Master of Arts in Afrikaans

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the applied competence in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and understanding of advanced literary and linguistic principles and methods. The qualification prepares learners for a language-based career, and it provides a basis for further learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning

In line with University policy, which entails the following procedures

• The Dean of the faculty of Arts is in overall control of the procedure.
• Applications must be in writing.
• A certain amount is payable for the assessment of the application.

The application is being assessed according to a procedure according to criteria set by the Faculty Council (Arts) and which include the following:

• An RPL faculty committee assesses the application - under the chairmanship of the Dean and in accordance with the university"s policy document on RPL.
• Relevant experts are part of this committee.

Successful applicants will gain access, or receive advanced placing or recognised status.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Afrikaans, NQF Level 8.

1. The learner should be able to find solutions to the research problem through the process of research and the acquisition of methodological research skills.

• The learner should be able to demonstrate the ability to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information from the core of the research product.

1. The learner should be able to develop skills in teamwork in the relationship between himself/herself and the supervisor.
2. The learner should be able to organise and manage the research process and demonstrate this ability in the process of consultation with the supervisor.
3. The learner should be able to demonstrate the ability to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information from the core of the research product.

• The learner should be able to demonstrate the ability to identify and explore new research problems and then communicate through research articles, a mini-dissertation and seminars.
• The learner should be able to find solutions to the research problems through the process of research and the acquisition of methodological research skills.
• The learner should be able to interpret cultures (in this case South African and especially Afrikaans culture) as maps of meaning through which the world is made intelligible. These maps of meaning are understood by studying (Afrikaans) linguistics and literature.

1. The learner should be able to find the solutions to the research problem through the process of research and the acquisition of methodological research skills.

• The learner should be able to communicate the research results by means of seminars and a mini-dissertation.

1. The learner should be able to organise and manage the research process and demonstrate this ability in the process of consultation with the supervisor.

• The research undertaken opens up visions and provides self-confidence to the learner to accept new challenges and thus entrepreneurship is enhanced.

1. The learner should be able to reflect on the micro- and macro-environment as linguistics and literature originate from within a community and as such all research related to linguistics and literature is directly involved in the micro- and macro-environment.

• The learner should be able to interpret cultures (in this case South African and especially Afrikaans culture) as maps of meaning through which the world is made intelligible. These maps of meaning are understood by studying (Afrikaans) linguistic and literature.

1. The learner should be able to demonstrate the ability to identify and explore new research problems and then communicate through research articles, a mini-dissertation and seminars.

• The learner should be able to find solutions to research problems through the process of research and the acquisition of methodological research skills.

1. The learner should be able to reflect on the self and the community because, in the study of linguistics and literature, cultures are explored and knowledge of the self and the other is gained with the result that learners can participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.

• The learner should be able to interpret cultures (in this case South African and especially Afrikaans culture) as maps of meaning through which the world is made intelligible. These maps of meaning are understood by studying (Afrikaans) linguistics and literature.

1. The learner should be able to reflect on various cultural products (linguistics and literature) and demonstrate a cultural and aesthetic sensitivity by means of seminars and a mini-dissertation.

• The learner should be able to interpret cultures (in this case South African and especially Afrikaans culture) as maps of meaning through which the world is made intelligible. These maps of meaning are understood by studying (Afrikaans) linguistics and literature.

1. The learner should be able to develop articulateness to market him/herself more effectively and with more confidence.
2. The research undertaken opens up visions and provides self-confidence to the learner to accept new challenges and thus entrepreneurship is enhanced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

1. Does the learner demonstrate solutions for the research problem through the research process and does he/she communicate these solutions by means of seminars, a written exam and a multi-dissertation?
2. Does the learner sustain team spirit throughout the co-operation required to complete the mini-dissertation?
3. Does the learner display and demonstrate self-responsibility by presenting and defending research results?
4. Does the learner demonstrate research skills through the research process?
5. Does the learner aptly describe and explain the research procedure, and write coherently and clearly in the mini-dissertation?

• Does the learner display an ability to defend his/her research verbally in contact sessions with the supervisor?

1. Does the learner demonstrate the use of technology for research and communication in his/her mini-dissertation?
2. Does the learner show understanding of the macro-environment in the mini-dissertation?
3. Does the learner display in the mini-dissertation that the scientific theory and methodology are being understood?
4. Does the learner prove that he/she is able to reflect on the South African society in a responsible way by making use of a specific cultural point of entry?
5. Does the learner show cultural and an aesthetic sensitivity to cultures and also the ability to interpret cultures as the maps of meaning through which the world is made intelligible?
6. Does the learner demonstrate that he/she can market him/herself?
7. Does the learner demonstrate in the mini-dissertation that new viewpoints and insights have been achieved?

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Research papers and presentations. Consultations with supervisor/(s).

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of

• Tests.
• Assignments.
• Written examinations - two three-hour papers comprising four modules each, have to be passed.
• Mini-dissertation.