University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy

Human and Social Studies - General Social Science

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to develop learners to become advanced, critical thinkers capable of making vibrant contributions to the intellectual life of a democratic society. The outcomes of the qualification meet national and regional knowledge, labor market, and other socio-cultural needs.

In alignment with the university's mission, the qualification aims to provide quality research, learner support, course materials, academic staff, staff capacity-building programs, professional academic scholarship, technological support, and administrative support.

The qualification aims to develop learners' theoretical competence by teaching them to analyze, interpret, and apply philosophical theories. It further aims to enhance learners' intellectual, research, discussion, and presentation skills.

Rationale:

  • The Department of Philosophy aims to educate and prepare learners for academic careers, as well as equip them with the knowledge of the entire history of philosophy and its disciplines.
  • Teaching staff cannot cover the entirety of philosophy, so options of modules are left open to fit the research expertise of staff and the interests of learners.
  • The wide range of electives allows for responsible guidance through expert teaching based on research excellence.
  • The qualification does not lead to a professional qualification but aligns with internationally benchmarked requirements.
  • External examiners from reputable South African universities are utilized to maintain the intellectual integrity of the program.

Upon completing the Honours degree in Philosophy, learners can apply for the Master's in Philosophy or related disciplines. They also develop valuable job-related skills such as logical thinking, effective writing, and communication skills.

Outcomes

  1. Analyse and evaluate one or more classic theories from the different fields in depth and in detail.
  2. Analyse and evaluate the debates, impact and appropriation of such theories by contemporary philosophers.
  3. Demonstrate state of the art philosophical research skills.
  4. Express the results of their analyses and evaluations clearly and systematically in several shorter philosophy essays.
  5. Write one major philosophy essay that complies with peer review standards.
  6. Co-operate with a supervisor in preparation of research essays.
  7. Present the results of research at a departmental seminar.

Assessment Criteria

Philosophy Course Assessment Criteria

  • Integrated Assessment: The assessment criteria are applicable across all or a combination of the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

  • Analytical Skills: Skills to analyse arguments and evaluate the theories of different philosophers are demonstrated to determine their respective strengths and weaknesses.

  • Historical Analysis: Various contributions to philosophical debates are analysed, indicating their impact on subsequent theorising, and discussing how those ideas were appropriated by later philosophers.

  • Writing Skills: Demonstrated command of core philosophical reading, writing, and reasoning skills in writing philosophical essays.

  • Clarity and Conciseness: Displaying a comprehensive set of philosophical writing skills through the production of concise, clear essays.

  • Expression: Analyses and evaluations are expressed clearly and systematically in philosophical essays.

  • Presentation Skills: Skills of public speaking and presentation design are demonstrated.

  • Thesis Development: Ability to cooperate with a supervisor in conceptualising and developing a thesis.

  • Long Essay Writing: Demonstrating a comprehensive set of philosophical writing skills through the production of a longer essay that requires long-term planning and a comprehensive overall argument coherently made.

  • Assessment Weightings: Learners write two essays critically discussing arguments for important philosophical theses, worth at least 20% each (and at most 25% each) of the mark for the course. Continuous formative assessments (reading reports) and class preparation/participation are together worth a maximum of 10%. A final examination is worth 50% of the final mark for the course.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg
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Description
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. UJ is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its four campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. UJ is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting social justice, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
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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.