University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Ethics

Human and Social Studies - General Social Science

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to:

  1. Provide a bridge between broad undergraduate topics and focused research required in ethics.
  2. Introduce learners to various methodological approaches in Applied Ethics for postgraduate studies.
  3. Consolidate and deepen expertise in Applied Ethics while developing research capacity.
  4. Equip graduates with subject content knowledge, pedagogical learning, and fundamental understanding.
  5. Offer opportunities for high-level theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Qualification Rationale:

The rationale behind the qualification includes:

  1. Addressing the need for individuals with advanced analytical and ethical reasoning skills in society.
  2. Responding to the absence of self-regulation, integrity, and morality in societal actions and behaviors.
  3. Combating crime and social ills through the cultivation of moral values and social responsibility.
  4. Developing professional ethicists capable of identifying and addressing ethical concerns across various sub-fields.
  5. Contributing to the reclamation of deteriorating morality in society.
  6. Leveraging the School’s expertise in offering a relevant and quality-driven applied ethics program.
  7. Supplying qualified ethicists to positively influence workplaces and communities.
  8. Producing morally conscious individuals who can impact society positively.
  9. Introducing students to research methodologies in Ethics for further exploration and study.
  10. Enhancing ethical reasoning skills in addressing practical ethical issues in society, particularly in the African context.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the moral issues and problems on the African continent.
  2. Understand the contemporary theories in Applied Ethics.
  3. Evaluate the concrete moral issues, decisions, and policies.
  4. Articulate the knowledge and demonstrate the academic skills of ethical reasoning, evaluation, and decision-making.
  5. Demonstrate and respect the moral values of the academic enterprise, and critical ethical and reflexive sensitivity to and awareness of their own ethical beliefs and values and those of others through team work.

Assessment Criteria

The qualification's assessment criteria are integrated across the Exit Level Outcomes, ensuring that students can effectively analyze case studies using ethical principles, apply ethical theories to contemporary African issues, and develop appropriate responses to concrete issues, decisions, and policies. Students are expected to make informed ethical contributions to debates by utilizing theoretical knowledge, value systems, and moral principles. The assessment tasks are designed to demonstrate the deconstruction and/or construction of ethical beliefs and values.

The qualification employs a continuous assessment model, including tests, assignments, projects, and case studies, as outlined in the Applied Ethics Module documents provided. The assessment tasks focus on showcasing disciplinary and content knowledge, application knowledge, and reflexive skills. Integrated assessment is central to the evaluation process, with various components contributing to the overall course mark:

  • Group and/or individual presentations account for 10% of the final grade across six modules.
  • Reading reactions make up 20% of the course mark.
  • Essays or term papers contribute 20% to the overall assessment.
  • Summative assessments in the form of long essays are present in all six modules and carry a weight of 50% towards the final course grade.

By engaging with these diverse assessment tasks, students are encouraged to apply ethical principles to real-world scenarios, critically analyze ethical issues, and articulate well-reasoned responses based on a solid understanding of ethical theories and frameworks.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.
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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.