Bachelor of Arts Honours in IsiZulu

To demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of inquiry, students should be able to articulate the fundamental concepts, theories, and methodologies that underpin the discipline. They should be able to explain the significance of the field within the broader academic landscape and identify key scholars and works that have shaped its development.

In terms of specific areas of inquiry in the programme, students should exhibit a detailed understanding of specialized topics or subfields within the discipline. This may involve delving into specific research questions, methodologies, and debates that are unique to those areas. Students should be able to critically assess the current state of knowledge in these specific areas and identify gaps or areas for further research.

Understanding the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge is crucial for developing a holistic understanding of the discipline. Students should be able to connect concepts, theories, and methodologies across different subfields and articulate how they intersect and influence one another.

Analyzing components, issues, factors, structures, etc., requires students to break down complex ideas into their constituent parts and critically evaluate them. This may involve identifying patterns, trends, or contradictions within the field and assessing their implications for theory or practice.

Demonstrating a thorough knowledge of current critical debates involves engaging with the latest scholarship and theoretical developments in the field. Students should be able to identify key points of contention, evaluate different perspectives, and articulate their own position within these debates.

Summarizing, comparing, and evaluating a substantial body of knowledge requires students to synthesize a wide range of sources, theories, and methodologies into a coherent narrative. This may involve conducting literature reviews, analyzing case studies, or comparing different theoretical frameworks to assess their strengths and weaknesses.

Constructing a sustained argument, formulating questions, and working towards solutions involves developing a coherent thesis or research question and marshaling evidence to support it. Students should be able to engage critically with existing literature, propose innovative solutions to research problems, and defend their conclusions with sound reasoning.

Commanding the conceptual discourse of the field of study requires students to demonstrate fluency in the key concepts, theories, and methodologies that define the discipline. This may involve using specialized terminology accurately, explaining complex ideas clearly, and engaging with theoretical debates at an advanced level.

Solving problems, both theoretical and applied, involves applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges or developing innovative approaches to theoretical puzzles. Students should be able to think critically, creatively, and analytically to address complex problems within the discipline.

Contextualizing this study within the social environment and historical understanding involves recognizing how the discipline has been shaped by social, cultural, political, and historical factors. Students should be able to situate their research within broader societal trends and historical developments to understand the larger significance of their work.

Developing a clear understanding of the historical and present state, and possible future, of the disciplinary areas in which they are working involves tracing the evolution of the field, identifying current trends and challenges, and speculating on future developments. Students should be able to reflect on how the discipline has changed over time and where it may be headed in the future.

Demonstrating a command of academic isiZulu at an appropriate level involves being able to communicate effectively in written and oral forms using the appropriate academic register. This may involve translating complex concepts into isiZulu, engaging with isiZulu scholarship, or presenting research findings in isiZulu.

Demonstrating familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level involves using digital tools and resources to conduct research, analyze data, and communicate findings. Students should be able to navigate online databases, use statistical software, and create multimedia presentations to enhance their academic work.

Understanding diversity requires students to recognize and respect the diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of individuals within the discipline. This may involve engaging with scholarship from marginalized or underrepresented groups, considering how diversity shapes research questions and methodologies, and promoting inclusivity in academic spaces.

Demonstrating a capacity for individual study involves taking initiative in identifying research questions, conducting independent research, and managing one's time effectively. Students should be able to work autonomously to explore new ideas, develop research projects, and produce original scholarship.

Working efficiently with groups involves collaborating with peers, colleagues, or research teams to achieve common goals. Students should be able to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and resolve conflicts to ensure the success of group projects or research endeavors.

Presenting findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing, involves communicating research results, analyses, and arguments clearly and persuasively to academic audiences. Students should be able to craft coherent written arguments, deliver engaging oral presentations, and respond to questions or feedback in a professional manner.

Integrated assessment should be appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. This may involve a combination of continuous assessment methods (such as essays, presentations, and group projects) and traditional written examinations to assess the integration of all or most of the learning outcomes for each module in the qualification. By assessing students' ability to demonstrate these key competencies, universities can ensure that graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to their chosen field of study.