Higher Certificate in Humanities

Purpose

The Higher Certificate (HCert) in Humanities has as its primary focus the consolidation and strengthening in learners of foundational knowledge and skills required for success in Higher Education that build upon those developed in the final year of formal schooling and the development of an informed understanding of the core knowledge, skills, key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories of a general field of study, discipline or practice. This knowledge coupled with the related skills will enable the learner to progress to related studies in Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and/or Bachelors' Degrees at various institutional types including Universities, Universities of Technology or TVET Colleges. The disciplines offered as electives in this qualification are Psychology, Anthropology, Communication studies, General Education studies, Political Science, and Sociology.

Rationale

Many learners obtain a National Senior Certificate (NSC) which only grants access to Higher Education study. In many cases these learners have not developed the knowledge and cognitive skills needed for success in Higher Education studies. This qualification will enable these learners to have a second chance to gain acceptance into Higher Education while at the same time developing the cognitive skills required and advancing their subject knowledge. These students will have the generic knowledge and cognitive skills that are developed at school strengthened and will be provided with an informed understanding of the principles, terminology core knowledge, skills, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories in the field in which they wish to enter and develop their careers.

There are no qualifications at present that deliver on these two aims for learners who do not get a Bachelors' Degree entrance to start their learning in their chosen field through another Higher Education qualification. The Higher Certificate (HCert) in Humanities was developed to address the post-school education and training needs of many deserving students who might not meet the minimum current requirements for entry into university studies. This HCert could open the doors to learning and employment for the NEET youth (young adults not employed and not in education or training). Successful students of this programme are envisaged to be able to progress to related studies in Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and/or Bachelors' Degrees at various institutional types including Universities, Universities of Technology or Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL, in accordance with the rigorous RPL policy, will be applied in cases where adult learners, who might not have completed either a National Senior Certificate or National Certificate Vocational NQF Level 4, but who, through various other proven education and training activities can be recognised as suitable candidates with the potential to succeed in the Higher Certificate, and who will be in a position to attend a full-time study programme.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4 or equivalent NQF 4 qualification.

The qualification consists of five compulsory modules totalling 72 Credits and electives totalling 80 Credits; total number of credits: 152.

The learner must complete all the Compulsory modules at Levels 4 and 5 and choose one specialisation from those listed below and complete all the modules at NQF Level 5 listed for that specialisation.

Compulsory Modules, Level 4 (total 32 Credits)

• Skills and Competencies for Lifelong Learning, 16 Credits.
• Literacy, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5 (Total 40 credits)

• Skills and Competencies for Lifelong Learning, 16 Credits.
• Academic Literacy for the Humanities, 16 Credits.
• Computer Applications 8, Credits.

Specialisations

1. Communication Studies and Psychology Access

• Introduction to Verbal and Non-verbal Communication16, Credits.
• Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
• Psychology as Science, 32 Credits.
• Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

2. Psychology and Sociology Access

• Psychology as Science, 32 Credits.
• Introduction to Sociology, 16 Credits.
• Social Institutions, 16 Credits.
• Anthropology16 Credits.

3. Communication Studies and Sociology Access

• Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits.
• Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
• Sociology, 16 Credits.
• Social Institutions, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to World Politics and Global Governance, 16 Credits.

4. Communication Studies and Political Science Access

• Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits.
• Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Political Science, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to World Politics and Global, Governance, 16 Credits.
• Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

5. Communication Studies and Anthropology Access

• Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits.
• Intercultural Communication, 16 Credits.
• Anthropology 1, 16 Credits.
• Anthropology 2, 16 Credits.
• Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

6. Anthropology and Political Science Access

• Anthropology 1, 16 Credits.
• Anthropology 2, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Political Science, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to World Politics and Global Governance, 16 Credits.
• Social Institutions, 16 Credits.

7. Education Studies and General Pedagogy Access

• Education Studies: the individual in the learning context, 16 Credits.
• Education Studies, 16 Credits.
• General Pedagogy (Foundation Phase), 16 Credits.
• General Pedagogy, 16 Credits.
• Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, 16 Credits.

1. Apply the foundational competencies for successful Diploma and Bachelors' Degree studies.
2. Understand and comprehend the principles of Lifelong Learning.
3. Understand and apply the principles of Basic Computer skills.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and cognitive skills related to studies in the humanities as pertaining to the chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Write paragraphs and expository essays based on passages read.
• Summarise the main ideas of written texts.
• Take notes and learn how to prepare for written tests.
• Conduct research and present findings.
• Conduct research and present findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

Understand and apply the following skills and competencies

• Motivation and self-knowledge.
• Time management.
• Self-management, goals, values and vision.
• Diversity and team work.
• Learning styles.
• Note taking.
• Stress management.
• Problem solving.
• Emotional intelligence and critical thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Have basic knowledge of the principles of microcomputers and microcomputer hardware, and must be able to describe its functions. And of the basic commands of a WINDOWS operating system and must be able to apply it.
• Have knowledge of the basic commands of MS-WORD, a general word processing program for reporting, and must be able to apply it.
• Have knowledge of the basic commands of MS-EXCEL, a spread sheet program for financial applications, and must be able to apply it.
• Have knowledge of the basic commands of MS-POWERPOINT, a presentation program for presenting applications, and must be able to apply it.
• Have knowledge of the basic commands of the INTERNET, and must be able to apply it.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Understand and apply knowledge organisational behaviour with specific reference to the individual, group and organisational contexts.
• Understand the management of employees and their behaviour within the organisation.
• Define concepts such as politics, state and government.
• Distinguish between the different types of political ideologies and forms of state.
• Explain the roles of the organisation of government, regime types and political parties.
• Understand the institutionalisation of politics through the state and government.

Integrated Assessment

Learners will be assessed continuously over the semester or year, for formative and summative assessment in all modules. The number and types of assessment vary from module to module but generally constitutes a range of formative assessment types that include portfolios, class tests, class notes, semester tests and presentations. Summative assessment will be done through examinations in all modules, except in Academic Literacy for the Humanities where semester tests will be taken.