Master of Arts in isiZulu

IsiZulu aims at equipping first and second language students with the skills to analyse critically and scientifically aspect of language, literature and culture. Students are taught creative literary skill, the scientific analysis of literature as well as the phonetics, phonology and syntax of the isiZulu language. Second language students acquire speaking, reading and writing skills and are introduced to traditional and modern literature. This is in line with the new language policy of multilingualism. There is a great challenge for students in the form of lexicography both theoretical and practical components for those who wish to become lexicographers, terminographers, translators and interpreters, editors, language planners etc. From an economic point of view the most important task of the translator is to develop and promote the translation industry. In this context, we think of the accreditation body for language workers by PANSALB.

South Africa has now recognised eleven official languages and encourages previously marginalised languages to be developed. Our democratic society needs at least one additional language beyond the mother-tongue in order to be competent in the work situation. IsiZulu is widely spoken in the country, and KwaZulu-Natal is the main custodian of isiZulu.

Appropriate Honours degree. Entry is also possible through University of Natal's Rule 33 for postgraduate study.

• Demonstrate self-directed study in the language;
• Understand, analyse, evaluate and comment on a variety of literary texts;
• Conduct primary research into aspects of the language and literature;
• Write creatively in the isiZulu language and demonstrate an appreciation of creative writing;
• Understand the linguistics of the language;
• Compare isiZulu with other Nguni and Kintu languages;
• Demonstrate an understanding of a wide variety of aspects of Zulu culture and how these relate to literary texts such as historical dramas;
• Develop appropriate strategies and methods for research on literature, language and culture;
• Compile a report/dissertation, which indicates an ability to conduct independent research, and illustrates originally and creativity, and familiarity with the identified area of study.

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of inquiry;
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry in the programme;
• Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge;
• Analyse components/issues/factors/structures etc.;
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates;
• Summarise, compare and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge;
• Construct a sustained argument, formulate questions and work towards solutions;
• Command the conceptual discourse of the field of study;
• Solve problems, both theoretical and applied ones;
• Contextualise this study within the social environment and the historical understanding;
• Develop a clear understanding of the historical and contemporary state and possible future of the disciplinary areas in which he/she is working;
• Demonstrate a command of academic isiZulu at an appropriate level;
• Demonstrate familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level;
• Understand diversity;
• Demonstrate a capacity for individual study;
• Work efficiently with groups;
• Present findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing;
• Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols.

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

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.