Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Community and Development Studies

Purpose

The qualification offers an opportunity to consolidate knowledge of the theory and practice of development at a community level while at the same time introducing the learner to the world of academic research, especially by offering an integrated approach to economic and social aspects of community development within a human rights framework. Consequently, the qualification will integrate the principles of community development in a congruent and meaningful way by analysing the various components of development such as social, economic, political, cultural, environmental and personal. The South African context of the history of inequalities is the backdrop against which analysis is done. The qualification also demonstrates the inter-relationship between government and civil society.

Rationale

The qualification is presented as a response to the state's deficiency and inability to address some of the development challenges of the state itself, of regions within the state, as well as of local communities. At the theoretical level, the qualification draws heavily on new ways of thinking about people and communities and is presented within a framework of human rights and social justice issues. Community development becomes a strategy in understanding, designing and implementing development from the bottom up from a purely needs-based approach to human rights based approach to community development. The qualification develops technical knowledge in project and programme planning and evaluation. This structured postgraduate qualification will broaden the knowledge and experience of people that intend to work as practitioners in community development or proceed with further postgraduate studies in the field in specific areas such as health and development, food security and agriculture, public works programmes, peace-making and conflict resolution, etc.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution. An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• Bachelor of Social Science, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 96 Credits

• Principles of Community Development, 32 Credits.
• Research Methods 2, 16 Credits.
• Research Project: Community Development, 32 Credits.
• Research Design 2,16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 32 Credits (Choose TWO)

• Systems and Processes in Community Development,16 Credits.
• Power, Participation and Social Change,16 Credits.
• Project Planning, Implementation, Management and Evaluating,16 Credits.
• Advanced Community Economic Development,16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research design and research method.
2. Understand and apply research paradigms and how theoretical frameworks are investigated and articulated.
3. Interpret and analyse processes and policies pertinent to community development.
4. Understand and apply the principles of community development effectively to local circumstances.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rationale in planning, implementing and evaluating community projects.
6. Demonstrate an advanced grasp of the theory and practice of an ecologically sustainable urban agricultural system.
7. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the theory of community economic development and gain insight into the application thereof in planning economic processes for rural change and general Community Development within the framework of the sustainable livelihoods approach.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and summative assessment strategies will be used throughout the qualification programme that would ensure that exit level and cross critical outcomes are met. Formative assessments will constitute group presentations, written assignments, and term papers. The summative assessment will be the final examination which comprises of case based scenarios, case studies, and/or long essays. For all modules the class mark constitutes 50% and the examination 50% of the final mark. The class mark is made up of a number of assessments, typically at least one assignment and one test. Some modules include group assignments as these give learners an opportunity to develop mentoring skills and in working collaboratively.