Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Philosophy

Human and Social Studies - General Social Science

Purpose and Rationale

The Philosophy programme is an academic and vocational discipline that aims to equip students with the capacity to reflect on various fundamental questions concerning ethics, justice, science, and rationality. It involves intensive study of the history of philosophy, utilizing this historical knowledge for critical analysis and argumentation to address contemporary issues within South African society and culture.

The programme focuses on topics such as morality, justice, media, human diversity, and the construction of Africa as a place and concept. It aims to provide students with an understanding of philosophy as both a historical and conceptual discipline. Students are encouraged to think philosophically by engaging reflectively, critically, and through rational argumentation on key issues relevant to South African society.

Moreover, the programme serves as intellectual preparation for future endeavors in the fields of law, business, public life, or further academic study in philosophy or other disciplines. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills essential for addressing complex societal challenges in South Africa.

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

Academic Assessment Criteria

Thorough Knowledge: Demonstrates a deep understanding of the general field of enquiry and specific areas of inquiry within the programme.
Detailed Knowledge: Displays detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry within the programme.
Interrelationships Understanding: Shows understanding of the interrelationships among various areas within the field of knowledge.
Analysis: Analyzes components, issues, factors, structures, etc. within the field of study.
Theoretical Grasp: Grasps the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the area of study.
Critical Debates: Demonstrates awareness of current critical debates within the field of study.
Summarization and Evaluation: Summarizes, compares, and evaluates a substantial body of knowledge within the field.
Argument Construction: Constructs a sustained argument, formulates questions, and works towards solutions within the field of study.
Conceptual Command: Commands the conceptual discourse of the field of study.
Problem Solving: Solves problems, both theoretical and applied, within the discipline.
Disciplinary Understanding: Demonstrates an appropriate understanding of the discipline.
Contextualization: Contextualizes the study within the social environment and historical understanding.
Understanding of Disciplinary Areas: Develops a clear understanding of the historical, present state, and possible future of the disciplinary areas and their interdisciplinary concomitants.
Academic English Command: Demonstrates a command of academic English at an appropriate level.
Information Technology Familiarity: Demonstrates familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level.
Human Diversity Understanding: Understands human diversity in its moral and conceptual aspects.
Academic Approaches Diversity: Understands the diversity of academic approaches that impact the discipline.
Presentational Skills: Presents findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing, incorporating integrated assessment strategies to ensure the achievement of the qualification's purpose.

The University of Natal's assessment strategies aim to assess applied competence for each qualification. Currently, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations is used to evaluate the integration of learning outcomes within each module of the qualification.

Qualification Details

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

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University of KwaZulu-Natal

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.

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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.