Bachelor of Arts Honours
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Arts Honours
Purpose
The world is changing at an incredible pace computer capacity almost doubles every two years and knowledge increases just as quickly. The Bachelor of Arts Honours prepares learners for research-based Postgraduate study by enabling learners to produce creative solutions to complex problems within a specialist area of their and to conduct and report research under supervision. The successful learner is ready to enter further study or the world of work in a variety of fields. Subjects offered in the qualification include Communication/Cultural Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Literature in English, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Religious Studies, Anthropology, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Sepedi, and IsiNdebele. The qualification focuses on the African context in the exploration of the liberal arts disciplines. Learners will possess the cultural fluency necessary to function in and lead the multicultural society that is not only South Africa's hallmark, but also the global context. It aims at fostering ethically-based leadership abilities centered on human dignity and the common good-principles needed in all sectors of our society. Our learners develop essential skills in interdisciplinary critical thinking and problem-solving.
Rationale
The modern knowledge economy in which our learners compete expects learners to have a social and human element to succeed in a technological world. We know that the contemporary globalizing world requires more than mere technological progress. Human behavior, attitudes, and values must change if the world is to continue to exist and to manage the challenges of our times creatively. The emphasis, therefore, falls precisely on this need to develop this Postgraduate qualification. The main aim is, thus to offer learners training in the humanities that prepares them to contribute to this new world. Research shows that the best approach is to develop both general and specific skills. This qualification focuses on helping learners along this path. Knowledge of the social sciences, languages, and arts offers an indispensable key to building a developed and just society in South Africa and Africa. The qualification will produce learners who:
- Think independently
- Ask the right questions so that they can analyze, weigh up ideas, come to logical conclusions, and place solid arguments on the table.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate information and ideas, opinions using relevant analytical discourse.
- Ability to identify, examine and reflect complex problems by presenting evidence to corroborate their arguments underpinned by an understanding of the theories and ethics.
- Demonstrate integrated knowledge in human and social sciences and the ability to apply and evaluate concepts, key terms, facts, principles in those disciplines as well as in the areas of specialization.
- Demonstrate their understanding that knowledge is a contested terrain. They should be able to examine the different types of knowledge and explain contexts within which such knowledge is produced.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Establish communicative ability by examining decision-making in context.
- Develop problem-solving skills through communication.
- Understand the importance of multidisciplinary problem-solving.
- Sharpen argumentative skills across various fields in the program.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Exhibit exposure to human sciences ethics and professional practices.
- Evaluate understanding of ethical considerations.
- Complete an extended essay demonstrating information processing and academic language proficiency.
- Engage in debates on philosophies within their disciplines.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Help learners view the world holistically.
- Expand knowledge base to explore diverse fields of study.
- Demonstrate mastery of registers and theories in different fields.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identify and validate different areas of knowledge.
- Exposure to various methods and procedures to discern contextual frameworks of knowledge.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative and summative assessment.
- Coursework and research component.
- Taught research methodology module.
- Research proposal and research process.
- Formative assessment: tests, presentations, assignments.
- Summative assessment: exam, mini-thesis submission.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.