Purpose and Rationale

Qualification in Information Science

This qualification includes various specializations in Information Science. Please refer to the "Notes" section for details on the specializations. The overall purpose of this qualification is to:

Provide qualifiers with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in a number of fields of Information Science, Multimedia, and Publishing products.
Offer in-depth knowledge of different theories, such as infometrics, information organization and retrieval theories, and communication theories.

In addition to the overall purpose of this program, each individual package has its own further purpose.

Outcomes

Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made concerning solutions for problems related to individuals, groups, families, communities and people with special needs.

Work intersectorally with other disciplines as a member of a team, group, organisation, community in both the public and private sectors.

Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between systems from an ecological approach by understanding social needs, problems and resource capacity within an international, national and local context.

Develop holistic, integrated strategies and programmes for social services founded on the collection, analyses, organising, implementation and critical evaluation of theory, information and processes.

Demonstrate effective utilisation of scientific strategies aimed at a service delivery framework.

Organise and manage their work load responsibly and effectively by means of a scheduled programme allowing for a learning environment such as reading scientific journals in the field as well as becoming a member of professional bodies, attending seminars and conferences, doing research and rendering voluntary services to facilitate professional growth and development.

Communicate effectively with people of all target groups, including people who are literate and illiterate, children and the youth, using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Contribute to the full personal development of each learner regarding strategies for learning, such as furthering of studies for career enhancement, involvement in community life, developing a non-discriminating attitude across a range of social contexts based on the value of social justice and a sensitivity for cultural diversity and awareness of similarities, and to explore and develop career opportunities such as entrepreneurial initiatives to promote social and economical independence and opportunities for personal development.

Assessment Criteria

The associated assessment criteria for the B IS Hons are derived directly form the learning outcomes and provide the criteria against which learner performance demonstrating the attainment of learning outcomes can be judged. The assessment criteria involve, at minimum, that:

Both norm-based and criteria-based modalities are used.
Reliability is ensured via internal and external moderation.
The standards and levels of achievement required for "pegging" the qualification at NQF Level 6 are met.

Integrated assessment modalities include:

Portfolios
Simulations
Work-place assessments through practical application
Written examinations
Oral examinations
Other methods as necessary

The modalities for integrated assessment permit the learner to demonstrate applied competence and use a wide range of formative and summative methods set according to specific guidelines for developing particular assessment tasks. This allows assessors to develop formative and summative methods related to credentialing purposes appropriate to contextual and situational readings of candidates presenting themselves for the recognition of learning achievements.

In addition to the above, modalities such as group discussions, presentations, peer group evaluations, observation/experiential learning, and live application of competency in practical settings are also used.

Qualification Details

Type

Honours Degree

NQF Level

Min. Credits

120

SAQA Source

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