Doctor of Languages and Literature

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Languages and Literature is to provide training for an academic career in the field of languages and literature (including focal areas such as descriptive linguistics, applied linguistics, language practice, language technology, creative writing and South African, African and world literature). It requires a learner to conduct research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.

Apart from the traditional format for a thesis, the thesis could also consist of several academic articles that form a coherent whole and that are presented in the form of a thesis (according to the article model to which the institution subscribes). Through the qualification, learners will be provided with the opportunity to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a promoter in a particular subject area, building on knowledge normally gained at Masters or an equivalent level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to the national and international advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of languages and literature through original research that meets international standards.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with highly advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of languages and literature that presents opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

The qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of experts in the field of languages and literature to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This also includes the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of languages and literature.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policies. The process will be managed by the Faculty of Humanities.

Through its RPL policy and the Faculty of Humanities will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place. Learners will be assessed against NQF Level 9 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Arts in English Language Studies, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 10

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area in the field of languages and literature and/or across specialised or applied areas.
2. Demonstrate intellectual independence and advanced research skills through the ability to apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies for the solution of complex problems in the field of languages and literature, and the competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines.
3. Deal with complexity, lacunae and contradictions in the knowledge base of languages and literature.
4. Autonomously generate, synthesize and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independent generated criteria.
5. Question existing knowledge boundaries and practices in the field of languages and literature, and create responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
6. Show mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area within the field of languages and literature.
7. Demonstrate research leadership within the field including the ability to plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of processes engaged in within complex and unpredictable contexts.
8. Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability concerning the ethical implications of research, the determination of socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa, and the ability to relate these issues to international contexts.

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

• Generate and display specialised knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area within the field of Languages and Literature and/or across specialised or applied areas;
• Make an original contribution to the knowledge society in the discipline they are researching;
• Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex problems in the field of Languages and Literature;
• Applied and develop competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines in the field of Languages and Literature;
• Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels, and make sound evaluations based on independent generated criteria;
• Show mastery of the literature by producing original insights into new and complex ideas, information and issues in a specific area of the field of Languages and Literature;
• Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in the field of Languages and Literature.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment will be undertaken through the process of having a research proposal formally accepted by the Committee for Advanced Degrees of the relevant research entity and other feedback provided by the promoter(s). Learners will submit a thesis on discrete research that was conducted under supervision in which the learner is expected to present integrated research findings, interpreted in the context of and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty across the entire area of investigation for summative assessment.