Bachelor of Social Science in Geography

Purpose

The generic Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) qualification provides an opportunity to promote the establishment of curricula that emphasise enquiry, innovation, and a scientific approach within the environment of the social sciences, as well as healthy academic and social development. The qualification also develops important generic skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective communication, analysis and critical thinking applied in more than one related field of study.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) qualification provides appropriate programmes in related fields of the social sciences. With the design of the internal programmes of this qualification, consideration was given to employment possibilities and the labour needs of the country. The programmes also prepare the students for postgraduate study in the different specialisations. There is a strong need to produce social scientists with a broader range of fundamental skills with the option of focusing on a related field when furthering their studies with a BSocSci Hons.

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 programme of the institution. Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (HET) level in relevant domains, which constitute credit-bearing units or modules, should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the learner has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for modules of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Humanities and, if appropriate, allows the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: 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, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) at Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 396 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 120 Credits

• History, 12 Credits.
• Intro Hum Geo, 12 Credits.
• English, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Physical Geography, 12 Credits.
• Intro Geo, 12 Credits.
• Public Management and Governance, 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Political Studies, 12 Credits.
• The SA Political System, 12 Credits.
• History, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Economics, 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Public Management and Governance, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 172 Credits

• History, 16 Credits.
• Human Environments, 16 Credits.
• Appl Geomor and Clim Change, 16 Credits.
• History, 16 Credits.
• Physical Geography, 16 Credits.
• Econ Geo and App Clim, 16 Credits.
• Municipal Management, 16 Credits.
• Public Management and Governance, 16 Credits.
• Comparative Politics, 16 Credits.
• Political Studies, 16 Credits.
• Understanding, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 216 Credits

• Philosophy of Culture, 12 Credits.
• Strategic Public Resource Management (PERS), 16 Credits.
• Strategic Public Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Public Policy and Planning, 16 Credits.
• Geographic Information Systems, 32 Credits.
• Introduction to Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
• GIS and Remote Sensing, 32 Credits.
• Environmental Geography, 32 Credits.
• Applied Geography, 32 Credits.
• Man and Society: Critical Perspectives on Cont & Change/Trans, 12 Credits.

1. Evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Geography as well as one other discipline from the social and natural sciences.
2. Analyse and evaluate types of knowledge appropriate to the field of study.
3. Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
4. Apply appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex psychologically-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
5. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
6. Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline related and academic discourse.
7. Demonstrate effective information and communication technology (ICT) skills.
8. Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations.
9. Demonstrate self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification employs formative, summative and integrated assessments throughout the three years of study, in the form of written tests, as well as practical assignments and examinations used in the various disciplines included in the qualification. The learner's skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate Information Technology (IT), are also assessed, as well as her/his computer literacy. Tests and assignments - weight: 50%; Semester exam 1x3hours - weight: 50%.