Bachelor of Social Science in Sociological Analysis and Social Research

This is an academic and vocational qualification in Sociological Analysis and Social Research programme which provides students with a theoretical understanding of the processes and structures of society, and an understanding of the principles and practice of social research as the empirical means for investigating these processes and structures of society. Students will be encouraged to acquire an understanding of the vision and limitations of Sociology as a discipline, and social research as an empirical mode of investigation, within the framework of multi-disciplinary approach. Students will be encouraged to acquire a firm grasp of theoretical traditions in Sociology from with explanations can be drawn. Students will be encouraged to acquire the skills required to conduct sociological analysis and research. The social research component of the programme is inter-disciplinary and vocational, with the intention of leading to employment in a variety of fields needing this type of experience, or as a foundation for a specialist professional degree.

Such education is crucial in South Africa given the multiplicity of social problems faced in the implementation of South Africa's developmental goals, and the widespread need for a critical evaluation of South African society. In particular, graduates can be expected to find a considerable demand for their skills in the areas of the expanding social, market, developmental, medical and political research industry in South Africa, as the country emerges as a major market, and as the Government, NGO's and overseas donors are each more interested in research based development of policy teaching of social studies as this emerges as the result of curriculum change in secondary schools.

Matric exemption or equivalent. Entry is also possible through Senate approved alternative access routes recognising age, experience or other prior learning equivalents.

• Demonstrate an understanding of social processes and structures.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role and the potential role of Sociology as a discipline.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of current issues which are being debated in Sociology, in terms of theory, methodology and substantive areas.
• Identify sociological issues and develop appropriate research designs which could be used to study these issues empirically.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the social context of human social activities, and a concern with enhancing the life chances of all persons.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity amongst and within societies, and the causes of inequality.
• Demonstrate some familiarity with information technology, and the ability to make use of the Internet in conducting research.
• Present arguments and perspectives both orally and in written form.
• Work constructively within groups.

• Demonstrate capability of analysing and understanding social structures and processes.
• Demonstrate capability to determine the role of sociological analysis in the social sciences.
• Demonstrate competence to debate current sociological theory and methodology.
• Demonstrate capability of identifying a social issue and applying an appropriate research design.
• Demonstrate capability of identifying the social context of human social groups and their life chances and demonstrating a concern for the enhancement of those chances.
• Demonstrate competence to engage in academic discourse and perform this both verbally and in written form.
• Demonstrate capability of identifying diversity and the causes of inequality in human society.
• Demonstrate familiarity with information technology.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.