Bachelor of Arts Honours in German
Communication Studies and Language - Language
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this qualification is threefold in nature:
- To equip learners with high-level mastery of modern German, combined with the cultural knowledge and intercultural skills needed for successful non-mother-tongue communication to prepare the learner for careers where knowledge of German is required.
- To provide a strong foundation of fundamental and applied research skills to enable learners to find and interpret information independently for research projects and to construct logical, well-founded arguments for further studies in German at NQF Level 9.
- To develop communication and translation skills (both spoken and written) in modern German.
Rationale:
This qualification serves as the first year of postgraduate study in German language and literature following the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in German. It aims to offer intensive study in German and training in concepts and research methods to equip learners with the skills necessary for employment in educational and cultural fields or for further Master's level studies in German or related subject areas.
German, as both an academic and vocational discipline, focuses on effectively communicating in German within professional contexts. Learners are provided with skills in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in German, along with an understanding of socio-cultural realities in German-speaking countries. Additionally, learners acquire skills to analyze and synthesize information in German.
This qualification prepares learners for careers in diplomacy, tourism, business, education, and social development. Its design ensures depth of knowledge expected from an honors qualification, aligning closely with level descriptors to facilitate progression to a Master's qualification upon successful completion.
Outcomes
- Integrated knowledge of and engagement in German studies and critical understanding and application of theories, research methodologies and techniques relevant to this field of study.
- The ability to critically interrogate multiple sources of knowledge about German studies within the field of German literature and language, and to critically evaluate and review that knowledge and the manner in which the knowledge was produced.
- Understanding of the complex nature of knowledge transfer from German studies in an academic environment to a career in which higher order knowledge of German is required.
- Accurate, coherent, appropriate and creative presentation and written/verbal communication of innovative and new professional ideas and findings related to the field of German literature and linguistics, adhering to the rules on copyright and plagiarism.
- Self-regulated learning skills regarding the finding, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of available literary and linguistic resources relevant to German studies and thereby develop an understanding of the need for lifelong learning in professional context.
- The ability to contextualise and analyse selected texts, authors or phenomena in German studies from multiple scientific perspectives.
- The ability to recognise, understand and communicate the linguistic and literary phenomena of the culturally diverse German speaking populations of Africa and beyond.
- The ability to identify and solve problems in the field of German studies, individually or in groups, and critically reflect upon the solutions offered.
Assessment Criteria
Assessors will know that the learner meets the requirements for the specific exit-level outcomes based on the following critical evidence:
- Use of Correct Terminology: The learner accurately uses the terminology, concepts, principles, and theories in written and/or oral communication.
- Analysis of Research Findings: The learner demonstrates the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize recent and relevant research findings in the disciplines included.
- Problem-Solving: The learner proposes solutions to well-structured and practical problems based on theory-driven arguments.
- Clear Communication: The learner communicates clearly using scholarly discourse and discipline-specific conventions efficiently.
- Problem Identification: The learner presents well-defined and coherent representations of identified problems.
- Application of Methods: The learner selects and applies appropriate methods, techniques, tools, and procedures relevant to the discipline.
- Solution Proposal: The learner proposes solutions based on theory-driven arguments and consistently uses relevant modes of inquiry.
- Critical Reasoning: The learner demonstrates scholarly and critical reasoning skills.
- Context Recognition: The learner explicitly recognizes the diversity, complexity, and multi-dimensionality of a context and how it affects the work being undertaken.
- Resource Identification: The learner identifies relevant role players and resources that contribute to the resolution of specific problems.
- Factor Identification: The learner identifies critical factors impacting practical problems to be investigated from the perspective of the discipline.
- Ethical Solutions: The learner involves ethical and responsible solutions for practical problems.
- Boundary Evaluation: The learner evaluates and defines the boundaries and limitations of theory and research findings.
- Communication Competence: The learner communicates using scholarly discourse and different modes of communication effectively.
- Knowledge Demonstration: The learner demonstrates knowledge and comprehension of discipline-specific conventions and scholarly discourse.
- Literature Review: The learner critically appraises recent and relevant literature including both primary and secondary sources.
- Problem Statement: The learner clearly states and contextualizes an identified problem for research purposes.
- Research Description: The learner describes the essential modes of inquiry and research strategies relevant to the discipline.
- Ethical Awareness: The learner reflects awareness of ethical accountability and cultural sensitivity in all related aspects.
Integrated Assessment:
- Continuous Assessment: Ensures feedback on progress towards specific learning outcomes.
- Summative Assessment: Focuses on judgment of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes.
- Assessment Methods: Include reports, portfolios, written assignments, practical evaluations, and examinations.
- Integration of Learning: Learning and assessment are integrated throughout the qualification.
- Criterion Referenced Assessment: Clearly explained to learners and applied for recognition of prior learning.
In conclusion, the learner's ability to meet the exit-level outcomes is demonstrated through a comprehensive display of knowledge, analysis, problem-solving skills, communication proficiency, ethical awareness, and critical thinking in the relevant disciplines.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 134
- 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.