Master of Social Science in Gender Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to realise a high degree of sustained proficiency in both scholarship and professional training at l Postgraduate level in gender studies. The aim of the qualification is to produce skilled practitioners who can help attend to the needs of gender, governance and development, especially in South Africa, but also in comparable societies.

Rationale

This qualification is intended to enhance the understanding of gender perspectives in the public sector, non-governmental organisations and community based organisations in Africa and South Africa in particular. It aims to inculcate scholarly learning in conjunction with acquiring relevant professional attributes and skills essential to gender practitioners in Africa. The case study materials used in the respective modules, in particular, pertain to South Africa and other African countries.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant roleare subscribed to. Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at any institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected qualification.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is a

• Cognate Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 192 Credits

• Gender and Language, 16 Credits.
• Social Research Design and Practice, 16 Credits.
• Short Dissertation: Gender Studies, 96 Credits.
• Gender and Media, 32 Credits.
• Contemporary Issues in Gender Studies, 32 Credits.

1. Articulate a theoretical understanding of key feminist theoretical concepts and ideas within feminism.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of new perspectives of feminism.
3. Explain the key contemporary theoretical positions with regard to modern and contemporary debates.
4. Develop tools for analysing problems from a gender and feminist perspective.
5. Write critical interpretations of research-driven problems.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcome

• Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the core elements of gender studies.
• Demonstrate specific research skills such as the ability to critically evaluate text using one or more of a range of gender theories as categories of analysis.
• Present, using academic conventions, the findings of research.
• Address an audience on background research and engage them in interaction on a topic in gender studies.
• Apply Gender Theory to a personal and/or professional environment in written and oral presentations.
• Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols.

Integrated Assessment

The approach and methods of assessment are multi-modal, incorporating both formative and summative assessment and are designed to assess the different competencies of the learners. Assessments tasks are therefore designed to support, develop and evaluate deeper learning. In keeping with this aim, formative assessment comprises class participation and weekly reflections of set readings in which a learner is assessed on his/her ability to critically reflect on the set readings and relate them to broader issues.

Under formative assessment, the qualification also has class presentations in which learners are assessed on the presentation, their ability to facilitate discussion and respond to questions.

Summative assessment comprises the evaluation against academic standards of either a research paper, a portfolio or a thesis depending on the method chosen.