Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Population Studies

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to deliver graduates who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of politics that they can apply within a working environment, such as the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), state sector and research sector, to investigate, analyse and interpret political aspects and offer workable solutions to realistic problems. It further provides every graduate with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, for gainful economic activity in a range of related careers, for rewarding and constructive contributions to society and gives admission to more advanced studies, such as a cognate Master's Degree.

Rationale

The rationale behind the composition of the qualification is to provide students with advanced scientific knowledge, and to equip them with sound and in-depth analytical and conceptual skills within the discipline of population studies. To expose students to relevant theories and principles of population studies .The programme also aims to turn out academic researchers for engagement in South Africa in the discipline of demography to contribute to advancement of knowledge for the use of policy makers in the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at Honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the Honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• A Bachelor's Degree in Population Studies or any other Bachelor's Degree approved by the Senate.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 30 Credits

• Mini-Dissertation, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Pop Growth and Eco Dev: The Debate, 12 Credits.
• Pop Problems and Pol/Pop and Planning, 12 Credits.
• Pop Change, Gender and the Family, 12 Credits.
• Population and Resources, 12 Credits.
• Intro to Research Methods and Eval Tech, 16 Credits.
• Intro to the History of World Pop Trends, 16 Credits.
• Intro to Dynamics of Pop Change, 16 Credits.
• Eco-Population Growth Models, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced socio-analytical skills that would enable engagement with advanced methodologies, including a basic knowledge of statistical methods.
2. Identify, formulate, investigate and offer a viable solution to a current population issues in South Africa.
3. Demonstrate a well-rounded and systematic knowledge of Population Studies as well as a detailed knowledge of specific field of specialisation.
4. Render a service with the acquired knowledge in order to analyse population issues in South African society and to show a well-founded knowledge in this regard.
5. Write a research report in accordance with accepted academic standards and communicate the findings to an audience of academic peers with the aid of suitable Information Technology (IT).

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

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests etc. are employed as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation/project report etc. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place.