Bachelor of Social Science in Human Settlement
Human and Social Studies - Urban and Regional Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Human Settlements Development
Purpose:
This qualification has been partially benchmarked to the Bachelor of Human Settlements Development, SAQA ID number 58246, developed by the SGB for Housing. A significant difference is that this qualification is a 4-year professional undergraduate qualification and thus exits at NQF Level 8. The purpose of the qualification is to:
- Equip students with the application of skills, knowledge, and values to the creation of sustainable human settlements.
- Equip students with the competencies to become human settlement practitioners and human settlement policy analysts, with a depth of theoretical knowledge which will enable them to understand how the past planning practices have influenced contemporary spatial forms.
- Equip students with the practical and technical skills required to function with other professionals as part of a professional core within the field of Human Settlement.
- Develop settlements that are sustainable and socially viable through the application of contextual knowledge and practical and professional skills.
- Ensure that research and planning become vehicles for realizing the integration of human settlements into the social and economic spheres, contributing to the dismantling of the legacies of apartheid.
Rationale:
Historically, the issue of human settlement has not been problematized in contemporary South African and scholarly work on issues in the post-colonial context is required. The rural location of Fort Hare and its particular history draws together African intellectuals who played leading roles in the struggle for political liberation. This encourages the University of Fort Hare to offer a particular perspective, viewing issues through an intellectual lens that is sensitive to the history and current realities of different genres of rural and urban space. The fundamental aim is to offer professional training that is closely related to the special needs of those working in the field of human settlement, and for this reason the University of Fort Hare is working closely with the Department of Human Settlement towards the professionalization of the field. Majors in the program consist of Human Settlement and Sociology, providing a specific and unique intellectual identity that resonates with the institutional identity of Fort Hare.
The conceptual and specific aims are as follows:
- Professionalize the work conducted within the field of human settlement according to identified needs.
- Engage with (actual) longitudinal implementation of policy (dealing with the legacy of apartheid laws, and addressing these through a legal framework and public administration initiatives).
- Examine political and public administration projects and policies regulating land distribution and human settlement.
- Engage with the conceptual and real diversity of South African rural and peri-urban areas which offer a variety of contexts in rural and urban spaces.
Outcomes
- Apply specific skills and technical competencies relevant to the field, accompanied by specialised knowledge, when dealing with the community, as a professional and as part of a team of professionals. 2 Conduct oneself as a professional informed by knowledge of the historical context, a strong theoretical foundation and information gained through systematic research.
- Act in all instances in relation to community needs as informed by members of communities.
- Contribute to the unification of civil society through the development of a robust participation-based mode of operation.
- Contribute to the development, through a trans-disciplinary approach, of a new paradigm for knowledge production.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
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Working as Part of a Team Towards Shared Goals:
- Working independently on specific components of a larger project.
- Interacting and communicating project goals and deadlines effectively with team members, community members, and stakeholders.
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Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills:
- Developing and cultivating these skills.
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Project Management Support:
- Assisting in the development and management of project plans.
- Sourcing, compiling, and collating project management documents.
- Managing small, short-term sub-projects within the project plan.
- Undertaking project documentation management.
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Financial Support:
- Assisting in the preparation of financial statements.
- Monitoring expenditure for balanced budgets on small monthly projects.
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Community Interaction:
- Providing support in interactions with communities.
- Planning and organizing interactions with community members.
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Communication Skills:
- Demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
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Government Policy Implementation Support:
- Providing support in the implementation of government policy within local authorities and municipalities.
- Sourcing, collating, and making relevant policy documentation available as required.
- Explaining the relevance of policy related to human settlement to community members and stakeholders.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
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Workplace Skills Development:
- Developing skills to achieve technical targets while focusing on community goals.
- Maintaining communication with communities.
- Listening to and channeling feedback from community members and stakeholders.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
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Theory and Praxis Integration:
- Merging theory and praxis concerning human settlement.
- Encouraging civic and moral responsibility.
- Eradicating human settlement patterns created by apartheid policies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
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Data Analysis and GIS Support:
- Gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting a body of data to support spatial planning around human settlement projects using GIS.
- Undertaking small tasks independently utilizing GIS technology.
- Providing support in research for local projects.
- Gathering and arranging/coding required data for analysis according to research plans and briefs.
Integrated Assessment:
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Formative Assessment:
- Continuous assessment to correct and reinforce knowledge and skills.
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Summative Assessment:
- Contributes 50% of the final mark for each course.
- Includes case studies, reports, presentations, and tests incorporating relevant technology and disciplinary knowledge.
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Final Mark Calculation:
- Formative assessment results combined with summative assessment results to form 40% of the final mark.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 520
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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