Bachelor of Development Studies
Human and Social Studies - People/Human Centred Development
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Development Studies
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Development Studies is an inter-disciplinary undergraduate qualification which seeks to provide learners with a foundation in Development and Economics. The qualification aims to provide learners with a sound theoretical grounding in the principles and practices of economic development as it pertains to policy, research of policy and implementation of policy in a development context.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Commerce in Development Studies responds to the needs of government and the private sector for competent specialists to be able to conduct research, write, implement, understand and communicate policy initiatives towards economic growth and development. The impact of new policies and legislation in South Africa are far-reaching and assumed to be understood or accepted by all levels of South African society. Within the local government context it is imperative that municipalities are enabled to review their policies and policy-making processes affecting development activities, and work in consultation with industry and other interested parties to achieve sustainable development practices. Furthermore, it is vital to secure sustainable industry through sustained ecological development in consultation with stakeholders and by developing and applying consistent legislation. For this to be successful we need to ensure that we have the necessary skills available and these will be central to the Bachelor of Development Studies.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the complexities of policy theory as it applies to the principles and practices of economic development as well as the roles played by different stakeholders and drivers of policy development and implementation.
- Design and implement appropriate research projects, apply relevant research methods and present reports in appropriate format in a development context.
- Measure the performance of different areas, countries and institutions in terms of economic development by applying appropriate criteria.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Application of knowledge, insight, and understanding of principles, practices, and procedures in infrastructural development, project finance, micro-enterprise, and international finance for development.
- Application of knowledge to address contemporary social issues.
- Showing an appreciation of the interdisciplinary context of development in individuals and societies.
- Understanding the connection between individual and society, as well as between structure and agency.
- Developing a specialist in-depth understanding of development issues.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Applying a clear understanding of the concepts of methods of analysis.
- Designing and implementing appropriate research projects.
- Applying relevant research methods and presenting reports in an appropriate format.
- Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information on key issues in Third World Development.
- Constructing reasoned, evidenced arguments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Acquiring a multi-disciplinary understanding of changing trends in development thinking.
- Developing an in-depth knowledge of evolving theoretical, conceptual, and policy debates.
- Applying knowledge to work in cultures other than their own and within a multicultural environment.
- Presenting the performance of different areas, countries, and institutions in terms of economic development by applying appropriate criteria.
Integrated Assessment:
- The method of assessment may vary based on module purpose, content, and teaching approach.
- Some modules may be theoretically oriented while others require a practical approach, which will be reflected in the assessment procedures.
- Regular assessments of holistic knowledge, skills, and attributes of learners will be conducted.
- The assessment approach will include formative and summative assessments, incorporating written assignments, case studies, and a formal written examination.
- Written assignments will be directly linked to theory and will integrate the theory and skills related to the Exit Level Outcomes.
- Assignments will assess the ability to understand, integrate, and apply theory in practical situations using suitable case studies.
- The assessment of learners' insight in integrating and applying knowledge in practical situations will be done through case studies and assignments, gradually moving from formative to summative assessments.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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