Bachelor of Social Science Honours

Human and Social Studies - General Social Science

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The aim of the course is to advance students' knowledge and competencies in the main areas of their chosen field of specialization. The curriculum covers a wide scope of scholastic activities and integrates theoretical knowledge, research competencies, and applied skills relevant to the specialization field. By exposing learners to the latest trends in theory, research, and practice in these domains, the program enhances their abilities to conceptualize and critically analyze various aspects of the specialization field in a multicultural context. An integral part of the program is the completion of a research project that will equip students with the necessary skills to conduct research and present and disseminate findings. Upon successful completion of this course, it is expected that graduates will be able to:

Construct a topical argument pertaining to a concept relevant to the field of study and display the ability to logically analyze and synthesize knowledge.
Critically debate the current understanding of theoretical concepts/frameworks, potentially leading to a new and greater understanding of said concepts/frameworks, theory, and practice.
Develop and communicate a new understanding of the world as a set of related problem-focused systems by exercising critical thinking and judgment.
Work and communicate with others as a member of a multi-disciplinary team when studying theoretical perspectives of the field of specialization.
Design and conduct an independent research project in the specialized area of study, demonstrating a broad understanding of a body of knowledge with evidence of advanced understanding in some areas.
Develop and communicate to various audiences a clear and coherent case pertaining to a topic in the field of specialization.
Contribute to knowledge in the specialized area by gathering, consolidating, interpreting, and reviewing relevant data and revealing relationships between various concepts.
Independently apply theoretical knowledge of the specialized area to complex problems and suggest possible solutions.

Rationale:

Students in Social Science strive to understand, analyze, 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 Honours (BSocSci(Hons)) Degree is designed to help students make sense of our rapidly changing global culture in general and of a specific field of specialization. A large section of their studies is devoted to research skills development and the application of these skills to a research project. Equally relevant to the professional world of work and the world of knowledge, the Bachelor of Social Science Honours aims to provide students with the skills needed to, in their field of specialization, contribute to the social and cultural fabric of the community, region, and the world and to become truly global citizens. The critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and research skills students learn apply to many careers in the public and private sectors.

The Bachelor of Social Science Honours Degree studies require students to read, debate, examine, and evaluate issues and to apply these skills to a research project. 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. This builds upon their base knowledge in becoming life-long learners in academic institutions and the workplace.

The following highlights some of the possibilities that await Social Science Honours Degree graduates depending on their chosen field of expertise:

Journalism, publishing, and writing.
Public relations, corporate communications, marketing, and advertising.
Police, courts, and 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, counseling, social welfare, and social research.
Teaching (with an additional teaching qualification) and education administration.

Outcomes

Construct a topical argument pertaining to a concept relevant of the field of study and display the ability to logically analyse and synthesise knowledge.
Critically debate the current understanding of theoretical concepts/frameworks, potentially leading to a new and greater understanding of said concepts/frameworks, theory and practice.
Develop and communicate a new understanding of the world as a set of related problem focused systems by exercising critical thinking and judgement.
Work and communicate with others as a member of a multi-disciplinary team when studying theoretical perspectives of the field of specialisation.
Design and conduct an independent research project in the specialised area of study, demonstrating a broad understanding of a body of knowledge with evidence of advanced understanding in some areas.
Develop and communicate to various audiences a clear and coherent case pertaining to a topic in the field of specialisation.
Contribute to knowledge in the specialised area by gathering, consolidating, interpreting and reviewing relevant data and revealing relationships between various concepts.
Independently apply theoretical knowledge of the specialised area to complex problems and suggest possible solutions. 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 describe key concepts in the field of study and discuss the interrelatedness of these concepts.
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, analyse and critically discuss relevant scholarly issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way, suggesting and motivating alternative viewpoints.
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 direct and electronic 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, working in teams.
4.2 In teams, discuss and report on the micro and macro environments impacting on the field of study.
4.3 Describe and apply, working in teams, 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 Discuss the different research methodologies applicable to Social Sciences.
5.2 Illustrate the dynamic relationships between the chosen research topic, the questions asked and the methods used.
5.3 Identify and elaborate on practical, theoretical and ethical issues surrounding research in the Social Sciences and Humanities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

6.1 Describe and apply the main ideas pertinent to the theories and research to a topic in the specific field of study.
6.2 Demonstrate a high standard of oral and written communication skills in 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).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

7.1 Appreciate different research methodologies and select those relevant or appropriate for the research topic questions.
7.2 Analyse the place of different research methodologies in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts.
7.3 Write a thorough and well-structured research proposal in the area of research interest.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

8.1 Critically evaluate and integrate theoretical frameworks of relevance to the study.
8.2 Identify the research questions and give a motivated account of the preferred research framework to be applied.

Integrated Assessment:

Theoretical and practical components are assessed together.
Formative and summative assessment methods are used.
Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable.
Assessment ensures an integrated approach to assessment.
Learning, teaching, and assessment are interwoven.
Various assessment methods are used to evaluate knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.
Continuous assessment is done through multiple methods such as portfolios, simulations, written assignments, peer group evaluation, etc.
Credit is given for evidence of learning acquired through formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience.
Assessment ensures evaluation of all Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes in an integrated manner throughout the program.

Qualification Details

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

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Monash South Africa

Monash South Africa is a private higher education institution located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is a branch campus of Monash University, which is based in Australia. The campus offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including business, engineering, social sciences, and health sciences. Monash South Africa aims to provide a high-quality education that is internationally recognized and prepares students for successful careers. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and a library. It also offers a vibrant campus life with various student clubs and organizations, sports facilities, and social events. The institution prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community, with students and staff from different cultural backgrounds and nationalities. It promotes a global perspective and encourages students to engage in community service and leadership activities. Monash South Africa is committed to academic excellence and research, with faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. It also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills development. Overall, Monash South Africa provides a unique educational experience that combines the best of Australian and South African academic traditions, preparing students for success in the global job market.

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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.