Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Communication Studies and Language - Communication Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BA Journalism) is to educate and train graduates for Journalism for the unique circumstances of South Africa. These circumstances include bridging the divide between developed and developing communities within one society, advancing social justice and acting as the watchdogs of democracy. The qualification will equip students with fundamental knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism, reporting across different genres and platforms, practical newswriting and publication skills, a sound theoretical background in terms of media theory and critical thinking as well as knowledge of broader communication contexts, mass media research, and communication law and ethics. This qualification enables learners to respond to the working environment by providing them with a solid foundation within the discipline of Communication Science with a specific theoretical and practical focus on Journalism as a profession within a developing society. This qualification has been carefully designed to allow for three lines of development as proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Model Curriculum, namely:
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Professional practice: Characterized by engagement in active enquiry and achieved through experiential learning.
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The study of journalism in society: Emphasizing social, cultural, political, economic, legal and ethical aspects of journalism both nationally and internationally.
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General knowledge of other disciplines: Allowing for interdisciplinary exposure and potential specialization in other fields later in a career.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is designed to provide learners with integrated knowledge of journalism, tailored to address the needs within the sector, such as journalists who can work across platforms and have specific knowledge of the South African context. The qualification aims to ensure well-trained journalists with competencies to seek out and interpret information objectively and communicate it ethically, fostering democracy, dialogue, and development. Graduates are prepared to contribute to newsrooms, media industry, and society by critically engaging with information, fulfilling the role of the public's link to complex information. Successful completion of the degree will enable graduates to practice journalism across various media contexts and platforms, with the potential to continue studies at an Honours level or other postgraduate pathways.
Outcomes
- Develop a broad knowledge base of the two major disciplines of Journalism and Communication Science.
- Develop generic skills including a broad general knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, the ability to innovate and to work across disciplines.
- Develop all the basic technical skills required to practice as a journalist across genres and platforms.
- Analyse the state of the industry and adapt in order to ensure sustainability.
- Contribute to a developing democracy in a mature manner.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Understand, apply, and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, and theories in journalism and communication science.
- Integrate knowledge across journalism and communication science.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate systematic knowledge of theories, models, methodologies, and scholarly positions in Communication Science, Journalism, and Media Studies.
- Show how this knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines, or practices.
- Apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in Journalism and Communication Science.
- Adapt models, theories, methodologies, and approaches from various fields to find creative solutions to problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Gather and synthesize information for journalistic output or deliberation on journalism as practice.
- Communicate and argue effectively in various formats and professional journalism products.
- Apply theories of various media and communication through active enquiry.
- Utilize methodologies to analyze, evaluate, and adapt content strategies.
- Engage critically with current discourses about the media and challenge assumptions.
- Complete tasks required of a professional journalist and adapt learning strategies accordingly.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Analyze and locate new knowledge in contemporary contexts regarding journalism and the study of journalism in society.
- Analyze the state of the media industry and provide solutions for sustainability.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Demonstrate understanding of social and human complexity and diversity.
- Demonstrate a sense of civic responsibility and moral awareness regarding journalism's role in safeguarding democratic principles.
- Understand editorial decision-making and the role of journalism in a developing democracy.
Integrated Assessment:
- The assessment will include formative, summative, and continuous assessment opportunities.
- Formative assessment will include practicals, tests, assignments, presentations, and case studies.
- Summative assessment will include examinations in eight modules.
- Continuous assessment will involve compiling a portfolio of journalism across genres and platforms in seven modules.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 384
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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