Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Population Studies

Purpose

The qualification aims to provide research based knowledge in population studies by

• Consolidating an understanding of the major theoretical arguments that explain population trends and variations.
• Deepening the learners' expertise in technical and theoretical aspects of demographic analysis.
• Developing a number of critically reflective and competent practitioners who are able to participate in the advancement of scholarly and research-based approach to demographic analysis.
• Develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques in population studies that can be used in the following fields:

> Demography - (population studies).

> Social science research - (sociology, psychology, social work, community, development, development studies and anthropology).

> Health sciences (epidemiology, community health, public health, and population health).

The demographic and quantitative methods modules equip learners with the skills to conduct and interpret data analysis in their Postgraduate studies and for research projects. Such academic, vocational and skills based training is crucial in South Africa given the stress on reconstruction and development issues in our society. These require learners to have initiatives in policy formulation and implementation so that the multiplicity of social, economic and development problems facing the country can be addressed.

Rationale

Understanding population issues is crucial for development planning. The discipline of Demography and Population studies is relatively new in South Africa. Prior to 1996, institutions in South Africa did not provide independent training in demography but only taught modules in population studies as part of formal training in other disciplines. Demography and population studies were associated with attempts made during the apartheid period to control population expansion (particularly among the black population) and as a result it was never seen by African scholars as an attractive academic or occupational option, which confined or limited training in the field.

Therefore, there are few Universities that provide formal training in the discipline, and this created a gap in the availability of South African professionals with expertise in this discipline. This qualification is designed to meet this gap at an Honours level. The intention of the qualification is to equip learners with the key concepts and applied skills to enable them to understand and participate in the process of and structures of population policy formulation and implementation. Learners will be provided with applied skills - policy presentation, demographic analysis techniques, research skills, quantitative methods to enable them to work in a variety of organisations such as state institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and international institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Following the University rules and procedures, admission to the qualification will be possible. RPL is available to learners who have experience in research and writing on issues related to population and demography but do not have the required NQF entry requirements. The learner will motivate for admission based on experience in research, policy analysis, demographic techniques, and writing on Population Studies related issues.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an important consideration for this qualification. A key principle that informs RPL practice is that learning outcomes must not be compromised as a result of RPL practice. Thus, admissions in any one year may be via RPL. In all cases, the university's RPL Policy and the Policies on Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment in higher education will apply. If learners do not meet the entry requirements, they need to submit a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their learning through formal, informal and non-formal means.

Since learning occurs in all formal, informal and non-formal situations, measuring of such knowledge is against the learning outcomes required for this qualification. The learner is assessed on what knows and can do, matching the learner's skills, knowledge and experience to specific learning outcomes and the associated assessment criteria of the qualification. Awarding of credits for skills, knowledge and expertise achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning is possible.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Social Science qualification in related field, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 128 Credits

• Population Studies: concepts and processes, 16 Credits.
• Demographic Methods, 16 Credits.
• Mortality and Health, 16 Credits.
• Social aspects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), 16 Credits.
• Reproductive Health in Context, 16 Credits.
• Research Methods, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 32 Credits.

1. Differentiate between population studies and demography.
2. Demonstrate a deeper knowledge of the concepts of fertility, mortality and migration as components of population dynamics.
3. Identify and analyse demographic data in relation to the main components of population dynamics: fertility, mortality and migration.
4. Summarise and critically evaluate the main theoretical arguments that have been proposed to explain population trends and variations.
5. Articulate and defend arguments about what accounts for population change by making judicious use of key literature and empirical examples.
6. Identify the implications of the main findings and ongoing debates for population policy formulation and implementation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the major substantive concerns of population studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate deeper knowledge of fertility, mortality and migration concepts and concerns through their presentations to the class and their written assignment.
• Synthesise and communicate the material to a group.
• Apply and contextualise the material covered in the qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and extract the relevant data to estimate marriage, fertility, mortality and migration.
• Calculate and interpret crude measures estimating marriage, fertility, mortality and migration.
• Calculate and interpret adjusted measures of estimating fertility, mortality and migration.
• Calculate basic measures of population change.
• Understand and apply methods, assumptions, and limitations of population projections.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse and apply core theories in population studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Develop research papers that demonstrate critical engagement with existing arguments in era of population change.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Present research work in the manner that informs policy.

Integrated Assessment

There are three categories of modules within this qualification. The first is a taught module that is designed to impart specialised skills in the analysis of demographic data. This will be assessed by demonstrating that such a skill has been acquired through class exercises, practical homework exercises and examinations. The second group of modules are those that engage learners in theoretical debates relevant within the discipline. This is assessed through individual assessments (using a combination of assignments, tests, oral presentations and examinations) where learners will demonstrate knowledge of population concepts, theories and processes while engaging with a specific population problem. The final category includes modules that combine these two components. These modules will assess whether learners have a firm grasp of theories and processes of each demographic parameter, and also assess whether they can perform research in specific components of population dynamics.

Included within the assessment methods for this qualification are short assignments and essays, tests, presentations, problem sets, mid-term examination and end-of-term examination, research reports and policy briefs.