Master of Arts in Ancient Languages

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in language teaching and research at an advanced level. This qualification prepares graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment. Learners who achieve the outcomes of this qualification can, with an advanced level of independence, competence and self-motivation: Deal with complex issues about the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman history and literature, philosophical ideas, religion, language and culture, both systematically and creatively.

Through engagement with the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman world, they can think independently, argue effectively and skilfully solve problems. These learners communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Learners demonstrate self-direction and originality in debating topics of ongoing relevance and appreciate the continuing influence of Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman antiquity in the modern period. Learners furthermore gain a progressively deeper understanding of subjects of Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman civilisation and of appropriate multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary methods. They act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills, and contribute to academic debates.

Rationale

The Master of Arts in Ancient Languages responds to the need to provide the opportunity for the advanced study of language development, language use and language philosophy from the development of the writing system through the period of the Ancient Near Eastern civilization, and of the Greek-Roman period from its origins through to the first 300 years after the common era. The program combines the fields traditionally distinguished as Semitic languages (Akkadian, Ugaritic, Old Aramaic, Arabic, Syriac, and Biblical Aramaic), Tank, Rabbinic literature, Second Temple period, classical Latin and Greek literature, Greek New Testament, Vulgate and Patristics.

The rationale of this program lies in the close historical relationship (geography, history, language system, language influence) between the Semitic languages, Greek, and Latin in the ancient world, their emergence from a common writing system and a common set of scriptural texts (Tenak, Qumran texts, Quran, LXX, Peshitta, Greek New Testament and Vulgate) as a medium through which to develop and express ethical, social, political and religious visions. The successful completion of the qualification results in the enrichment of knowledge, skills, and research outputs in the field of Ancient Languages. The learner becomes autonomous in practice through the specialist knowledge and skills attained in the qualification.

The qualification provides the learner access to Doctor of Philosophy studies, thus increasing the learner pool for leadership in the field of Ancient Language studies. Qualified learners contribute to the continuous development of Ancient Languages through the development of scientific and professional knowledge for the advancement of language, law practice, research, management and education (also identified as the stakeholders of this qualification). Skilled practitioners contribute to the quality of delivered to the community in participating in issues relevant to policy change, development and implementation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The application of RPL is according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy.

• The Faculty of Health Sciences ensures the implementation of quality assurance processes in the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems). It also ensures that administrative and support systems, both before and after RPL assessment, are in place.
• Learners' assessment is against NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in the Language, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following Elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Greek: Dissertation, 180 Credits.

Or

• Latin: Dissertation, 180 Credits.

Or

• Semitic Languages: Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. The ability to apply the knowledge by using historical debate, textual and literary analysis and philosophical discourse.
2. Understanding of relevant academic debates through their engagement with specific research issues.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Understand the critical and hermeneutical issues specific to the study of the Ancient Near Eastern language and literature;
• Demonstrate functional capacity in the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature;
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature with methodological soundness;
• Analyse and interpret this knowledge with methodological soundness;
• Demonstrate the capacity for informed, independent, critical thinking and ability to perform appropriate library and online research utilised in the professional study of Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature;
• Demonstrate an aptitude for being a lifelong learner in Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature (continuing professional development);
• Construct an informed synthesis between the primary Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman language and literature evidence and current research findings;
• Present a coherent written research model supported by references as appropriate using effective communication skills;
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the profound impact of the Ancient Near Eastern, Classical and Roman field of study.

Integrated Assessment

This research qualification consists of 180 credits. The assessment practice and approach is characterised by ongoing supervision to culminate in a final summative assessment. Integrated assessment: Learners design of a research proposal, the submission of an argued dissertation in terms of language, style, argumentation and documentation, internal and external assessment.