Bachelor of Arts in Law
Law, Military Science and Security - Justice in Society
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Law is to equip learners for the demands of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and future careers in law. The qualification aims to provide a greater appreciation of the socio-political context in which law operates. Emphasis is placed on themes of transformation through the constitutionalisation, Africanization, and decolonization of law and society in the new Bachelor of Laws standard. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
- Analyze and apply theories in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law.
- Critically question important theories and methodologies of disciplines.
- Analyze work in contemporary South African and African contexts.
- Interpret issues using various perspectives.
- Evaluate information sources and processes effectively.
- Apply knowledge of the South African Constitution and legal system.
- Access information efficiently using technology for research and communication.
- Identify legal issues and propose reasoned solutions.
- Work independently and collaboratively, making meaningful contributions.
- Reflect on and assess work in a formative manner.
These outcomes aim to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, collaborative abilities, effective communication, responsibility, a lifelong learning attitude, and confidence in learners pursuing careers in law.
Rationale: The introduction of the Bachelor of Arts in Law stems from the National Review of LLB Programmes in South Africa (2018), indicating concerns with the current LLB qualification structure. The need for learners to understand the social, economic, and political contexts of law led to the recommendation for a two-stage qualifications approach. Transitioning from an arts/humanities or commerce bachelor's degree to the LLB is seen as more successful for learners. The Bachelor of Arts in Law is designed to address these concerns, offering a broader academic background, alternative access to the LLB, and improved ability to respond to legal challenges on a national and global scale. Development of the qualification in consultation with legal stakeholders ensures alignment with industry needs. The multidisciplinary nature of the qualification integrates humanities and social sciences with law, promoting a holistic understanding of legal practice. Overall, the qualification aims to uphold transformative constitutionalism and increase diversity within legal education.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate familiarity with and have an informed outline knowledge and understanding of the content, and theories in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze and locate her/his own work in contemporary contexts such as the South African and African contexts regarding specific issues and/or problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret topical issues using different perspectives around the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and sound knowledge and understanding of the South African Constitution and basic areas or fields of law, which include the body of South African law and the South African legal system, its values and historical background.
- Demonstrate the ability to access information efficiently and effectively### as well as to use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and define the relevant issues in legal problems### identify and select the most relevant sources and research methods including electronic databases to assist in solving such legal problems and generate reasoned solutions.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
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Written and Oral Communication:
- Examine and apply terminology, concepts, principles, and theories.
- Appraise relationship among concepts and principles.
- Evaluate legal principles, concepts, theories, and values regarding societal issues.
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Disciplinary Relationships:
- Analyze relationships among concepts and principles of different disciplines.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
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Bill of Rights and South African Constitution:
- Critically discuss and interpret limitations of the Bill of Rights.
- Examine authority and powers of legislatures, executives, and judiciary in the South African Constitution.
- Evaluate general principles and rules of formal Law in South Africa.
- Analyze impact of politics, economy, society, and culture on the development of South African Law.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
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Topical Issues:
- Interpret issues from different perspectives.
- Analyze contemporary contexts and engage with ethical questions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
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South African Legal System:
- Analyze historical backgrounds and values of the legal system.
- Describe founding principles of the South African Constitution.
- Analyze authority and powers of chapter nine institutions and three tiers of government.
- Apply ethical knowledge to contemporary ethical questions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
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Information Handling and Communication:
- Collect, analyze, organize, and evaluate information from various sources.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
- Differentiate between legal and non-legal issues.
- Critically analyze legal issues and construct appropriate responses.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
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Legal Problem-Solving:
- Identify and analyze legal problems in real-life or hypothetical situations.
- Apply legal theory and practice to address complex legal problems.
- Apply fundamental and specialist knowledge to diverse legal problems.
Integrated Assessment
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Formative Assessment:
- Utilize various strategies such as group-work, assignments, simulations, case studies, and tests.
- Incorporate experiential learning into all program levels.
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Summative Assessment:
- Provide final assessments according to approved policies.
- Use assessments like assignments, tests, examinations, moots, and mock trials to test different skills and knowledge integration.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.