Bachelor of Social Science
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification in Human Sciences
This qualification includes various specialisations in Social Science. Please refer to the "Notes" section for more details on the specialisations.
The qualification in Human Sciences is both academic and broadly vocational. The qualifications offered in it have the following purposes:
- Provide a broad education in issues and themes central to Human Sciences disciplines.
- Lead to specialised, in-depth knowledge in any two disciplines selected for extended study at the qualification level.
- Prepare learners for the workplace by developing a broad range of cross-field skills transferable to various work situations.
Learners will gain deep knowledge into the processes and structures of society, as well as the crucial role of language in structuring and interpreting the world. Additionally, they will acquire specialised knowledge specific to the disciplines chosen for extended study.
Skills developed include effective communication using various media, written and oral language skills, and cultural sensitivity across diverse social contexts. Values instilled include responsible citizenship on both a national and global scale, as well as promoting lifelong learning.
The qualification introduces learners to research techniques and prepares them for graduate studies. The knowledge, skills, and values imparted by this qualification are essential in the South African context, serving as a complement to the rise of technology and technological values.
Qualified learners are equipped for a wide range of jobs, from language professions to teaching, journalism, media, music, theatre, social research, and more. Furthermore, generic and workplace skills prepare learners for success in business, politics, social policy, and other areas.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate responsible and effective organisation and management of themselves and their activities in the context of undergraduate studies.
- Work effectively with others as a member of a group.
- Demonstrate in-depth skills in the use of computers and the internet in the context of their studies.
- Use the institution's library effectively as a learning resource.
- Demonstrate skills in accessing and processing information by collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating materials.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the full range of issues and problems commonly deliberated on in human sciences and of specific issues and problems.
- Demonstrate appropriate problem-solving skills and some first steps in critical thinking.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of academic English.
- Tolerate different views and ideas.
- Demonstrate familiarity with and the start of critical engagement with the concepts and philosophies of selected disciplines.
- Assess the possible applications to the workplace of such theorised approaches.
- Carry out presentations orally or in written form on workplace-related topics.
- Demonstrate sound numeracy skills and apply these appropriately.
- Present arguments and perspectives, both orally and in written form.
- Engagement, in depth, with the concepts, philosophies and concerns of the disciplines in which they have chosen to specialise.
- Identify issues in these disciplines and develop appropriate research designs which could be used to study these issues.
- Transfer these skills to the workplace.
Assessment Criteria
Exit Level Outcomes Assessment Criteria
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Knowledge of the Field of Inquiry:
- Show understanding of the general field of study and specific areas within the programme.
- Demonstrate knowledge of interrelationships among various areas of the field.
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Analysis and Evaluation:
- Analyse issues and factors within the context of current critical debates.
- Summarise, compare, and evaluate bodies of knowledge effectively.
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Argumentation and Problem-Solving:
- Construct sustained arguments, formulate questions, and work towards solutions.
- Utilise problem-solving skills effectively.
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Contextualisation and Understanding:
- Contextualise the field of study socially and historically.
- Develop an understanding of the past, present, and possible future of disciplinary areas.
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Information Technology and Research Skills:
- Utilise information technology and libraries efficiently for study purposes.
- Conduct effective research and utilise appropriate sources.
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Diversity and Communication:
- Reflect on benefits and constraints of diversity.
- Communicate effectively in diverse contexts.
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Individual and Group Work:
- Demonstrate capacity for individual study and efficient group work.
- Collaborate effectively with peers in group assignments.
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Presentation and Academic Writing:
- Present findings in various genres, both oral and written.
- Utilise academic English and conceptual discourse of the field appropriately.
Integrated Assessment Methods
- Projects and Portfolios: Demonstrate understanding and application of knowledge through practical projects.
- Simulations: Engage in simulated scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge.
- Problem-Based Assignments: Work on individual and group assignments to solve complex problems.
- Essays and Reports: Demonstrate analytical and writing skills through essays and reports.
- Examinations: Both oral and written examinations to assess understanding.
- Continuous Assessment: Utilise various assessment types throughout the semester to evaluate progress.
These assessment methods aim to integrate knowledge across modules and disciplines, ensuring that learners can apply their learning effectively to real-world scenarios. Details of assessments are outlined in the module templates to provide clarity and guidance to students.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.