Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
Human and Social Studies - People/Human Centred Development
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification in Development Studies
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to provide students with skills in development studies to address the skills gap in the field. By equipping learners with the necessary knowledge, they will have the opportunity to pursue various job options in the development sector. Furthermore, this qualification aims to empower students to potentially establish their own development agencies to tackle unemployment challenges by utilizing their development tools.
Students will also gain economic skills at a local level, such as Entrepreneurship in Local Economic Development or Tourism, enabling them to contribute to economic growth. For instance, in Limpopo Province, there are numerous tourism sites with development potential that students can leverage for sustainable growth.
Rationale
This qualification is designed to address the significant gap in skills present in South Africa’s deep rural areas, where underdevelopment is prominent. By focusing on capacity building at various levels (local, provincial, national, and regional), this qualification meets the specific needs of these communities.
Students who graduate from this program will be well-equipped to work within local municipalities, government entities, and other organizations to drive development initiatives. They will also be exposed to various career opportunities in development within their localities, enabling them to work as independent consultants or contribute to international bodies focused on development in the region.
Upon completion of this qualification, students will have the opportunity to pursue further studies at the Honours level, expanding their knowledge and expertise in development studies. By gaining employment and applying their skills to community development, students will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development in their communities.
Outcomes
- The students in the qualification will show demonstrable ability to understand development theories.
- Students would demonstrate ability to link theory and practice in development studies.
- Students would demonstrate ability to critique government policies on development and be able to provide alternative thinking in the subject.
- Students would apply developmental debates to South Africa's socio-economic development challenges.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Integration of theory and practice in accordance with the University's Community Engagement Policy.
- Utilization of the library as a critical source for examining theories.
- Exploration of theories through lectures and seminars.
- Testing of theories through tests, assignments, and projects.
Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Alignment with the university Policy on Community Engagement.
- Formulation of development challenges in various sectors impacting society.
- Collaboration with municipalities, the Department of Social Development, and other government departments for student exposure.
- Encouragement for students to establish their developmental agencies.
- Consideration of experiences with international agencies like Christian Aid, Oxfam, and USAID.
Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Analysis of policies and relevant documentation through literature review.
- Comparison of policies and best practices in developing countries.
- Development of alternative models of development.
- Mentorship towards the publication of intellectual work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Application of a model of development or yardstick.
- Application of experiences from developing countries to the South African context.
- Identification of natural resources in the country and their link to development.
- Linking economic models of development to the South African experience.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment through assignments, tests, and projects to determine readiness and competence.
- Provision of semester marks to enable students to write examinations in June or November.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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