Master of Arts in African Languages

Applied competence

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with

• The ability to acquire, apply and reflect on linguistic or literary theory relevant to the African languages;
• The necessary skills to scrutinise, synthesise and apply the learnt linguistic principles to language data from the African language of specialisation;
• The necessary skills to scrutinise, synthesise and apply the learnt principles of literary analysis to any literary text from the African language of specialisation;
• The necessary skills to conduct field work in the language or literature of specialisation;
• The necessary skills to apply strategic and analytical thinking skills.

Practice oriented competency

As regards practice this qualification provides

• Outcomes that enable the learner to have a holistic and reflexive approach regarding the principles and methodology of the teaching practice;
• Outcomes that prepare the learner for an advanced career in the teaching profession or the field of a language practitioner;
• Outcomes that will enable the learner to learn further in this field;
• Outcomes that are relevant to a wide variety of professions in order to handle a large number of problems (the emphasis on language competencies also attributes to versatility in practice).

Benefits to the learners

This qualification adds significant value to the qualifying learner in terms of

• The development of a scientific attitude;
• The development of sensitivity to linguistic communication;
• The development of consciousness in terms of language problems in the community and the development of competencies to solve these problems;
• a market relatedness for multi-dimensional structures in a developing society that is characterised by the diversity;
• Accessibility to further training and study possibilities;
• Relevant competencies in the teaching practice or occupation where language proficiency and advanced knowledge of language is essential.

Recognition of Prior Learning

A prospective learner who does not meet the general requirements for admission to this qualification may apply for admission in terms of the general principles and procedures pertaining to the Recognition of Prior Learning at the university. The procedures pertaining to RPL entail the following:

• The Dean of the Faculty of Arts co-ordinates the application for RPL.
• Applications must be forwarded in writing.
• A specific amount is payable for the assessment of the application.
• The application is assessed according to criteria determined by the Board of the Faculty of Arts and includes the following:

The RPL Faculty committee assesses the application under the chairmanship of the Dean in accordance with the university's policy document on RPL. Relevant subject experts are co-opted onto the committee.

- The committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for

a) Access to,

Or

b) Advanced placement in,

Or

c) Recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in African Languages, NQF Level 8.

The learners should be able to

1. Identify, analyse and reflect on linguistic and literary problems utilising appropriate general and language specific theoretical frameworks of the sub-discipline and make a unique contribution to the body of knowledge in this field;
2. Work as members of the group to solve particular problems and develop certain problem-solving strategies within the discipline;
3. Manage time and resources effectively;
4. Achieve sustained personal, academic, occupational and professional growth through continuous study and research in the fields of linguistics and/or literature as well as be able to organise, analyse and evaluate critically, using the relevant methodologies underpinning this discipline;
5. Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in compliance to the requirements of a mini-dissertation and the coursework modules;
6. Be technologically competent with regard to the technological requirements of the sub-discipline and develop a responsibility regarding the environment in which they function;
7. Develop a broad vision regarding the relevance of the acquired knowledge;
8. Master a variety of learning strategies that are applicable to the particular sub-field of study;
9. Develop a responsibility to the community in the sense that reflexive problem-solving strategies can be devised an applied within the community;
10. Be sensitive to the composition of the broader community and the aesthetic wealth that is connected thereto by demonstrating sensitivity to linguistic, literary and cultural diversity;
11. Identify and explore occupational employment opportunities and utilise entrepreneurial opportunities that may present themselves within their careers;
12. Develop competencies that will enable them to be innovative within a society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

1. Demonstrate his/her ability to identify, analyse and reflect linguistic and/or literary problems utilising the appropriate theories and frameworks,
2. Demonstrate his/her communication skills by convincing and persuading his/her peers/lectures of his/her particular point of view taking other's convictions into consideration. Group projects and assignments will form part of the formative assessment;
3. Demonstrate his/her ability to adhere to schedules in terms of class attendance appointments and submission of assignments and furthermore find and utilise sources correctly when doing assignments and preparations for contact sessions;
4. Demonstrate his/her ability to collect and analyse data appropriately and write a scientific report evaluating and synthesizing various approaches/theories;
5. Demonstrate his/her ability to use communicative skills that apply to the particular context;
6. Demonstrate his/her ability to utilise the available technology and strategies based on theoretical foundations and show sensitivity towards the environment and the health of others;
7. Demonstrate his/her ability to link the acquired knowledge to other spheres of life;
8. Demonstrate his/her ability to explore different learning/research strategies that are strongly associated with different personality traits such a divergence, assimilation, convergence and accommodation;
9. Demonstrate his/her ability to be responsible towards society and implement problem solving strategies in addressing societal problems;
10. Demonstrate his/her sensitivity towards the diversity in the community by interacting responsibly, ethically and supportively;
11. Demonstrate his/her ability to explore employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that may present themselves in his/her career;
12. Demonstrate his/her ability to be innovative and creative in terms of the application of the acquired cognitive and practical skills.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Assignments, formative assessment tests and group projects.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes, will be done by means of written examinations at the end of the individual modules. The mini-dissertation is assessed by a panel of examiners.