Bachelor of Arts Honours in Languages
Communication Studies and Language - Language
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Languages
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Languages is to consolidate, deepen and intensify learners' theoretical and conceptual knowledge through their chosen language (Afrikaans, English or Setswana) in particular areas such as linguistics and/or literature. It also serves to provide learners with the methodologies and techniques which will prepare them for further independent research-based Postgraduate study in their respective areas of specialisation. The qualification supports the intended outcomes and enable qualifying learners to:
- Be critical and reflective practitioners and specialists in their respective areas of specialisation, addressing numerous complexities relating to languages in various professions (such as teaching, lecturing, editing, research, journalism, language practice, diplomatic service, government service, digital and paper-based media).
- Use sound theoretical and conceptual knowledge bases gained through their engagement with linguistic/literature disciplines and sub-disciplines.
- Analyse, interpret, review and critique linguistic and/or literary texts.
- Design and conduct research in their linguistic/literature areas of specialisation using the methods, methodologies and theoretical and conceptual frameworks of their disciplines.
The qualification has been developed for specialisation in either Afrikaans, English or Setswana.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Languages has been developed for specialisation in either Afrikaans, English or Setswana. The language of specialisation will also be the language of instruction. Under each language of specialisation, learners may select particular areas in that language. These are:
- Applied Language and Linguistic Studies
- Linguistics: Theory and Practice
- Past and Present Themes in Literature
- Contemporary Afrikaans Literature
- Comparative Literature
- Literary Theory
- Textual Criticism
- African/South African English Literature Studies
- Setswana Literature Studies
- Research Approaches and Methodologies
The qualification offers an opportunity for continuing academic development for language graduates, language teachers, language practitioners and language researchers, whilst simultaneously preparing learners for further research-based postgraduate study. The qualification has therefore been designed especially for learners majoring in a specified language wishing to further their studies at a Postgraduate level, as well as for language teachers, language practitioners and language researchers already working in a language environment who wish to engage in further research after completion of this qualification. As such, the qualification provides for the integration of theory and research approaches to allow learners to engage in praxis. A high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence is thus required from learners enrolling for this qualification.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to address numerous complexities relating to languages in various professions such as lecturing, editing, journalism, language practice, diplomatic service, digital and paper-based media.
- Use sound theoretical and conceptual knowledge bases gained through their engagement with linguistic/literature disciplines and sub-disciplines.
- Analyse, interpret, review and critique linguistic and/or literary texts.
- Design and conduct research in linguistic/literature areas of specialisation using the methods, methodologies and theoretical and conceptual frameworks of their disciplines.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Transfer expert knowledge gained to audiences at seminars, colloquia, undergraduate classes using PowerPoint presentations.
- Write reviews on literary and linguistic texts for digital as well as paper-based media.
- Edit numerous texts in terms of language usage, punctuation and style.
- Evaluate and critique modern scholarly/textual critical editions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Draw from disciplinary theories, concepts and terminologies in participating in ongoing discourses, debates and writing papers on disciplinary related topics in linguistics and/or literature.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Organise and structure ideas, arguments and facts systematically, logically and coherently in analytical and critical reflective pieces, reviews and critiques about linguistic and/or literary texts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Incorporate information drawn from different linguistic and/or literary texts to construct meaning and develop ideas.
- Conduct self-driven, independent research on the nature, purpose and scope of the topic under investigation.
- Identify and state a research problem, research questions, aims and objectives, designing a research project using relevant scientific methods and techniques.
- Analyse, interpret and synthesise research data and results/findings, attend to the technical, linguistic and stylistic aspects of a research report or scientific paper.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessments and moderation in the qualification take place in accordance with Institutional policy on assessment.
- Assessments should be executed on a continuous basis and in an integrated manner.
- Assessment grading will be criterion-referenced.
- Assessment activities will align with module outcomes and teaching strategies.
Formative and Summative Assessment:
- Formative Assessment consists of numerous continuous assessment activities.
- Final Summative Assessment may be a final reflective portfolio or a formally written exam.
- Formative Assessment activities must be submitted on predetermined dates.
- Late assignments and supplementary assessment opportunities will be dealt with according to the university's policy on assessment.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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