University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Development Studies

Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with competent intellectual and analytical skills with a view to 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###
  4. Communicate effectively with different role-players through using appropriate visual, conceptual, statistical or language (oral and written) skills and reflect on the applications made###
  5. 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###
  6. 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)###
  7. Value and show a disposition towards self-reliance, honesty, commitment, sensitivity to differences (cultural, gender, race, religion, etc.), and democratic decision-making (where relevant)###
  8. Explore various learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a development specialist (especially learning by doing)###
  9. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors/ levels of the development field###
  10. Demonstrate responsible citizenship through the promotion of a holistic understanding of developmental processes.

Assessment Criteria

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

  1. Conceptual Understanding:

    • Learners will be required to use advanced terms, concepts, definitions, classifications, and theories in the development field correctly in their assignments and presentations. Reflection on the practical applications of these concepts will be encouraged.
  2. Problem-Solving Skills:

    • Identifying complex problems in societal development and proposing workable solutions through critical and creative thinking will be a key focus. Case studies and group discussions will be utilized to enhance these skills.
  3. Teamwork:

    • Collaboration with social scientists and other role-players in team projects will be emphasized to explore phenomena in societal development effectively.
  4. Research Skills:

    • The ability to collect, analyze, organize, interpret, and evaluate social scientific information will be developed through various research tasks. Reflection on these processes and their implications will be encouraged.
  5. Communication Skills:

    • Effective communication with diverse stakeholders using visual, conceptual, statistical, and language skills will be practiced. Reflection on the effectiveness of these communication strategies will be incorporated.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:

  1. Integrated Assessment:

    • Assessments will focus on exit-level outcomes through written assignments, research projects, practical tasks, and final exams at the end of the semester.
  2. Employability Skills:

    • Learners will be assessed on their readiness for employment in the development field, including their ability to seek opportunities at different sectors and levels.
  3. Responsible Citizenship:

    • Promoting a holistic understanding of developmental processes and demonstrating responsible citizenship will be evaluated throughout the course. Reflection on the role of a development facilitator in society will be part of the assessment criteria.

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.