University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Community Resources

Human and Social Studies - Industrial & Organizational Governance and HR Development

Purpose and Rationale

Community Resource Program

The interdisciplinary program of Community Resource provides graduates with the skills necessary to assist in the empowerment of communities through managing, improving, creating, and preserving the community resources of personal growth, food supplies and processing, the environment (including housing), health and nutrition, community organization, and community-based social services. Graduates are expected to be employed in the development arena and should be critically aware of the issues confronting the beneficiaries in poor communities.

The curriculum is designed to enable graduates to provide creative solutions to the problems experienced, both on the macro and micro levels. The unique coupling of community development and entrepreneurship produces graduates with the ability to help build self-reliant communities that can contribute to the formal economy.

Potential Employment Opportunities for graduates include:

  • Social development project managers or project evaluators in NGO's
  • Extension personnel in government agencies
  • Positions in social awareness and employee assistance sections of commerce and industry
  • Contributors to policy development

Graduates from this program are equipped to make a positive impact by empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.

Outcomes

  1. Identify and solve development related problems in a creative and critical manner
  2. Work effectively and cooperatively with others from relevant disciplines to apply an integrated approach to problem solving in development
  3. Provide ethical leadership, superior development-project management and judgement within their field of expertise
  4. Be self motivated, meet personal objectives within the work environment with an effective work ethic
  5. Be life long learners in this social field
  6. Have a critical ability to collect, analyse and evaluate development related information
  7. Exhibit basic numeracy and familiarity with information technology (have advanced computer expertise in word processing, spreadsheets, analytical programmes, and produce acceptable presentations
  8. Have good writing and oral presentation skills for both academic and community audiences
  9. Show creativity and enterprise skills in working with communities, and
  10. Use relevant academic tools (such as effectively and responsibly)

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Criteria for Critiquing Research Designs and Reports

Introduction

In this assessment criteria, the focus is on the ability of the student to apply theoretical knowledge, critique research designs and reports, and produce reports, literature reviews, and seminars that reflect a deep understanding of the subject matter. The assessment will also evaluate the student's ability to find pertinent literature, consolidate knowledge into coherent writing with insightful conclusions, and present their work in an acceptable standard of technical correctness, literacy style, and presentation.

Assessment Components

The assessment will include both summative and formative procedures to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. The following components will be considered:

  1. Application of Theoretical Knowledge:

    • The student should demonstrate a strong understanding of theoretical concepts related to research designs and reports.
    • The student should be able to apply theoretical knowledge to critique research designs effectively.
  2. Critique of Research Designs and Reports:

    • The student should be able to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of research designs and reports.
    • The critique should be supported by relevant literature and examples.
  3. Production of Reports, Literature Reviews, and Seminars:

    • The student should be able to produce well-structured reports, literature reviews, and seminars that reflect a deep understanding of the topic.
    • The work should be coherent, insightful, and demonstrate the ability to synthesize information effectively.
  4. Finding Pertinent Literature:

    • The student should demonstrate proficiency in conducting literature searches to find relevant sources.
    • The sources should be credible, up-to-date, and contribute to the overall argument presented.
  5. Coherent Writing and Insightful Conclusions:

    • The student's writing should be clear, coherent, and well-organized.
    • The conclusions drawn should be insightful, logical, and supported by evidence from the literature.
  6. Technical Correctness, Literacy Style, and Presentation:

    • The student's work should adhere to academic writing standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, and referencing.
    • The literacy style should be appropriate for the target audience.
    • The presentation of work should be professional, with attention to detail in formatting and layout.
  7. Oral Presentations:

    • Oral presentations should be academic in nature, with a clear structure and logical flow of ideas.
    • Appropriate visual aids should be used to enhance understanding.
    • The presentation should be engaging, well-rehearsed, and demonstrate the student's knowledge of the topic.
  8. Integrated Assessment:

    • Summative and formative assessments should be integrated to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the student's progress.
    • Different assessment methods, such as coursework, assignments, essays, seminars, literature reviews, group projects, oral presentations, tests, and examinations, should be used to assess various skills and competencies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assessment criteria outlined above aim to evaluate the student's ability to critically engage with research designs and reports, apply theoretical knowledge, and produce high-quality academic work. By incorporating a variety of assessment methods and criteria, the qualification's purpose of developing a deep understanding of research methodologies and reporting practices will be effectively achieved.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

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University of KwaZulu-Natal
Description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.

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.