Bachelor of Social Science
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
Social science studies require students to read, debate, examine, and discuss issues. It teaches them to carefully build arguments and propositions. Students will be encouraged to think independently and to develop new ways of approaching problems.
Students who have successfully completed the programme will be able to:
- Critically review, analyse, evaluate, and synthesise knowledge.
- Critique arguments by displaying creative thinking in the social science disciplines, preceded by reviewing, consolidating, analysing, and synthesising a body of knowledge.
- Identify and argue current trends in the intellectual context of technological and social change.
- Independently identify and solve problems en route to an attitude of life-long learning.
- Present clearly, concisely, and coherently the current interpretations and potential future developments in the issues underlying the content of and approaches to the disciplines they study.
- Write an exposition reflecting a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas.
Rationale:
Students in Social Science strive to understand, analyse, describe, and explain the human world and their position within it, just as scientists attempt to describe and comprehend the natural world. The Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) Degree is designed to help students make sense of our rapidly changing global culture. Equally relevant to the professional world of work and the world of knowledge, the BSocSci aims to provide students with the skills needed to contribute to the social and cultural fabric of the community, region, and the world and to become truly global citizens.
The critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation skills students learn apply to many careers in the public and private sectors. The following highlights some of the possibilities that await Social Science graduates:
- Journalism, publishing, and writing.
- Public relations, corporate communications, marketing, and advertising.
- Police, courts, corrections.
- Child and youth development.
- Management and administrative positions.
- Public or civil service, diplomacy, foreign affairs, urban and environmental planning, public policy analysis.
- Social and community services, counselling, social welfare, and social research.
- Teaching (with an additional teaching qualification) and education administration.
The Bachelor of Social Science requires students to read, debate, examine, and evaluate issues. In doing so, it teaches students to carefully build arguments and propositions, to think independently and develop new ways of approaching problems from different perspectives. A Bachelor of Social Science Degree provides a strong set of skills and knowledge that forms the foundation for graduates to continue to Honours and postgraduate studies. It is the basis for life-long learning in academic institutions and the workplace.
The BSocSci introduces students to a range of areas in the humanities and social sciences. While each module introduces students to the specific area of study, skills of analysis, communication, and research are also developed.
Outcomes
- Critically review, analyse, evaluate and synthesise knowledge.
- Critique arguments by displaying creative thinking in the social science disciplines, preceded by reviewing, consolidating, analysing and synthesising a body of knowledge.
- Identify and argue current trends in the intellectual context of technological and social change.
- Independently identify and solve problems en route to an attitude of life-long learning.
- Present clearly, concisely and coherently the current interpretations and potential future developments in the issues underlying the content of and approaches to the disciplines they study.
- Write an exposition reflecting a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: As is evident from the integrated assessment methods discussed, the design of the programme provides for the development and obtainment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. Students are challenged, by a variety of teaching methods, especially in the tutorials, to identify and solve problems in a specific and structured context by means of individual and group activities. It is often expected of students to work effectively in teams, during discussions and in research projects. At least some of the assessment opportunities are devoted to presentations. Students are expected to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information and present the crux of the matter in a logically organised manner. This also contributes to the development of important technological, communication and effective language usage skills. Individual and group written assignments hone the students' skills in using technology to access and present texts. They learn to use science and technology effectively and critically, and then demonstrate their ability to identify, understand and present the inter-related parts of systems. Group discussions and oral presentations (individual or groups) develop the students' effective communication skills using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in formal and informal communications.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- 1.1 Identify and define key concepts in the field of study.
- 1.2 Research, discuss and analyse relevant scholarly issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way.
- 1.3 Collaborate constructively with fellow students in learning and discussion processes, including online forums.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- 2.1 Research, discuss and analyse relevant scholarly issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way.
- 2.2 Describe and apply the main ideas pertinent to the theories and research in the specific field of study.
- 2.3 Demonstrate a high standard of oral and written communication skills in role-play exercises and interaction with lecturers, tutors, and fellow students, with reference to the chosen field of study.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- 3.1 Research, discuss and analyse relevant scholarly issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way.
- 3.2 Discuss the micro and macro environments impacting on the field of study.
- 3.3 Describe and apply the main ideas pertinent to the theories and research in the specific field of study.
- 3.4 Demonstrate a high standard of oral and written communication skills in role-play exercises and interaction with lecturers, tutors, and fellow students, with reference to the chosen field of study.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- 4.1 Research, discuss and analyse relevant scholarly issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way.
- 4.2 Discuss the micro and macro environments impacting on the field of study.
- 4.3 Describe and apply the main ideas pertinent to the theories and research in the specific field of study.
- 4.4 Work independently and in groups to achieve the learning outcomes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- 5.1 Research, discuss and analyse relevant scholarly issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way.
- 5.2 Demonstrate a high standard of oral and written communication skills in role-play exercises and interaction with lecturers, tutors, and fellow students, with reference to the chosen field of study.
- 5.3 Produce written work to deadline making effective use of the conventions of scholarly presentation (references, bibliography, etc).
- 5.4 Describe and apply the main ideas pertinent to the theories and research in the specific field of study.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- 6.1 Describe and apply the main ideas pertinent to the theories and research in the specific field of study.
- 6.2 Demonstrate a high standard of oral and written communication skills in role-play exercises and interaction with lecturers, tutors, and fellow students, with reference to the chosen field of study.
- 6.3 Produce written work to deadline making effective use of the conventions of scholarly presentation (references, bibliography, etc).
Integrated Assessment:
- Theoretical and practical components are assessed together using formative and summative assessment methods.
- Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable.
- Learning, teaching, and assessment are interwoven to evaluate knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.
- Various methods like portfolios, simulations, written assignments, case studies, peer group evaluations, etc., are utilized.
- Assessors consider formal, informal, and non-formal learning in evaluating outcomes.
- All outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are assessed in an integrated manner throughout the program.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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