University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Corporate Communication

Communication Studies and Language - Communication Studies

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with competent intellectual and analytical skills for the acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and application of development principles, knowledge, theories, and research methods within particular social contexts in a holistic manner.

Outcomes

  1. Use advanced terms, concepts, definitions, classifications and theories inherent to the development field correctly, and reflect on the applications thereof###
  2. Identify problems within the complex and variable context of social development (local to global level) and suggest workable and appropriate responses through process of critical and creative thinking###
  3. Work effectively with social scientists and other role-players in a team aimed at exploring phenomena within the social sciences, particularly in the area of social societal development###
  4. Collect, analyse, organise, interpret and evaluate social scientific information and reflect on this process and its applications###
  5. Communicate effectively with different role-players through using appropriate visual, conceptual, statistical or language (oral and written) skills and reflect on the applications made###
  6. Handle methods, techniques and methodological approaches competently (including entrepreneurship, where relevant) with a view to reaching a developmental objective and without causing a threat to people or the environment###
  7. Understand the role(s) of the development facilitator in society with regard to the improvement of quality of life of people, and to strive to fulfil such role(s)###
  8. Value and show a disposition towards self-reliance, honesty, commitment, sensitivity to differences (cultural, gender, race, religion, etc.), and democratic decision-making (where relevant)###
  9. Explore various learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a development specialist (especially learning by doing)###
  10. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors/ levels of the development field###
  11. Demonstrate responsible citizenship through the promotion of a holistic understanding of developmental processes.

Assessment Criteria

Formative Assessment Strategies

  • Class Assignments: Assignments will cover a range of topics within the development field to assess learners' understanding of key concepts and theories.
  • Essays: Essays will require learners to critically analyze and reflect on societal development issues, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
  • Presentations: Learners will present their research findings or case studies, honing their communication skills and ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
  • Practical Work: Practical tasks during study visits will assess learners' ability to apply theoretical knowledge in hands-on situations and work effectively in groups.

Summative Assessment Practices

  • Written Assignments: These will test learners' ability to synthesize information, analyze data, and propose solutions to development challenges.
  • Research or Practical Project: Learners will undertake a research project or practical task to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent analysis and apply their knowledge in a real-world context.
  • Final Examiners: A comprehensive final exam will assess learners' understanding of key concepts, theories, and their ability to critically evaluate and apply them.

Self-Assessment and Peer Evaluation

  • Self-Assessment Activities: Learners will reflect on their own progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, promoting self-awareness and self-directed learning.
  • Peer Evaluation: Learners will assess each other's work, providing feedback and learning from each other's perspectives, enhancing collaboration and critical thinking skills.

Responsible Citizenship and Ethical Considerations

  • Promotion of Holistic Understanding: Encouraging learners to consider the social, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions of development processes, fostering a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
  • Ethical Decision-Making: Emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, sensitivity to diversity, and democratic decision-making in the development field, preparing learners to act responsibly and with integrity.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Highlighting the need to achieve developmental objectives without causing harm to people or the environment, instilling a commitment to sustainable practices.

Learning Strategies and Skills Development

  • Exploration of Learning Strategies: Encouraging learners to explore diverse learning methods, including experiential learning, problem-solving, and collaboration, to develop a range of capabilities as development specialists.
  • Employment Seeking Skills: Equipping learners with the skills needed to enter the development field, such as networking, CV writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies.

Through these assessment practices and strategies, learners will develop a deep understanding of societal development issues, hone critical thinking and communication skills, and cultivate a sense of responsibility and ethical conduct in their future roles as development facilitators.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Johannesburg
Description
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. UJ is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its four campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. UJ is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting social justice, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

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.