Bachelor of Arts Honours in History
Human and Social Studies - Traditions History and Legacies
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in History is to produce qualified and skilled individuals in the field of history. These individuals will have the necessary skills to impart historical knowledge to others. Additionally, the qualification aims to equip learners with research skills to effectively generate knowledge that can contribute to a deeper understanding of economic, political, and social structures. The program allows learners to deepen their understanding of history through various modules and provides them with the historical research skills essential in the field.
Rationale:
The need for the BA Honours in History program stems from the demand expressed by history undergraduates within the institution for opportunities to further their studies within the Department of History. Many history graduates wish to pursue advanced studies in history beyond the undergraduate level, identifying a need for additional skills and knowledge in specific historical areas. To meet this demand and enable learners to enhance their expertise in history, the qualification was developed.
The typical learners for this program are recent history graduates looking to progress to a postgraduate qualification, as well as individuals such as school teachers, college instructors, archivists, and foreign affairs professionals. By completing this qualification, learners will not only gain advanced historical knowledge and research skills but also enhance their competitiveness in the job market. Moreover, the program aims to contribute to the generation of valuable knowledge related to social and economic developments, benefiting both individuals and the broader society.
Additionally, the BA Honours in History serves as a prerequisite for entry into the Master of Arts in History qualification, setting the foundation for learners to pursue higher levels of postgraduate studies in the field. Ultimately, the program aims to produce graduates who can effectively teach on historical developments that continue to shape contemporary economic, political, and social structures, thereby contributing to the advancement of historical knowledge and its application in various sectors.
Outcomes
- Define and describe the different research methods and their relevance to the subject of history.
- Identify elements of a research proposal and use them to construct an academically acceptable research proposal.
- Identify historical parallels between their history and that of other societies.
- Relate historiographical trends in the writing of either South African, European or African history.
- Produce a critical analysis of either South African, European or African history developments.
- Demonstrate research skills in solving history of either South African, European or African history.
- Critically analyse theoretical approaches used to explain different historical developments in Africa and other parts of the world.
- Analyse the international system as well as knowledge about the history of the superpowers of the world.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Define and describe various research methods in research in history and other related disciplines.
- Use and select appropriate research method in a study in history and other related subjects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Define and describe aspects of the research proposal.
- Develop a research proposal indicating all the elements of a research proposal.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify existing historical parallels in the development of different societies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Analyse and identify historiographical trends in the interpretation of either South African, European or African history.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Adopt a critical analysis of events using different pieces of work of either South African, European or African history.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Produce an academically acceptable research paper in which demonstrate a high level of research skills of either South African, European or African history.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Show a thorough knowledge of critically analysing philosophical theories of either South African, European or African history.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Utilise and analyse the essential data and main historiographical issues.
- Describe, identify and recognise the knowledge of the world system and the role of the major world powers.
- Acquire the skills and knowledge to operate effectively within the international system.
Integrated Assessment:
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Research Paper Assessment:
- The submission of a research module constitutes the research component to fulfil the requirements for obtaining an Honours qualification.
- The research component will comprise 25% of the overall assessment for the qualification.
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Taught Modules Assessment:
- One major Assignment.
- Class Presentation.
- Mid-year Test.
- All of the above constitutes 50% of the formative assessment.
- All modules except the research module have a final exam at the end of the year, which carries 50% of the summative assessment.
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Final Mark Calculation:
- The final mark is calculated by integrating all assessments as an average of the formative plus summative assessment plus the research paper.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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