Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics
Communication Studies and Language - Language
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in General Linguistics
Purpose:
This qualification aims to equip potential and practicing language practitioners with essential theories and practices in linguistics while delving deeper into the study of language in relation to society, cognition, teaching and learning, as well as planning. The knowledge acquired through this qualification is crucial for language practitioners as it is fundamental for careers in language planning, editing, analysis, writing, teaching, curriculum development, research, and academia.
Rationale:
The redesigned curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in General Linguistics seeks to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the field of linguistics by offering a mix of general modules that cover concepts, theories, and practices in Sociolinguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Language Planning, and research in linguistics.
- Sociolinguistics addresses language planning and policy procedures, language variation within different contexts (e.g. dialects, code-switching, the impact of style and gender on language choice).
- Cognitive Linguistics examines factors such as cognition and its influence on language.
- Learners are introduced to general research procedures and practices in linguistics to conduct in-depth examinations within any of these fields.
Through this qualification, language practitioners will gain a holistic understanding of linguistics that is essential for their professional growth and success in various language-related careers.
Outcomes
- Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural and human environments.
- Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
- Manage and organise own activities and life responsibly and effectively, including own studies within the open and distance learning context.
- Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required.
- 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 own 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 by drawing on own experience and theoretical knowledge.
- Offer informed suggestions or generate alternative strategies for dealing with problems at various levels.
- Critically evaluate theoretical standpoints and compare them to personal views.
- Support stated views with evidence from theoretical knowledge or experiential base.
- Analyse global, national, and local community problems, needs, and opportunities.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Use and propagate 'people skills' in group situations.
- Demonstrate respect and tolerance for diverse opinions without bias.
- Undertake projects to provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
- Use advanced communication skills within a group.
- Act as supportive followers and group participants.
- Organise effective working groups and communicate evidence of group interactions.
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 and develop organisational strategies.
- Think independently and offer sustained theoretical evidence.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Demonstrate research skills within a discipline.
- Use library and resources effectively for research.
- Act responsibly as researchers (e.g. appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism).
- Critically evaluate theories and argue appropriately 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 and show awareness of conventions.
- Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation.
- Use statistics effectively when necessary.
- Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
- Use scientific methods and select technology appropriately.
- Use natural resources sustainably.
- Show respect and ethical attitude towards science, technology, and environment.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Demonstrate prior knowledge and experience relevant to the discipline.
- Connect abstract knowledge of theory to personal contexts.
- Draw upon prior knowledge and personal experience when investigating the world.
- Look beyond disciplinary boundaries for solutions.
Integrated Assessment:
- Summative Assessment: Written exam at the end of the year (80% weight).
- Formative Assessment: Two draft papers during the year (20% weight).
- Research article submission as summative assessment (80% weight).
- Formative Assessment: Activities, self-assessment questions, and written assignments.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.