Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies
Communication Studies and Language - Communication Studies
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 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 possess in-depth knowledge and the confidence to identify and define complex problems. They are equipped with the skills to apply these problem-solving abilities to find solutions, especially within unfamiliar contexts.
The third purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who can demonstrate thorough familiarity with a specific discipline or interdisciplinary framework. They are expected to have the ability to work independently as intellectual leaders in their society, contributing positively to their respective fields and broader communities.
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: Students should draw on their own experience and theoretical knowledge to offer informed suggestions or generate alternative strategies for dealing with problems at various levels.
- Critically evaluate theoretical standpoints: Students must compare various theoretical standpoints to their own views and offer evidence to support their stated views.
- Analyse global, national, and local community problems: Students should be able to identify problems, needs, and opportunities at different levels.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Use and propagate 'people skills': Students must demonstrate tolerance, empathy, and listening skills in group situations.
- Demonstrate respect and tolerance of diversity: Reporting should be done without bias.
- Undertake projects and use advanced communication skills: Provide evidence of successful interaction with others and act as supportive followers and group participants.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Demonstrate theoretical skills and learning strategies: Organize study plans, engage in effective time management, and evolve strategies best suited to personal situations.
- Think independently and offer sustained theoretical evidence: Students must assess their strengths and weaknesses and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Demonstrate research skills: Use library and other resources effectively, integrate information from various sources, and follow discipline-related conventions.
- Act responsibly as researchers and scholars: Appropriately reference sources, avoid plagiarism, and critically evaluate theories and examples.
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 identify discipline-specific jargon.
- Use statistics effectively: Support ideas with statistics where necessary and analyze, 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 of investigation, select appropriate technology, and show respect for the environment and resources.
- Show respect and openness towards others: Demonstrate respect towards the psychological, health, and physical environment of others.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7
- Demonstrate prior knowledge and experience: Connect abstract knowledge to personal contexts, draw upon prior knowledge and personal experience when investigating and analyzing the world.
Integrated Assessment
- Formative Assessment: Includes activities in study guides, self-assessment questions, and written assignments that contribute towards the final module mark.
- Summative Assessment: Conducted through examinations with feedback provided upon request.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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