Master of Arts in History of Art

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable the learner who has already acquired an Honours Degree in the field of History of Art or an equivalent qualification, to undertake advanced study by means of a Master's Degree in the field of History of Art. Level are thus equipped with advanced and in-depth knowledge and understanding in the History of Art, which produces competent, ethical and professional art practitioners able to meet the needs of South Africa for art experts who can function as lecturers in Higher Education, become curators in Art Museums and Galleries or work in the broader artistics endeavours within the community and world of art.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to create opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, theoretical depth and valuable economic activity and contributions to the community as art managers, curators of art museums and critical reflectors on the role of art in the South African community by means of advanced education and study.

The second aim of this qualification is to supply South Africa with developing art practitioners who have the necessary theoretical background and are capable of practical skills, with specialisation and critical insight in a recognised sub-discipline within the art industry. This will further contribute to the expansion of the leadership base for innovative and knowledge based economic and scholastic activity in the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally (obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placement in a specifically chosen teaching learning programme of the institution. In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme. Demonstration of prior learning takes the form of a portfolio of evidence documenting records of achievement that may include formal assessments, publications, training and work experience. The portfolio of evidence is evaluated by competent assessors, appointed by the responsible academic managers and/or committees within the institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in History of Art.

This qualification consists of a dissertation module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Module

• Dissertation (KSGS871), 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of the History of Art and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills to write a research proposal in a critical and creative manner.
2. Identify a researchable problem within the field of the History of Art from which critical subject-theoretical and methodological insights into problem-solving are clear.
3. Collect, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
4. Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of a research process, including the mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area, and the ability to analyse, present and challenge scholarly positions, as well as be able to analyse, interpret and critically evaluate works 5. Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability, with respect to the ethical implications of research, as well as professional standards of conduct.
5. Demonstrate academic writing skills and present appropriate academic language in writing, and be able to communicate findings both in writing and orally to an audience of academic peers with the aid of applicable Information Technology (IT).

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Show and understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as in technology.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
• Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of a Master's dissertation initially takes place when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written.

Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.