Bachelor of Social Science Honours

Purpose:

The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours is to consolidate, deepen and intensify the learners' theoretical and conceptual knowledge and expertise in the specialised fields of Social Sciences. It provides the learners with the opportunity to study human behaviour and actions. Within the different fields of specialisation provide learners advanced intellectual education in research, analysis and writing. The methodologies and techniques will prepare them to undertake an approved independent social science research project and construct new knowledge in their fields of specialisation (Anthropology, History or Sociology). The Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours Degree prepares learners as future public leaders, professionals or managers, with relevant and highly valued specialised knowledge of society's establishments, cultures and ethics. The qualification will enable learners to be critical and reflective practitioners and specialists in their respective fields of specialisation. Critical thinking and reflective skills will enable these graduates to address numerous complexities relating to Anthropology, History or Sociology respectively. Further it will equip them to be agents of change in their respective local community contexts as well as in the broader South African and international contexts. This will only be possible if graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to engage critically on a high level with theory and if they are honed to be intellectually independent. The qualification is developed for three separate fields of specialisation in the Social Sciences, namely Anthropology, History or Sociology. Each of the specialisations will consist of five modules. Three of the modules are compulsory. Two of these engage with the theoretical aspect of the subject discipline, while the third module focus on research under supervision. The elective modules place emphasis on themes and issues related to local, national, continental and global issues in Social Sciences.

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Social Science Honours is designed to consolidate the learning in the undergraduate qualification. This qualification focuses on research and research methods, as well as contextual-specific approaches and skills in critical thinking, conducting research, and presenting findings to both the academic community and larger public. The electives will deepen knowledge and engagement in more specific fields, and the mini-thesis offers a practical application of research that will contribute to research and offer a platform into further postgraduate study or work in diverse settings. The qualification offers an opportunity for continuing academic and professional development in the different disciplines. It provides for the integration of theory and research approaches. This allows learners to engage with specific scenarios as committed thinkers and actors. A high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence is required from learners enrolling for this qualification. Qualifying learners would have the advantage of serving the community and society with academic knowledge on many of the major current problems facing society. This knowledge can be of great use in working in government departments, as well as the public-and private sector in helping to address issues that are currently crippling our economy and causing various societal issues e.g. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), gender issues, land issues, poverty and many other related current problems.