Bachelor of Arts Honours in Archaeology

Human and Social Studies - General Social Science

Purpose and Rationale

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) graduates with systematic knowledge, specialised skills, and theoretical competence focusing on or within a particular discipline or within an interdisciplinary framework to prepare them for specialist training at an advanced level.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who have in-depth knowledge and the confidence to identify and define complex problems and to apply their skills in finding solutions to those problems, especially within unfamiliar contexts.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate thorough familiarity with a particular discipline or interdisciplinary framework and have the ability to perform independently as intellectual leaders in their society.

Outcomes

Identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of living, of individual and societal kinds, creatively and innovatively.
Work effectively with others as members and leaders of a team, group, organisation, community, and provide leadership to the group output in tasks growing out of the fields traditionally considered as the humanities.
Manage and organise their activities and life responsibly and effectively, including their studies and careers.
Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in 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 contexts.
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 in the local and broader community.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify, analyse, and solve complex and advanced abstract problems.
Offer informed suggestions or generate alternative strategies for dealing with problems at different levels.
Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to personal views.
Provide evidence to support stated views.
Analyse global, national, and local community 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 projects to show successful interaction with others.
Use advanced communication skills within a group.
Act as supportive followers and group participants.
Organise effective working groups.
Communicate evidence of group interactions through reporting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate theoretical skills and learning strategies.
Organise study plans and practice effective time management.
Assess strengths and weaknesses and develop organisational strategies.
Think independently and offer theoretical evidence to support decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Demonstrate research skills within a discipline.
Use library and other resources effectively.
Act responsibly as researchers and scholars.
Follow relevant discipline-related conventions and guidelines.
Critically evaluate theories and arguments within the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Communicate ideas logically with supporting evidence.
Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments.
Use language competently with awareness of conventions.
Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation.
Use statistics effectively.
Analyse, evaluate, and critique the ideas of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
Use scientific methods for investigation and evaluation.
Select technology to suit individual or group needs.
Show respect for natural resources and use them 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 analysing the world.
Look beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries for solutions.

Integrated Assessment:

Assessment in line with institution's policies.
Formative assessment through various activities and assignments.
Summative assessment through examinations.
Feedback provided on activities, self-assessment questions, and assignments.
Individual feedback given on marked assignments.
Summative assessment feedback available upon request.

Qualification Details

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

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UNISA

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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.