Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics
Human and Social Studies - Traditions History and Legacies
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Purpose: The purpose of the qualification is to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in various sub-disciplines of linguistics and to build a bridge between the undergraduate studies in linguistics and the more advanced research-oriented studies offered at the Master's level. Learners are introduced to the key debates and research questions in linguistics and develop their ability to conduct independent research.
Rationale: The qualification provides advanced training in key fields of linguistics, to extend knowledge into areas of local, national, and regional concern in line with best practice when measured against global indices. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (relating to linguistic competence in an African language) are incorporated into all modules. The qualification covers various sub-disciplines of linguistics and gives learners the option to specialize in an area of linguistics whose significance for applied fields such as lexicography and language documentation has grown significantly in the past decade.
The qualification introduces learners to quantitative research methods to test linguistic hypotheses and is therefore useful not only for learners who specialize in Corpus Linguistics but also for learners whose main interest is in other areas, such as theoretical syntax or psycholinguistics.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge in different areas of linguistics, of the theories, research methods and techniques used in these fields, and their application in the critique of current research and the analysis of theoretical and practical language-related problems.
- Apply a critical and evaluative approach to identify research problems and to compare competing theories about linguistic phenomena and problems.
- Understand the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring existing theories or analyses to unfamiliar problems and new data, to identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in linguistics, and to offer creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues in the field.
- Apply learning strategies which effectively address own professional and ongoing learning needs and to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources.
Assessment Criteria
Integrated Assessment:
- To assess the learning outcomes, learners are required to write a research essay in each coursework module and an Honours dissertation.
- Continuous assessment in the coursework modules includes homework assignments, preparing a research abstract/reading list, and a class presentation.
- The assessment methods aim to evaluate learners' theoretical knowledge, presentation skills, and independent research abilities.
- The final research essay or the Honours dissertation is the core assessment component, requiring learners to conduct a small-scale research project and critically discuss contemporary linguistic research.
- Homework assignments test learners' understanding of core theories and concepts, while class presentations assess their ability to identify a topic, conduct literature surveys, analyze linguistic data, and present results effectively.
- During seminars, homework assignments are discussed to address core problems that may arise.
- Immediate feedback is provided after class presentations by the lecturer and peers in the class.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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