UNISA

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Religious Studies

Human and Social Studies - Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Description

Purpose:

  • 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 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 apply their skills in finding solutions, especially within unfamiliar contexts.
  • A third purpose is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with individuals who can demonstrate thorough familiarity with a specific discipline or interdisciplinary framework and have the ability to work independently as intellectual leaders in society.

Rationale:

  • The Programme's curriculum aligns with statutory requirements for the intended purpose, Exit Level Outcomes, and Assessment Criteria.
  • The curriculum reflects a balance between theoretical, practical, and experiential knowledge and skills appropriate to the discipline.
  • Adjustments made in 2012 involved changes in credit weighting for specific modules to align with Product Quality Management (PQM) adjustments in the institution.
  • The modification of credit weighting in modules HRS411Q and HRS4805 necessitated changes in content to accommodate shifts in notional hours.

Outcomes

  1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural environment.
  2. 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.
  3. Manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies within the open and distance learning context.
  4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required in the pursuit of the Bachelor's of Arts Honours (BAHons) (Religious Studies).
  5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of 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 context.
  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 locally and the broader community.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Identify, analyse, and solve problems in various contexts within a discipline or field of study.
  • Offer informed suggestions for solving problems at different levels - community, national, international, and global.
  • Generate alternative strategies for problem-solving.
  • Critically evaluate theoretical standpoints and compare them to personal views.
  • Provide evidence from theoretical knowledge and experiential base to support views.
  • Analyse problems, needs, and opportunities related to science and technology at global, national, and local levels.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Demonstrate respect for others' scientific opinions without bias in reporting.
  • Undertake theoretical and/or practical projects to show successful interaction with others.
  • Use advanced scientific communication skills within a group.
  • Lead effectively within own competence limits.
  • Organise effective working groups.
  • Communicate evidence of group interactions through various reporting methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Organise study plans and practice effective time management.
  • Develop strategies tailored to personal situations.
  • Think independently and provide sustained theoretical evidence for decisions.
  • Assess strengths and weaknesses to develop organisational strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Use library, computers, and other resources effectively for research needs.
  • Integrate information from various sources.
  • Act responsibly as a researcher and scholar.
  • Follow conventions of scholarship and discipline-related guidelines.
  • Critically evaluate theories, examples, experimental results, etc.
  • Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Use others' ideas responsibly without plagiarism.
  • Evaluate academic arguments' conclusions and premises.
  • Follow literacy and numeracy conventions in written and oral communication.
  • Utilise appropriate organisation and presentation models.
  • Effectively use statistics to support ideas.
  • Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
  • Use language to analyse, evaluate, and critique others' ideas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Select technology suitable for individual or group needs.
  • Use natural resources sustainably.
  • Demonstrate respect and responsible attitude towards science and technology.
  • Consider ethics in science and technology issues.
  • Show respect and openness towards others' psychological, health, and physical environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Utilise interdisciplinary methods to solve science and technology-related problems.
  • Follow an integrated approach to learning and studying.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative Assessment through various activities and assignments.
  • Summative Assessment through examinations per module.

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.