Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology
Purpose:
The main purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology is to provide qualifying learners with appropriate competencies (skills, knowledge and attitude) to contribute competently in the field of Sociology. The learners will apply sociological theories and methodologies and contribute to the current debates in the field of Sociology in the context of South Africa and internationally. They will plan, design, and execute research using the relevant methodology and report on the findings, thus contributing to the generation of new knowledge that may be used to address pressing issues.
Rationale:
In the past years, several national priorities and goals have been identified in a range of Government reports (10-year Innovation Plan (2007), New Growth Path (2010), National Development Plan (2011), and National Skills Development Strategy III (2012), providing direction to the institution's vision. These include improving the extent and quality of health and other social services, providing improved education and training services and opportunities, advancing land reform, entrepreneurship, economic growth, investment, and job creation, and strengthening democracy, social equality, and public accountability.
The socio-economic development challenges encountered by the Province are of utmost importance in shaping the institution's future direction and strategy. Qualifying learners will be able to work and contribute in many varied facets of the job market and all areas dealing with people, given the employment opportunities available in strengthening democracy, social equality, gender inequality, youth unemployment, and general well-being.
Qualifying learners will work in a wide and diverse range of fields, including National and Provincial Governments, the Private sector, and as consultants. The typical learning pathway will be the First Degree - Honours - Master's - Doctorate pathway.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the acquisition of advanced knowledge and an understanding of current conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches in Sociology.
- Critically assess, and evaluate information and apply knowledge and understanding of sociology to constructively contribute to solutions to specific social problems in the South African context by taking into consideration the intersections of race, ethnicity, class and gender.
- Formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information, and reflect on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of knowledge in a context of urban and rural development.
- Undertake independent and original research in Sociology, from the identification of a research question to the completion of a research report.
- Communicate and share conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audiovisual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
- Manage own learning and demonstrate the attributes of learning-driven and self-directed learners.
- Work in a group as a member or leader, and take full responsibility for own work and, where applicable, that of other learners, as well as accountability for her/his actions and where necessary, those of other learners.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Discuss concepts, theories, and methods in Sociology in detail using current literature.
- Integrate knowledge from major disciplines within sociology to support arguments.
- Discuss current and contemporary issues in Sociology using relevant concepts, theories, and methodological approaches.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Acknowledge and incorporate the provisional nature of knowledge in written work.
- Apply fundamental and specialist knowledge of sociological methods and thinking to address current problems of race, ethnicity, class, and gender.
- Evaluate and utilize the latest advances in the discipline to support recommendations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Manage uncertainty, incomplete data, and limited information in problem-solving.
- Reflect on social and ethical issues in recommendations and proposed solutions.
- Evaluate ethical considerations in the research process.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Decide and describe the project question and scope clearly.
- Analyse and produce a comprehensive literature review from primary sources.
- Develop a project plan adhering to required format, justify chosen methods, and address ethical issues.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support recommendations in the research report.
- Work independently through reflective journal entries and supervisor meetings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Communicate research results to professional and community audiences effectively.
- Present concepts, ideas, and theories clearly and engagingly.
- Write a well-structured research report in the approved style with appropriate language.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Evaluate learning strategies through reflection journals and tutorials.
- Seek and use feedback constructively to improve work.
- Meet deadlines and submit assignments at the required standard.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Agree on group objectives and individual responsibilities for tasks.
- Implement strategies to meet objectives and responsibilities effectively.
- Submit group work on time at the required standard.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative assessment includes regular assignments closely aligned with learning outcomes, providing comprehensive feedback.
- Summative assessment at the end of each module through a formal examination.
- Research Project module assessment includes formative assignments and a summative written project report.
- Final module mark is the weighted average of Formative Assessment (60%) and Summative Assessments (40%).
- Pass mark of 50% for each module.
- Final qualification mark calculated as weighted average of module marks based on credits.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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