Master of Arts in Comparative African Languages and Literature

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to offer learners a specialised knowledge base and research competence in the nature of the development of the African languages and literatures and also prepare learners for PhD studies. The basic premise of this qualification is to help learners to conduct and present a research project that will indicate the application of scientific methodology to the learner's area of specialisation.

The qualification's purpose is to bring together scholars and thinkers to promote, analyse, critique and preserve indigenous knowledge systems and write creative scholarly articles aimed at engaging with a well-defined problem and publish them in nationally and internationally accredited academic journals. The purpose is to encourage learners to participate in community projects to promote multiculturalism and multilingualism through communication and literature writing.

Rationale

The introduction of this qualification aims to ensure an effective academic qualification that is relevant for the needs of the country. The qualification aims to reverse the decline of learners at Masters and PhD level within the African Languages department. The qualification therefore aims to support research activities and the development of a new generation of academics and researchers in the humanities. It aims to produce well-rounded graduates who are able to conduct research, think critically and serve the country and its diverse linguistic population.

As the higher education policy on languages acknowledges South Africa's linguistic diversity, this qualification will commit the institution to build on an underlying philosophy of pluralism and linguistic human rights by pursuing a policy of multilingualism and multiculturalism. The qualification further aims to help in merging the use of African Languages with the use of the European languages. The qualification will explore and promote the indigenous languages thereby making it possible for South African learners in higher education to speak, read and write at least one African indigenous language.

It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are able to read, analyse and reflect on study material and relevant literature at NQF Level 8. It is assumed that they are able to communicate effectively using academic English in written and oral form. It is also assumed that they are able to manage their own study schedule effectively.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

It is assumed that learners may have been performing duties that reflect competencies contained in this qualification at the workplace for many years without having received any formal qualification. Such learners will be allowed to apply for RPL for access into the qualification.

Recognition of prior learning is possible for purposes of both access and full or partial exemption from content. Admissions or exemptions through RPL are in accordance with institutional principles and may be in the form of qualifications from other countries, reports testimonials and/or work records.

Access to the qualification

To qualify for admission to this qualification a learner must have completed an Honours Degree in an appropriate field or the equivalent thereof.

The qualification comprises a dissertation which consists of 180 Credits at NQF Level 9.

1. Demonstrate some insight into the role of literature as a representation of and formative influence on peoples` experiences, aspirations and searches for ways of living.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the interpretation of written and oral literacy and cultural texts.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the analysis and criticism of written and oral literacy and cultural texts.
4. Demonstrate understanding of the social production of literacy and cultural texts at various times in history.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the discipline of literacy studies and their role in society.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of some of the theories which underpin the production and the study of literacy and cultural texts.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the current debates on African literature, culture and society.
8. Demonstrate a capacity for self-directed study.
9. Work both individually and as a member of a group.
10. Communicate clearly in writing and in speech.
11. Analyse and organise a substantial body of information.
12. Interpret and evaluate primary literacy and cultural texts.
13. Summarise and evaluate commentaries on those texts.
14. Demonstrate a capacity for historically contextualised understanding of primary and other texts.
15. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts, underlying philosophies and concerns of literacy and cultural criticism.
16. Synthesise the formative relationship between the particular (literacy-cultural and/or vocational) focus of own English studies and the ancillary disciplines selected for study, and transfer the knowledge established in one discipline to another.
17. Use the language skills and the interpretative, critical and analytical skills, as well as the knowledge and values taught in the qualification in an appropriate way in educational and other institutions in society, or in other spheres of employment.
18. Demonstrate an advanced critical understanding of the range of literatures in indigenous languages.
19. Engage at an advanced level with the concepts, underlying philosophies and concerns of literacy and cultural criticism.
20. Apply these concepts in extended (proto-research) written assignments.
21. Have knowledge and understanding of the general requirements of research and use the particular methods appropriate to own research.
22. Write a research article, or a mini dissertation, or a full dissertation that is based on independent research, which shows familiarity with the primary texts, engagement with the relevant theoretical and critical texts and with the current and/or historical debates about the primary texts.
23. Demonstrate a thorough general knowledge of African Literature and detailed knowledge of own specific area of investigation.
24. Demonstrate command of the general debates in African literacy studies and an understanding of specific critical or theoretical issues or problems.
25. Demonstrate an understanding not only of the general requirements of research, but also the ability to use the particular methods appropriate to own research in African Literatures.
26. Write a research article or a short dissertation that is based on independent research and which shows familiarity with the primary texts, engagement with the relevant theoretical and critical texts and with the current and/or historical debates about the primary African texts.
27. Contextualise own research through the cross-field transfer of knowledge produced by other disciplinary studies in the field of African studies such as historical/political studies.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The learner is able to

• Identify and solve problems.
• Communicate effectively.
• Analyse, organise and evaluate information.
• Demonstrate and understand the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.

The Assessment Criteria are applicable in an integrated fashion across the range of Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of enquiry.
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of specific areas of enquiry in the programme: the production of literacy-cultural texts in English, in their context and the interpretation and criticism of those texts.
• Understand the interrelationships among various areas in the field of knowledge: language, culture, textual production, history and criticism.
• Independently analyse texts in their relation to contexts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical underpinning of the field of study.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates.
• Summarise, compare, and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge.
• Construct a sustained argument; formulate questions of enquiry and work towards their resolution.
• Demonstrate a command of the conceptual discourse of literacy studies.
• Contextualise criticism within the present social environment and indicate an historical understanding of earlier criticism.
• Develop a clear understanding of the historical and current state of literacy-cultural studies and of their possible future development.
• Demonstrate a command of academic English at an appropriate level.
• Use information technology at an appropriate level.
• Understand the socio-cultural diversity of the place of study and of the objects of study.
• Study individually and work in groups.
• Present work at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing.
• Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols.

Intergrated Assessment

Both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning. Learners will complete a dissertation reporting on research that they have completed. The dissertation will be assessed by internal and external examiners appointed by the relevant committees.