Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Heritage Studies
Culture and Arts - Cultural Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Heritage Studies is designed to produce academically trained heritage practitioners who can understand theory and methods and apply them professionally. This qualification aims to ensure efficient achievement of outcomes by offering specialization in Heritage through three compulsory modules:
- Research Project: Mini thesis/Mini-dissertation
- Critical Heritage: Theory and Methodology
- Heritage Practice
These modules provide a deeper understanding of theoretical, methodological, research, and professional aspects of the field of study. Learners can choose further specialization based on their interests, future plans, whether professional or academic.
Qualifying learners are expected to:
- Process information effectively
- Engage in reflective practice
- Be critical thinkers and decision-makers
- Develop a disposition for lifelong learning
- Be active citizens who respond to and initiate change
- Promote the well-being of society and the environment
- Understand professional practice through an integrated knowledge base
- Function effectively in diverse contexts
- Act with integrity and maintain a high level of professional ethics
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Heritage Studies is designed for undergraduate heritage learners looking to advance to a Postgraduate level. This qualification offers a distinct opportunity to contribute globally to intellectual development and understanding in the field. It aims to attract learners from varied backgrounds and provide ongoing academic opportunities for professional growth in this discipline. Moreover, it allows learners to engage in praxis professionally.
Additionally, this program equips learners with the theoretical, practical, and workplace knowledge to advance in the Heritage sector, creating job opportunities tailored for this qualification. With an applied and interdisciplinary focus, linking heritage with conservation, archaeology, tourism, and museum studies, this qualification offers a comprehensive understanding of the built, cultural, and natural heritages of South Africa and beyond.
Upon completion, learners will earn a qualification with broad intellectual scope and flexibility, covering a wide range of cultural heritage topics. This prepares them to understand and implement the key ideas and procedures essential for heritage and heritage management.
Outcomes
- Understand theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to Heritage Studies and show an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
- Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in Heritage Studies.
- Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the discipline of Heritage Studies and the practice of heritage management.
- Display a knowledge of ethics and professional practice relevant to academic and professional contexts in Heritage organisations/institutions.
- Access, process and manage information critically.
- Produce, present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
- Operate effectively within a system, or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
- Demonstrate an ability to manage learning.
- Identify, interpret and argue through research.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Critically assess key texts in heritage studies globally, regionally, and nationally.
- Evaluate and synthesise recent and relevant research findings in Heritage Studies.
- Summarise identified key theoretical positions in the field of heritage studies.
- Write reflective and critical essays on identified theoretical and methodological texts.
- Use correct terminology, concepts, principles, and theorises in written and oral communication.
- Critique conventions and scholarly discourse in Heritage Studies.
- Provide a sound theoretical base and exposure to disciplines and sub-disciplines related to the study of Heritage.
- Engage with theory and disciplinary content to broaden and deepen knowledge in areas associated with the Heritage sector.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identify a topic, produce and defend a mini thesis/mini-dissertation using appropriate research methodologies.
- Engage with theories of knowledge, intellectual independence, and ethical and scholarly research in Heritage Studies.
- Synthesise accurate accounts of scholarly positions, viewpoints, and solutions.
- Analyse different sources of knowledge and contribute to ongoing discourses in the field.
- Critically interrogate sources and understand contents to contribute to debates.
- Find creative solutions to problematic issues in the workplace.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Evaluate the role of heritage resource management in safeguarding various heritage sites and identities.
- Discuss contests and fissures in the study and preservation of heritage globally.
- Generate solutions for complexities, contests, and contradictions in heritage practices.
- Identify contentious heritage sites or practices in South Africa, discuss issues, and propose solutions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Analyse and address complex problems in Heritage Studies using underpinning theories.
- Evaluate problems faced in heritage and museum contexts and find creative solutions.
- Formulate solutions for real-life complex problems in relevant heritage institutions.
- Design site evaluations, draft management plans, and identify resources for resolution.
- Design plans or approaches to address problems and identify possible solutions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Discuss and critique ethical issues in the context of heritage studies.
- Demonstrate a sensitive and ethical approach in day-to-day practices.
- Manage ethical dilemmas and formulate solutions with others.
- Uphold academic integrity and address issues like plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Design a research plan for a mini-thesis.
- Identify logical flaws in statements, prioritise main points, and interpret information accurately.
- Prepare assignments and research reports using data synthesis and critical evaluation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Compile and design effective presentations.
- Communicate project logic and information clearly in oral and written formats.
- Demonstrate excellence in language use and cite sources accurately.
- Show competencies in technology use for research and heritage projects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Identify relevant organizations, conduct site visits, and produce reflexive reports.
- Work effectively in teams or multi-disciplinary environments.
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills during professional functions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage own learning with minimum guidance using available resources.
- Plan and coordinate academic events, work professionally within the discipline.
- Manage relationships, coordinate meetings, and provide feedback for research projects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Identify researchable topics, manage relationships with supervisors, and critically appraise literature.
- Analyse and evaluate relevant literature, describe modes of enquiry, and summarize research problems.
- Describe research procedures coherently and reflect awareness of ethical and cultural sensitivity.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessments should be continuous, integrated, and aligned with module outcomes.
- Assessment models include formative, summative, and practice assessments.
- Formative assessments may include tests, assignments, or presentations.
- Summative assessments include mini-thesis, essays, and assignments.
- Heritage Practice module provides practical work experience in heritage organizations.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.