, under close supervision, a research proposal, carrying out a research and in writing it up in line with academic writing standards.

Methods.

Assignment essays and seminar papers for which students do individual and group library work shall be used to test comprehension of subject matters plus referencing, citation and academic writing skills

Seminar and group work (presentation and discussion) assessed by Lecturers and peers. These shall be used to test various analytical, critical and presentation skills

Practical assignments and project shall be used to test learners' competence teamwork and creativity especially in area of applied communication

Formal university examinations shall be used and these will weight half of the final result in each module

A completed research project will be used to assess the learner's research skills