Bachelor of Arts Honours in English
Communication Studies and Language - Literature
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in English is to allow learners to engage intensively with a variety of rich texts which will prompt critical and original thought. The qualification will equip learners with appropriate competencies so that they are empowered to contribute to the field of literary and textual analysis both nationally and internationally. It aims to make them active, reflective and astute producers and interpreters of meaning. Learners should feel confident in communicating their perspectives and positions and thereby produce responsible and well-articulated responses to matters of local, national, and international importance. It further aims to equip them to become life-long independent learners who are capable of researching to make original contributions to knowledge and society. On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
- Explain, illustrate, and apply the concepts, theories, methodologies and approaches relevant to the study of English literature.
- Describe and engage in contemporary and historical debates within selected literary fields.
- Use the acquired knowledge and understanding of the discipline as a basis for the original and critical development and application of ideas to contribute to knowledge production.
- Intelligently and critically evaluate and synthesize a variety of sources relevant to the discipline to generate sustained written and verbal arguments.
- Discuss, explain and apply a range of genre-specific writing structures.
- Identify, describe and discuss appropriate narrative elements and their significance in multiple texts.
- Compose, construct and reference coherent, cohesive, clear and grammatically-correct academic essays while applying knowledge of disciplinary conventions ranging from structure and paragraphing to tone and mechanics.
- Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent and original research in English literature from identifying suitable research questions to completing and defending a research paper.
- Respond productively, critically and appropriately to questions and feedback.
- Communicate and share their conclusions and views as well as the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Act reflectively, ethically and with integrity and be accountable for their work, their actions, and their decisions.
Rationale: Learners with an Honours degree in English can work and contribute to many varied facets of the job market and all areas demanding higher levels of language usage, interpretation, rhetoric, communication and meaning production. Given the breadth, adaptability, and utility of studying English at a post learner level, employment opportunities abound for learners. The learners will be critical thinkers, able to approach problems creatively and analytically. Deducing from literature, they will be able to contribute solutions to issues of importance in current society, including but not limited to politics, social equality, poverty, gender inequality. Learners will contribute through meaning-making and critical analysis. Learners will work in a wide and diverse range of fields including for National and Provincial Governments and the Private sector. Learners will be in a position to work for themselves, as consultants or as salaried workers in companies or government. Learners will be able to work as language experts, editors, proof-readers, translators, communications officers, journalists, authors, etc. This qualification forms part of the pathway from first degree such as a BA, to MA and then-Doctoral studies. The Honours Degree is the bridge to further Postgraduate learner research-based studies and it is expected that many Honours learners will progress to Master's and Doctoral studies and contribute to research-based solutions to challenges and issues in current society.
Outcomes
- Explain, illustrate, and apply the concepts, theories, methodologies and approaches relevant to the study of English literature.
- Describe and engage in contemporary and historical debates within selected literary fields.
- Use the acquired knowledge and understanding of the discipline as a basis for the original and critical development and application of ideas to contribute to knowledge production.
- Evaluate and synthesize a variety of sources relevant to the discipline to generate sustained written and verbal arguments.
- Discuss, explain and apply a range of genre-specific writing structures.
- Identify, describe and discuss appropriate narrative elements and their significance in multiple texts.
- Compose, construct and reference coherent, cohesive, clear and grammatically-correct academic essays while applying knowledge of disciplinary conventions ranging from structure and paragraphing to tone and mechanics.
- Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent and original research in English literature from identifying suitable research questions to completing and defending a research paper.
- Respond productively, critically and appropriately to questions and feedback.
- Communicate and share their conclusions and views as well as the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Act reflectively, ethically and with integrity and be accountable for their work, their actions, and their decisions.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts, theories, and methodologies in English literature.
- Offer appropriate solutions to problems related to English literary analysis and theory.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Show a comprehensive understanding of different theorists and their arguments.
- Employ concepts and terminology accurately and confidently.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of biographical, historical, and socio-political contexts of novels.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Apply knowledge of structure in original and creative writing across genres.
- Use scientific procedures for investigation and evaluation in English literary analysis and theory.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Analyse texts using appropriate theories and concepts.
- Express critical reflection on intertextuality and postmodernism.
- Support analyses with examples from various sources.
- Identify, describe, and discuss narrative elements in texts coherently and logically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply knowledge of structure and creative writing in various genres.
- Analyse texts to demonstrate reading and analysis skills.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Describe and discuss narrative elements in creative fiction and non-fiction.
- Evaluate and contrast narrative elements in different creative works.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Create short pieces of creative writing focusing on narrative elements.
- Employ concepts related to the genre confidently.
- Engage critically with prescribed texts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Develop a research question, design, methodology, and theoretical framework.
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review with proper referencing.
- Analyse primary and secondary texts to address the research question.
- Provide a research report adhering to academic standards without plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Incorporate peer and educator feedback effectively.
- Demonstrate people skills like tolerance, empathy, and listening.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Present effectively using appropriate language and technology in academic and lay contexts.
- Articulate and defend interpretations in oral presentations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Identify and address ethical issues in the study of English literature and creative writing.
- Reflect on personal development and the research process.
- Discuss intersections between culture, class, race, gender, sexuality, and ethical implications.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative and summative assessments are provided for each module.
- Regular assessment tasks aligned with learning outcomes.
- Comprehensive feedback for learning improvement.
- Final module marks based on weighted average of formative and summative assessments.
- Research Project integrates learning and assessment with formative and summative components.
- Honours Degree requires passing each module with a final mark of 50% or greater.
- Final Honours Degree mark calculated as weighted average of module marks.
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.