Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with a working knowledge of Islam and Islamic culture and praxis.

It also aims to develop learners' academic and leadership skills in preparation for them to take up leadership roles within their communities or in the work place. More specifically the qualification aims to equip the learners with:

• A basic knowledge of the key disciplines of Islam.
• A key set of academic skills - essential both in the work place as well as in further study areas/disciplines.
• Sensitivity to the unique South African context in which their Islamic knowledge is applied and practiced.
• A working knowledge of Arabic for devotional purposes.
• A deep insight into the prophetic model of leadership with a universal societal application, and to develop leadership qualities.
• The requisite competencies for progression to an arts or humanities degree.

Rationale

The rationale for the qualification is to provide an entry to the study of the disciplines of Islam in order to meet the needs of those who:

• Wish to expand their knowledge of Islam.
• Wish to gain entrance into the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies programme.
• Wish to achieve a first qualification in religious studies and leadership.
• Wish to achieve a nominal leadership qualification in order to work within communities in areas such as youth development.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All applicants prior learning skills will be evaluated and assessed against the approved national standards - credits will thus be appropriately awarded for unit standards, learning programmes, modules or subjects:

• Any learning that has taken place outside of formal education and training parameters, regardless of location (where) and time frame (period) these skills were obtained.
• Skills or knowledge from training conducted whilst employed.
• Work experience gained in the workplace.
• Short courses or community work in a relevant field.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate.
• National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
• Any other qualification at NQF Level 4 (or Recognition of Prior Learning).

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 with credits totaling150 Credits

• Learning Arabic through Quran I, 10 Credits.
• Learning Arabic through Quran II, 10 Credits.
• Quran Literacy, 5 Credits.
• Quran Literacy, 5 Credits.
• Meanings of the Quran I, 10 Credits.
• Meanings of the Quran II, 10 Credits.
• Principles of Quranic Recitation and Memorisation I, 5 Credits.
• Principles of Quranic Recitation and Memorisation II, 5 Credits.
• Prophetic Biography I, 5 Credits.
• Prophetic Biography II, 5 Credits.
• ILabs Global Leadership and Life Orientation, 10 Credits.
• ILabs Global Leadership and Life Orientation, 10 Credits.
• Academic Skills I, 5 Credits.
• Academic Skills II, 5 Credits.
• Devotional Arabic, 5 Credits.
• Devotional Arabic, 5 Credits.
• Islamic Interpersonal Relationships I, 5 Credits.
• Islamic Interpersonal Relationships II, 5 Credits.
• Aqidah (Islamic Belief) I, 5 Credits.
• Aqidah (Islamic Belief) II, 5 Credits.
• Islamic Laws of Worship I, 10 Credits.
• Islamic Laws of Worship II, 10 Credits.

After completion of the qualification the learner will be able to

1. Apply basic knowledge of the key disciplines of Islam, to demonstrate a set of academic skills essential both in the work place as well as in further study.
2. Understand the application of their Islamic knowledge with reference to the unique South African context.
3. Show understanding of Arabic for devotional purposes.
4. Explain the prophetic model of leadership with a universal application, and develop similar leadership qualities.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 1

• The capacity to use the correct/appropriate terminology/concepts/principles/theories in both oral and written tasks is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2

• An awareness of cultural sensitivity and ethical limitations is displayed and such awareness in a variety of contexts is applied.
• Familiarity and understanding of the discipline-specific conventions is shown and this understanding is communicated by using scholarly discourse.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 3

• The appropriate modes of inquiry/methods/techniques/tools and procedures to identify, interpret, and solve abstract or concrete theories are utilised and selected.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 4

• Information is accessed, processed and managed appropriately - indicating that the learner is able to gather information from a variety of sources.
• Information is communicated effectively and reliably.
• Topical issues from variable perspectives are recognised and related to.
• Reasoning processes for comparing different theories is described and explained.
• Accurate accounts of variable scholarly positions/viewpoints is identified and given and solutions are reflected upon.

Integrated Assessment

• Normally assessment shall be based on continuous coursework evaluation and formal examinations. The coursework evaluation component of each subject shall be supervised by the respective Head of Department; formal examinations are conducted under the supervision of the Faculty.
• Unless otherwise indicated by the Faculty, coursework will count for between 40% and 60% of the overall assessment.
• The principal shall determine which items of coursework will be included in the coursework assessment and define the relative weighting assigned to each item of coursework. Items incorporated in the coursework assessment may include practical work, assignments, essays, research papers, tests and projects. Normally, coursework assessment shall comprise a minimum of two units/pieces of work per full course per semester, either written or as a group task. Each department shall inform the learners of these details at the beginning of the course.
• A coursework mark shall be valid only in conjunction with the formal examination with which the course is concluded, formal examinations will take place at the end of the semester. Internal moderation is done by the supervisor of the division.
• Some programme elements also require oral submission by learners. These are assessed by the lecturer as well as the supervisor.