Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Development Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Development Studies is to provide a transition from a general undergraduate discipline into a postgraduate specialisation in Development Studies. It builds the learners' undergraduate training, normally in the Social Sciences, to focus analytical attention on development problems and solutions. The content addresses both theoretical and applied considerations. In preparation for a possible Master's Degree or for employment as development practitioners, it will train learners to conduct independent research and to utilise development frameworks in understanding and addressing development problems.

Rationale

The challenges of development define many of the central debates in South Africa. The post- apartheid government has implemented a large battery of development initiatives at various scales. While a great deal has been achieved, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. The shortage of government and private sector capacity is frequently identified as a key limitation on the success of many development initiatives. A further factor is the treatment of development problems according to separate departmental silos rather than as integrated development challenges. The field of development studies is uniquely placed to offer an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to the challenges of improving the material wellbeing of South Africans and Africans in general.

In light of the pressing development needs of the country as articulated in the National Development Plan (NDP, or Vision 2030), the discipline of Development Studies seeks to produce learners who will be able to interpret, critique and implement the focus areas of the NDP. As such, learners will be able to offer the critically needed skills in numerous national and international public agencies, municipalities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research organisations and other private sector employers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Following institution rules and procedures learners can apply for admission based on experience in research and writing on development related issues in exceptional cases where applicants do not have the required NQF entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor of Social Sciences in development Studies, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules, 96 Credits

• Development Frameworks, 16 Credits.
• Economic Concepts and Debates, 16 Credits.
• South African Development Problems and Policies, 16 Credits.
• Research Methods, 16 Credits.
• Research project, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules, 32 Credits (select two modules)

• Environment and Development, 16 Credits.
• Civil Society, 16 Credits.
• Participatory Video as a Research Method, 16 Credits.
• Social aspects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (from Populations Studies, Hons), 16 Credits.
• Reproductive Health in Context (Population Studies, Hons), 16 Credits.

1. Outline and evaluate major schools of thought that have responded to the nature of global inequality.
2. Demonstrate a critical application of core theories, key debates, concepts and approaches to development.
3. Acquire the main 'language' used in various strands of development studies such as economics, environment, civil society, democracy, among others.
4. Undertake a small independent research project which will expose them to the process of research in development related themes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Clarity of explanations and evaluations.
• Accuracy of descriptions of global inequality and uneven development.
• Analyse the effects of global inequality.
• Provide clear and concise definitions of development.
• Provide complex explanations of the mechanisms of development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Show a comprehensive and critical knowledge of the theories, concepts, and approaches and their implications for development work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Master competence in the language and accents of development studies and practice.
• Analyse, review and evaluate case studies of historic and current, local, national and international trends, development policy and implementation.
• Identify and critically engage with selected development policy perspectives and evaluate the impact of these perspectives on changes in natural resource allocation.
• Assess the roles of different actors in development (such as the state, civil society, international organisations, the private sector, the environment, etc.).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate mastery of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
• Conduct critical review of pertinent literature.
• Show evidence of a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice.
• Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and significance of study.