Bachelor of Arts Honours in Development Studies
Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship
Purpose and Rationale
Skills and Knowledge Needed in Managing Development Interface
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Understanding of Community Development:
- Knowledge of theories and practices related to community development.
- Ability to assess the needs and priorities of communities.
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Project Management Skills:
- Planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects.
- Budgeting, resource allocation, and reporting.
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Stakeholder Engagement:
- Building relationships and partnerships with stakeholders, including public sector, private sector, and NGOs.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
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Conflict Resolution:
- Ability to address conflicts and manage disagreements between different stakeholders.
- Mediation skills to ensure collaboration and cooperation.
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Policy Analysis:
- Understanding of policies and regulations related to community development.
- Analysis of policies to identify potential impacts on communities.
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Sustainability and Resilience:
- Knowledge of sustainable development practices.
- Ability to plan for the long-term resilience of communities.
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Cultural Competence:
- Awareness of diverse cultural contexts and the ability to work effectively across cultures.
- Respect for local customs and traditions.
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Data Analysis and Research Skills:
- Collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making.
- Conducting research to identify best practices and innovative solutions.
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Leadership and Management:
- Leading teams and coordinating efforts towards common development goals.
- Strategic planning and organizational skills.
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Ethical Decision Making:
- Upholding ethical standards in all interactions and decision-making processes.
- Transparency and accountability in managing development projects.
By equipping students with these skills and knowledge, they will be well-prepared to facilitate effective partnerships between communities and development agencies, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development initiatives.
Outcomes
- Ability to interpret development policies.
- Familiarity with development theories and approaches.
- Familiarity with participatory strategies in Development.
- A clear understanding of the RDP principles and social change in South Africa.
- Basic research and writing skills.
Assessment Criteria
Integrated Assessment
In this assessment, students will be required to showcase their understanding of key concepts and approaches to development, their ability to analyze development policies, their knowledge of participatory strategies, and their understanding of the principles of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in the context of social change in South Africa. The assessment will consist of both oral and written presentations.
Assessment Criteria
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Understanding of Development Theories and Approaches
- Students should be able to explain different theories and approaches to development, such as modernization theory, dependency theory, and the capability approach.
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Interpretation of Development Policies
- Students will analyze and interpret current development policies, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impacts on communities.
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Familiarity with Participatory Strategies
- Students should demonstrate their knowledge of participatory approaches in development, including community-driven development and participatory action research.
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Understanding of RDP Principles and Social Change in South Africa
- Students will need to articulate the core principles of the RDP and discuss how it has influenced social change in post-apartheid South Africa.
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Research and Writing Skills
- Students will be evaluated on their ability to conduct research, critically analyze information, and present their findings in a clear and coherent manner.
Assessment Components
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Oral Presentation
- Each student will deliver a 15-minute oral presentation on a chosen topic related to development theories, policies, participatory strategies, RDP principles, or social change in South Africa.
- Presentations should be well-structured, engaging, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the chosen topic.
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Written Report
- Following the oral presentation, students will submit a written report expanding on the topic discussed.
- The report should include a literature review, analysis of key concepts, discussion of case studies or examples, and recommendations for future development interventions.
Assessment Method
- Criteria-Based Evaluation: Each component of the assessment will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above.
- Feedback: Students will receive constructive feedback on their presentations and reports to support their learning and development.
- Grading: The final grade will be based on the overall quality of both the oral and written components of the assessment.
By engaging with a range of topics and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of development theories, policies, participatory strategies, RDP principles, and social change in South Africa, students will showcase their ability to critically analyze complex issues and contribute meaningfully to the field of development studies.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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