University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Arts Honours

Culture and Arts - Cultural Studies

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of the qualification is to produce a graduate who:

  1. Demonstrates a high level of specialization in a particular discipline, profession, or field of enquiry within the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences.
  2. Possesses strong analytical ability forming the foundation for a range of professions.
  3. Enhances their career by enabling the use of higher order and lateral thinking, along with specialist knowledge in their chosen field.
  4. Can be employed flexibly with a specialization.
  5. Contributes to the economy and social well-being of South Africa.

Outcomes

  1. Identify the relationship between discipline and ecosystemic contexts. 8.1 Demonstrate competence in basic disciplinary and/or professional knowledge and specific knowledge of selected specialisations or professions 8.2 Outline methods of knowledge production. Critical Cross-field Outcomes: a) "Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made" - see Exit Level Outcomes (ELO) 3 &
  2. b) "Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community" - see ELO
  3. c) "Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively" - see ELO
  4. d) "Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information" - see ELO
  5. e) "Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion" - see ELO 2 &
  6. f) "Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others" - see ELO 1, 2, 4 &
  7. g) "Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts does not exist in isolation" - see ELO
  8. h) "Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of: (i) "Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively" - see ELO
  9. (ii) "Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities" - see ELO 7### note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied. (iii) "Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts" - see ELO
  10. (iv) "Exploring education and career opportunities" - see ELO
  11. (v) "Developing entrepreneurial opportunities" - see ELO 7 & 8.

Assessment Criteria

Qualifying Learner Outcomes:

1. Information Literacy and Critical Thinking

  • 1.1 Apply appropriate database search strategies and read and print electronic texts.
  • 1.2 Collect, select, organise, and interpret different kinds of data.
  • 1.3 Read and critically evaluate texts and data.
  • 1.4 Represent own position in relation to debates.

2. Research Skills

  • 2.1 Use effective argumentation skills.
  • 2.2 Apply appropriate word processing technologies for conducting research.

3. Problem-Solving and Critical Analysis

  • 3.1 Interpret and criticise subject matter of a discipline.
  • 3.2 Apply critical and innovative approaches to solving problems by integrating information and theory.
  • 3.3 Evaluate limitations of different theoretical models.

4. Research Methodology

  • 4.1 Apply an appropriate research method while conducting a small-scale research project.
  • 4.2 Assess the findings by writing research and drawing conclusions arising from the research.

5. Self-Management and Learning Skills

  • 5.1 Set goals and manage time with minimal supervision.
  • 5.2 Demonstrate the ability to shape one's own learning.
  • 5.3 Demonstrate the ability to respond appropriately to feedback from peers.
  • 5.4 Demonstrate the ability to assess oneself on oral and written presentations.

6. Teamwork and Communication Skills

  • 6.1 Identify and execute tasks responsibly.
  • 6.2 Demonstrate the ability to work constructively with diversity.
  • 6.3 Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively.
  • 6.4 Give effective feedback both as a member of a group and individually.

7. Application of Research

  • Apply research to relevant social and ecosystemic contexts.

8. Discipline-specific Research Skills

  • 8.1 Identify own lines of enquiry within the discipline and track the necessary information.
  • 8.2 Conduct reading in a specialised area.
  • 8.3 Demonstrate the ability to engage in higher-order cognitive tasks as described under 3 within a selected discipline and/or profession.
  • 8.4 Apply academic research and critical evaluation within disciplinary specialisation and/or profession.

Associated Values:

  1. Represent and acknowledge intellectual property of others.
  2. Apply accurate representation and acknowledgement of the intellectual property of others.
  3. Value responsible decisions with respect to knowledge.
  4. Undertake socially responsible research.
  5. Evaluate personal opportunities for life-long learning.
  6. Value collaborative processes.
  7. Value the interconnectedness of social and natural environments.
  8. Determine the social consequences of disciplinary and/or professional practices.
  9. Respect the integrity of the discipline and/or profession.
  10. Show an open mind to diverse interests at work within the discipline and/or profession.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of the Witwatersrand
Description
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University or simply Wits, is a renowned public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1896, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Wits University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, commerce, health sciences, and law. The university is known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to social justice. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations and cultural activities. Wits University is recognized internationally for its high-quality education and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa.

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.