Bachelor of Arts Honours in African Languages

Communication Studies and Language - Language

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Title:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in African Languages

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide students with the appropriate theoretical background and to equip them with application skills that will ground any language-related practice they will be involved in, for example as suitably qualified teachers, translators, interpreters, transcribers, lexicographers, writers, journalists, or language practitioners in any other related field. With the acquired skills, they will appropriately respond to the country's Use of Official Languages Act (Act 12 of 2012).

Rationale:

The Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training would like to see African languages becoming media of teaching and learning at the school and tertiary levels. Furthermore, there is a serious concern that South Africa does not produce an adequate number of Doctoral graduates per year, and this has a negative impact on the economic and social development of the country. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in African Languages serves as a gateway towards Masters and Doctoral qualifications, at both national and international institutions.

Outcomes

Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural environment.
Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community, and contribute to the group output in tasks within the field of environmental management.
Manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies within the open and distance learning context.
Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required for Bachelor of Arts (Integrated Organisational Communication).
Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse.
Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global context.
Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those locally and the broader community.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify, analyse and solve complex problems by drawing on own experience and theoretical knowledge.
Offer informed suggestions and generate alternative strategies for problems at various levels.
Critically evaluate theoretical standpoints and compare them to personal views.
Provide evidence to support views from theoretical and experiential bases.
Analyse global, national, and local communities for problems, needs, and opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use 'people skills' in group situations.
Demonstrate respect and tolerance for diverse opinions.
Undertake theoretical and practical projects for successful interaction.
Utilize advanced communication skills within groups.
Act as supportive followers and effective group participants.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate theoretical skills and learning strategies.
Organise study plans and engage in effective time management.
Assess strengths and weaknesses to develop organisational strategies.
Offer sustained theoretical evidence to support decisions.
Think independently and critically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Communicate ideas logically with supporting evidence.
Evaluate academic arguments and produce sound arguments.
Use language competently with awareness of discipline-specific conventions.
Use appropriate organisation models and statistics effectively.
Analyse and critique ideas of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Same as Outcome 4.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Demonstrate responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
Use scientific methods of investigation.
Select technology suitable for individual or group needs.
Utilize natural resources sustainably.
Show respect and ethical attitude towards science and technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Connect abstract knowledge to personal contexts.
Draw upon prior knowledge and personal experience when analyzing the world.
Look beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries for solutions.

Integrated Assessment:

Utilises formative and summative assessments, self-assessment, and portfolios.
Number of assignments varies based on module credits.
Research report paper involves two assignments and a summative portfolio submission.

Qualification Details

Type: Honours Degree
NQF Level: 08
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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UNISA

UNISA, short for the University of South Africa, is a distance education institution based in South Africa. It is the largest university on the African continent and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. UNISA provides flexible learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. The university is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. UNISA also conducts research and collaborates with other institutions to contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in South Africa and beyond.

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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.