UNISA

Bachelor of Arts Honours in History

Human and Social Studies - Traditions History and Legacies

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Purpose:

  1. The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) graduates with:

    • Systematic knowledge.
    • Specialised skills.
    • Theoretical competence.

    This focus is on a particular discipline or within an interdisciplinary framework to prepare them for specialist training at an advanced level.

  2. A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who have:

    • In-depth knowledge.
    • Confidence to identify and define complex problems.
    • Apply their skills in finding solutions to those problems, especially within unfamiliar contexts.

  3. A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with individuals who can:

    • Demonstrate thorough familiarity with a particular discipline or interdisciplinary framework.
    • Have the ability to perform independently as intellectual leaders in their society.

Outcomes

  1. Identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of living, of individual and societal kinds, creatively and innovatively.
  2. 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.
  3. Manage and organise their activities and life responsibly and effectively, including their studies and careers.
  4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 Outcomes 1:

  • Identify, analyse, and solve complex problems using theoretical knowledge and experiential base.
  • Offer informed suggestions and generate alternative strategies at different levels.
  • Critically evaluate theoretical standpoints and compare them to personal views.
  • Support views with evidence from various knowledge bases.
  • Analyse global, national, and local community problems, needs, and opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:

  • Use 'people skills' in group situations.
  • Respect others' opinions without bias.
  • Show tolerance of diversity without bias.
  • Undertake theoretical and practical projects for successful interaction.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills within a group.
  • Organise effective working groups and communicate interactions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:

  • Demonstrate theoretical skills and learning strategies.
  • Organise study plans and manage time effectively.
  • Assess strengths and weaknesses and develop organisational strategies.
  • Think independently and offer theoretical evidence to support decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:

  • Demonstrate research skills within a discipline.
  • Use library and other resources effectively.
  • Integrate information from various sources.
  • Act responsibly as researchers and scholars.
  • Follow discipline-related conventions and guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:

  • Communicate ideas logically with supporting evidence.
  • Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments.
  • Use language competently and adhere to discipline-specific conventions.
  • Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation.
  • Use statistics effectively and identify discipline-specific jargon.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:

  • Demonstrate responsibility towards scholarship and technology.
  • Use scientific methods and select technology appropriately.
  • Utilise natural resources sustainably.
  • Show respect for science, technology, and the environment of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:

  • Apply prior knowledge and experience to the discipline.
  • Connect theory to individual contexts.
  • Draw upon personal knowledge and experience for analysis.
  • Look for solutions beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Summative assessment through written exams and research articles.
  • Formative assessment through draft papers and research article drafts.
  • Assessment by internal and external examiners.
  • Feedback provided on activities, assignments, and exams.
  • Assessment designed to test research skills and knowledge.
  • Assessment conducted in line with UNISA policies and procedures.

Specific Module Assessments:

  • HSY4801 Research Methodology in History: Research proposal development and final research report.
  • HSY4803 Forging Southern African Identities: Written assignments and a written examination.
  • HSY4804 Themes from Modern South African History: Written assignments and a written examination.
  • HSY4806 Terrorism in Global History: Online participation assignments and written components, final portfolio, and written assignment.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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Description
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.