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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours: Communication 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
15839  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Communication 
ORIGINATOR
University of North West 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 2663/05  2006-07-01  2009-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30   2013-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The programme will equip the learners with all the tools for intensive reading and, research in communication for depth of analysis in the following courses:
  • Research Methodology
  • Sign
  • Text and Discourse
  • Mass Media Policy Studies
  • Media and Culture
  • Research Project and Research Thesis.

    The emphasis is on seminar readings and discussions, and research. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Prior learning in communication and any recognised degree /diploma and/or experience in the fields of communication, research, political science, international relations, development, population, diplomacy ,media policy, and any other field that is related to communication. It is assumed that some applicants will be already practising as communication specialists in their respective fields and these will be considered on the strength of the type of evidence that suggests that they may in fact, qualify for entry into the honours programme. Entry is made as flexible as possible to allow educators and all other professionals to gain from the programme, so as to apply the practice of communication in their respective fields. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes:

    1. Mastery of key Research Principles.
    2. Apply semiotic theory to analyse text and symbols.
    3. Analysis and evaluation of Media Policies.
    4. Present a thesis on a specialised media topic.


    Specific Outcomes:

    1.1 Formulate a thesis research proposal.
    1.2 Select sample Tom populations and describe sample.
    1.3 Define terms and review the literature.

    2.1 Identify examples of verbal and non-verbal symbols.
    2.2 Describe signs and signification in communication.
    2.3 Design and interpret text, pictorial and graphic messages.
    2.4 Describe symbolic connotation and denotation through examples.

    3.1 Perform media assessment and media policy studies.
    3.2 Analyse and interpret the role of the public in media.
    3.3 Criticise media messages.
    3.4 Identify and explore ethical issues in the media.

    4.1 Prepare a research proposal.
    4.2 Conduct a survey on the topic. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1.1 Discuss background of study.
    1.1.2 Discuss the rationale.
    1.1.3 Discuss objectives of study.
    1.1.4 Check literature on research topic.
    1.1.5 Define terms used in study.
    1.1.6 Delimit the study boundaries.

    1.2.1 Select population groups for research.
    1.2.2 Choose and motivate suitable sampling techniques.
    1.2.3 Explain reasons for sampling variations.
    1.2.4 Establish representatively of sample.
    1.2.5 Identify characteristics of sample.

    1.3.1 Define terms according to literature sources.
    1.3.2 Define terms according to study topic.
    1.3.3 Cite theory from relevant literature.
    1.3.4 Cite similar or related research.


    2.1.1 Interpret phonemics, chromatics, kinesics and haptics.
    2.1.2 Interpret paralanguage (exemplification).
    2.1.3 Interpret cultural symbols(rituals, ceremonies)
    2.1.4 Interpret national symbols (flags, emblems, etc).

    2.2.1 Compile a portfolio of national signs.
    2.2.2 Compile a portfolio of national symbols.
    2.2.3 Compile a portfolio of cultural ceremonies.
    2.2.4 Compile a portfolio of geographical/climatic symbols.
    2.2.5 Compile a portfolio of national costumes.

    2.3.1 Use the graphic tools(Core1 and MS word)for message design.
    2.3.2 Retrieve graphic signs from computer and explain.
    2.3.3 Draw graphic messages /cartoons.
    2.3.4 Cut and paste cartoons from newspapers and interpret.

    2.4.1 Exemplify verbal symbolization (figurative language).
    2.4.2 Exemplify non-verbal symbols (expressive language).
    2.4.3 Exemplify culture-specific non-verbal symbols.
    2.4.4 Exemplify body language symbols (culture specific).
    2.4.5 Cite communication barriers.


    3.1.1 Assess the media situation in Southern Africa.
    3.1.2 Analyse sections of the IBA Policy document.
    3.1.3 Critically analyse the Communication 2000 document.
    3.1.4 Discuss the role of government in media.
    3.1.5 Discuss the role of The Freedom of Expression Institute and other media watchdogs in South Africa.
    3.1.6 Analyse and interpret the FCC (USA) regulations and specifications.

    3.2.1 Identify public interest groups.
    3.2.2 Identify publications by media watchdogs (e.g. MediaWorks).
    3.2.3 Discuss media concerns of the public (e.g. gender issues).
    3.2.4 Research media stereotypes, biases and the post modem image of the media.

    3.3.1 Select columns and editorial comments from newspapers.
    3.3.2 Discuss and critically analyse the articles and comments.
    3.3.3 Check media content for agenda setting.
    3.3.4 Check media content for political bias.
    3.3.5 Select and study in detail one columnist (eg. Stephen Mulholland) from the mainstream news media.
    3.3.6 Check gender bias and portrayal in media messages (television).


    3.4.1 Identify the limits to Freedom of Expression.
    3.4.2 Isolate the role of public interest groups.
    3.4.3 Evaluate the role of culture in the media milieu.
    3.4.4 Evaluate the influence of media on consumers.


    4.1.1 Select and motivate a suitable thesis topic from the main topics as outlined in the calendar.
    4.1.2 Review the relevant literature on specific topic.
    4.1.3 Conduct a pilot research on the specialized topic.
    4.1.4 Present a seminar paper based on the research.

    4.2.1 Design the instrumentation for the survey.
    4.2.2 Select a sample through accepted sampling techniques.
    4.2.3 Design the methods for processing the data.
    4.2.4 Process the data for findings.
    4.2.5 Record and communicate the findings.
    4.2.6 Make valid recommendations.


    Integrated assessment:

    Formative and summative assessment will be implemented. The entire programme focuses on intensive reading and research in all the areas of communication indicated in the programme, with seminars and debates forming the greater part of the work. The student learners will submit proof of literature readings throughout, and will concentrate on the most crucial communication issues in the programme content.

    Supervision of research, analysis, use of research tools, and interpretation of data and facts will be done on a continuous basis, and learners will work independently for the better part of the course, with supervision of seminars organised by themselves from time to time. Learners will submit attendance evidence of conferences, workshops and think tanks on all aspects of communicaiton relevant to the programme, as well as portfolios and visual presentations of all practical work done. Presentation of a final product in the form of a thesis forms part of the integrated assessment. Evidence of community work done plus an internship will complete the assessment programme. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The programme has content that may be found in studies in political science, media law and ethics, international relations, development communication, sociology, industrial psychology, economics and management, including organisational structures and leadership studies, as well as research studies where they may fit in for their research work. The degree has the potential to embrace most fields of human learning, and because of its broad inclusively, has the capacity to guide students who wish to engage in a particular field of communication research at Masters level. Students from this course may engage in other honours programmes in the areas mentioned above. The programme articulates with the M.A. Phil. programme. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal and external moderators are used for all exit levels to ensure that the agreed standards are sued to assess the work. External moderators may be practitioners in the fields indicated for this programme, who have the necessary expertise and experience.

    The Education and Training Quality Assurers (ETQA's )will also moderate the work of students. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Professors and academics within the university with expertise in above areas are suitable for assessing work related to their field of expertise from time to time.
  • External assessors from other universities and communication experts in government and the private sector are used as external supervisors for thesis work. Other areas will be identified by the HEQC. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.