North-West University

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistic Studies

Communication Studies and Language - Language

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Linguistic Studies qualification is to enable learners to acquire a sophisticated, diverse and progressive range of professional linguistic skills coupled with an advanced theoretical foundation to enable them to not only successfully participate in the professional language industry, but also to critically reflect on the discipline and its role in society in a process of lifelong learning. The learners will acquire scientific insight into and knowledge of the linguistics of particular languages as well as the connections between related matters by means of an interdisciplinary approach. They will be able to identify and solve problems in a critical, integrative and creative manner and realise the need for life-long learning in order to deal critically with different methodologies and express a personal opinion on literature based on subject-specific and theoretical knowledge.

Rationale:

This Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA Hons) Linguistic Studies qualification is intended to educate learners in the theory and practice of Linguistic Studies and thus to become a relevant role player and practitioner in the South African society. Graduates would be able to play an important role in solving problems in Linguistic Studies. This qualification is intended to assist relevant role players, such as potential employers, current learners and their parents, to understand the criteria determining job possibilities in the world of the languages and humanities, more specifically, in Linguistic Studies. The term 'generic' is used to indicate that the basic minimum of the outcomes as well as their associated assessment criteria has been identified. In keeping with the points of departure of the generic degrees project, the standards have been developed abstractly. The standard is not bound by discipline-specific knowledge, but rather by consensus on the depth and complexity of learning and competencies to be acquired by learners in such programmes of study. This has the implication that a learner could build a learning programme at the appropriate level by using a wide variety of disciplines leading to the desired outcomes. In the construction of a specific study programme provision should be made for depth and that the level descriptors should be kept in mind very closely so as to allow a learner to proceed to more complex postgraduate work. This generic qualification standard proposes a minimum standard for the Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Languages and the Humanities consisting of at least 128 Credits within the 'general track' of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate advanced scholarly and scientific knowledge and understanding of approaches to, as well as terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories typical to Linguistic Studies at advanced level
  2. Identify, analyse, and solve problems akin to Linguistic Studies in a critical and creative manner.
  3. Control, apply, analyse, and integrate knowledge independently, as well as to evaluate it in a responsible and well-grounded manner.
  4. Demonstrate competency as effective learners who understand the need for life-long Learning.
  5. Report on research and communicate it in writing and orally, with the use of appropriate Information Technology (IT), to an audience of peers.
  6. Critically evaluate ethics and practices akin to Linguistic Studies.
  7. Articulate and communicate the value of being a competent and critical practitioner of Linguistic Studies within a vocational context as well as within a culturally diverse South African and world population.

Assessment Criteria

Integrated Assessment:

Continuous formative assessment ensures feedback to learners on progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment focuses on the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification and includes integrated assessments, among others a mini-dissertation, which assess the learners' 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.

Integrated Assignments:

Integrated assignments focus on assessing whether the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either in to or in the component parts of the program of study and on the demonstration of applied competence. It is essential that a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies, and attitudes be integrated using innovative methods - and in the assessment of outcomes due recognition should be given to criteria and methods of assessment that assess these appropriately and adequately.

Assessment Methods:

The learners are further assessed through a written literature review and project reports, practical tests, oral presentations, and final oral and written examinations to assess the holistic knowledge and interpretative skills of the learners.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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North-West University
Description
North-West University (NWU) is a public university located in South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of three institutions: the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, the University of Bophuthatswana, and the University of North-West. NWU has three campuses, namely Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, natural sciences, and theology. NWU is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, with several research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing societal challenges. NWU is committed to providing quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. It strives to produce graduates who are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of South Africa and the global community. The university also promotes community engagement and social responsibility through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, North-West University is a reputable institution that values academic excellence, research, and community engagement, making it a sought-after choice for students seeking higher education in South Africa.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.