Master of Arts in Anthropology

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied competence in, and knowledge of one or more contemporary relevant fields of social and cultural anthropology. The learner will develop higher order skills with regard to research methods, fieldwork, analysis of data, interpretation of social and cultural dimensions of human life, application of anthropological understanding in new contexts, and the presentation of results in written and oral forms. The learner will develop the ability to work independently and to contribute, though their own research reports, to the body of knowledge in the field.

Recognition of Prior Learning

All potential learners who are not in possession of a BA Honours Degree need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning that should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for Recognition of pPrior Learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the departmental chairperson of the department offering the module or modules the learner wishes to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not to be to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.

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 Anthropology, NQF Level 8.

1. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of specific anthropological research skills in order to be able to conduct a substantive and intensive research project independently and to reflect on the process.
2. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of relevant anthropological theory and debate to be able to relate fieldwork data to key research questions, to analyse the material sufficiently and to apply the anthropological understanding in practical contexts and reflect on the process.
3. Identify the ethical issues involved with doing research and have an empathetic attitude towards people.
4. Show commitment, honesty and responsibility in the context of academic and research work.
5. Demonstrate good understanding of social and cultural process, specifically in the South African context.
6. Use social scientific theory and methodology competently.
7. Identify social science problems, suggest and apply research possibilities to understand these problems better, and comment on the potential effectiveness of developing social policy, based on fieldwork.
8. Work effectively with social scientists and other role players in a team and show leadership abilities as a team leader in work aimed at exploring, analysing and interpreting phenomena within society.
9. Communicate effectively through the spoken and written word with the different role-players in the field of anthropology and society in general, including having the expertise to communicate with an international audience and the ability to prepare a social science journal article successfully.
10. Demonstrate responsible citizenship through the promotion of an holistic understanding of social and cultural processes.
11. Acquire successful employment seeking skills for entry into specialised research activities or employment opportunities where skills for human understanding through the social or cultural dimensions are required.
12. Use advanced technology for research and communication, where appropriate.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

1. Display sufficient knowledge of specific anthropological research skills in order to be able to conduct a comprehensive and intensive research project independently and to reflect on the process?
2. Display sufficient knowledge of relevant anthropological theory and debate to be able to relate field work data to key research questions and to analyse the materials sufficiently. Can the learner also apply the anthropological understanding in the practical research contexts and reflect on the process?
3. Identify the ethical issues involved with doing research and have an empathetic attitude towards people?
4. Show commitment, honesty and responsibility in the context of academic and research work?
5. Reveal good understanding of social and cultural process, specifically in the South African context?
6. Use social scientific theory and methodology competently?
7. Identify social science problems suggest and apply research possibilities to understand these problems better and comment on the potential effectiveness of developing social policy, based on fieldwork?
8. Work effectively with social scientists and other role-players in a team and show leadership abilities aimed at exploring, analysing and interpreting phenomena within society?
9. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through the spoken and written word with the different role-players in the field of anthropology and society in general, including the expertise to communicate to an international audience and the ability to prepare a social science journal article successfully?
10. Demonstrate responsible citizenship through the promotion of an holistic understanding of social and cultural processes?
11. Demonstrate having acquired employment seeking skills for entry into research activities or employment opportunities and reveal having the skills for human understanding through the social or cultural dimensions?
12. Demonstrate the ability to use advanced technology for research and communication?

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place, with a fair balance between formative and assessment strategies.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are assessed via a formal research proposal, a seminar presentation and personal discussions with their formally appointed supervisor(s). This may include a visit by the supervisor to the location of fieldwork.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

The dissertation, as a comprehensive research report, is examined as the end product of the study. It needs to be accompanied by an article on the research, ready for publication.