University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Arts Honours

Human and Social Studies - General Social Science

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Purpose and Rationale

The Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) is a general undergraduate qualification in the Humanities, aiming to equip learners with the following abilities:

  1. Critical and Social Literacy: Develop skills to critically analyze information and be socially aware.

  2. Generators of Social Knowledge: Encourage learners to contribute to the creation of social knowledge.

  3. Active and Comfortable Life-long Learners: Foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability.

The program provides a broad foundation in the Human sciences while also allowing for vocational preparation. The qualification helps develop generic abilities, specialized knowledge within the chosen discipline, and a more specialized set of skills needed for higher levels of employment in relevant areas.

Outcomes

  1. Analyse the cultural texts they are likely to find in their environment.
  2. Situate current public issues and problems in a historical and cultural context.
  3. Cultivate social empathy and community awareness.
  4. Evaluate cultural texts, both appreciatively and critically.
  5. Developed skills in gathering relevant information### researching, analysing and assembling both empirical and conceptual data.
  6. Generating coherent, well-informed and well-written texts.
  7. Active and skilled lifelong learners.
  8. Adapt successfully to a wide range of careers and work situations.
  9. Engage successfully with vocational requirements as they develop throughout their working life.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria:

  • Critical Insight into Culture: Demonstrated ability to critically analyze and understand different cultural aspects.
  • Understanding of Key Concepts: Displayed in-depth understanding of fundamental concepts in their field of study.
  • Comparative Analysis: Ability to compare, contrast, and critique various readings from different courses.
  • Text Analysis: Proficiency in reading, comprehending, and analyzing complex texts.
  • Academic Discourse: Produced extended and coherent academic essays and texts.
  • Research Skills: Collected, analyzed, and reported on data for small-scale research projects.
  • Learning Goals: Formulated ongoing learning goals and strategies for achieving them.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative Assessment: Includes classwork, tests, essays, written work, practical exercises.
  • Summative Assessment: Involves written, oral, and practical examinations.
  • Additional Assessment: May include journals, oral presentations, and portfolios.
  • Final Assessment: Consists of overall results tabulation and presentation of a defined portfolio.
  • Portfolio Assessment: Evaluates learner's competence across various tasks and encourages critical reflection on their educational journey.

By incorporating these assessment criteria and methods, the qualification ensures that learners develop a deep understanding of their discipline, enhance critical thinking skills, and demonstrate proficiency in academic research and communication.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of KwaZulu-Natal
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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.
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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.