Master of Arts in Folklore Studies

Purpose

The qualification provides training in disciplines of specialisation and in research methodology to equip the qualifying learner with the skills necessary either for employment in a variety of fields or for further independent research in the same or a related subject area. The mini-research dissertation must reflect professionalism in research expertise and skill. The qualifying learner will be able to access, manage and produces information ethically in the context of the folklore practitioner's profession. The qualification equips qualifying learners with knowledge, aspects of operational methods and procedures in selected fields of specialisation including African oral Traditions; Indigenous Knowledge Systems; Intellectual Property and Folklore; Oral History; Folk Music and Dance; Myth, Ritual and Folk Belief.

Rationale

The qualification is intended to enhance the basic knowledge and skills in Folklore Studies by providing an opportunity to adapt their basic qualifications to a rapidly changing world of work. The qualification responds to the educational need and rural development in society, which have been identified as national priorities by government. Qualifying learners typically find employment in Cultural Studies related occupations, Heritage, Lecturing or Arts, History and Tourism.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned to the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the programme is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the applicant is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the applicant's studies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor Honours Degree in the related field, Level 8.

Or

• Equivalent qualification, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 200 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 176 Credits

• Mini-dissertation, 100 Credits.
• African Oral Traditions, 28 Credits.
• Indigenous Knowledge systems, 24 Credits.
• Intellectual Property and Folklore, 24 Credits.

Electives Modules, 24 Credits

• Oral History, 24 Credits.
• Folk Music and Dance, 24 Credits.
• Myth, Ritual and Folk Beliefs, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and be able to critique and evaluate current research or practices.
2. Demonstrate a command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
3. Solve problems that plague the folklore Profession.
4. Access, manage and produce information ethically in the context of the folklore practitioner's profession.
5. Understand and be sensitive to context and systems of the profession.
6. Manage his or her own learning and takes accountability for his or her own work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Be familiar with contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field of folklore studies
• Debate complex issues orally and in writing.
• Develop specialised knowledge in a critical and comparative manner, depending on the particular field of focus in the courses selected.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Master the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of information and effective professional written and oral communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply in-depth and specialised disciplinary knowledge and research skills to discipline-based problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse and critique communications of an academic and popular nature.
• Conduct advanced literature searches to inform reviews of specialised literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Appreciate the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Conduct independent research within a specialisation of folklore studies.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment across exit level outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments are based on formative assessments which are in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to candidates and summative assessments which ensure a judgement of learning at exit level outcomes. Such assessments should assess the candidate's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification. Furthermore, integrated knowledge will be evaluated within the form of a mini-dissertation.