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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce in Philosophy, Politics and Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
64449  Bachelor of Commerce in Philosophy, Politics and Economics 
ORIGINATOR
St. Augustine College of South Africa NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The aim of the qualification is to produce graduates who can engage in extended and self-critical analyses of the political and economic environment within which they will have to work. Such skills are not common in the South African business sector. To this end the programme stresses the importance of integration of knowledge and concern for the ethical and moral implications of methods and discoveries. It encourages interdisciplinary studies as valuable in acquiring an organic vision of reality and a continuing desire for intellectual growth and personal development.

Rationale:

The programme of the B Com is intended for learners who have already completed their matriculation exam with exemption (or its equivalent NQF Level 4). The successful student is ready to enter a B Com. Successful completion of this qualification will allow access to an Honours course (at NQF Level 7) in preparation for postgraduate specialisation in either economics, politics or philosophy.

The degree will incorporate standard Bachelor of Commerce elements, notably four first-level courses in economics, mathematics and statistics, accounting and commercial law. It will also have a compulsory major in economics, which is always available as one of the possible majors in the Bachelor of Commerce degree in South African universities. What will make this degree different is that the remainder of the courses will be in philosophy and politics rather than the usual management sciences or accounting. The specific aim is to produce graduates who can produce extended and self-critical analyses of the political and economic environment within which they will have to work. Such skills are not common among South African businessmen. This degree will make a useful new contribution. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This qualification assumes that the learner is competent in the language of the provider and is able to demonstrate the applied competence which typically leads to the award of a qualification at NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of prior learning is given to relevant practical and theoretical experience in the field and subfield relevant to this qualification and is assessed by the Academic Board in conjunction with the rules of access quoted at 4 above. The relevance is assessed by the Academic Board which decides whether it suffices to allow admission to the programme. Structured means for the assessment of individual learning against entrance requirements and against exit outcomes are devised on a case-by-case basis. These procedures may be assessed by independent moderators.

Access:

Admission requirements are as follows:

The National Senior Certificate grading system will be as follows from 2008:

Code; Description; Marks:
  • 7; Outstanding achievement; 80%-100%.
  • 6; Meritorious achievement; 70%-79%.
  • 5; Substantial achievement; 60%-69%.
  • 4; Adequate achievement; 50%-59%.
  • 3; Moderate achievement; 40%-49%.
  • 2; Elementary achievement; 30%-39%.
  • 1; Not achieved; 0%-29%.

    Seven subjects must be offered, including life orientation.

    The degree programme is demanding and selection must be careful, accordingly, the entry requirements to the Bachelor of Commerce Degree will be as follows:
  • At least adequate achievement in English and at least adequate achievement in Mathematics and at least one of English and mathematics at substantial achievement or better.
  • No subject at the not achieved level and no more than one at the elementary achievement and no more than two at the moderate achievement level and below.
  • Counting codes as points, a total of not less than 25 points, excluding life orientation.
  • Satisfactory performance on the pre-admission English and mathematics tests. The English pre-admission test will be the University of Cape Town's Alternative. Admissions Research Project's Placement Test in English for Educational Purposes. The mathematics test will be set by St Augustine's and will test for proficiency in arithmetic and algebraic operations, the use of graphs and the symbolic representation and solution of verbally formulated mathematical problems.

    One of these conditions may be waived if all the others are satisfied and the indications are that an applicant would cope with the degree programme. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The undergraduate degree in Commerce is a 388 credit qualification at NQF Level 6.

    The credits are assigned to the component modules in the following way:

    Fundamental modules; Credits:
  • Fundamental: Study skills I; 10 Credits.
  • Fundamental: Study skills II; 10 Credits.

    Core modules; Credits:

    At first year level:
  • Microeconomics I; 14 Credits.
  • Macroeconomics I; 14 Credits.
  • Critical thinking and logic; 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to philosophy; 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to political science; 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to global politics ; 14 Credits.
  • Mathematics; 14 Credits.
  • Statistics; 14 Credits.

    First year subtotal = 132 Credits.

    At 2nd year level:
  • Microeconomics II ; 8 Credits.
  • Macroeconomics II; 8 Credits.
  • International economics; 8 Credits.
  • Mathematics for economists; 8 Credits.
  • History of philosophy I; 8 Credits.
  • Philosophy of knowledge and reality; 8 Credits.
  • History of philosophy II; 8 Credits.
  • Philosophy of mind and person; 8 Credits.
  • Political philosophy I; 8 Credits.
  • International Relations I; 8 Credits.
  • SA government and politics; 8 Credits.
  • Politics of US and Latin America; 8 Credits.
  • Accounting IA; 16 Credits.
  • Accounting 1B; 16 Credits.

    Second year subtotal = 128 Credits.

    At 3rd year level:

    At 3rd level Economics is obligatory and a choice must be made between either Philosophy of Politics:
  • Microeconomics III; 8 Credits.
  • Macroeconomics III; 8 Credits.
  • Econometrics; 8 Credits.
  • Development economics; 8 Credits.
  • Economics of the public sector; 8 Credits.
  • Ethics; 8 Credits.
  • Philosophy of science; 8 Credits.
  • Philosophy of religion; 8 Credits.
  • Contemporary philosophical pluralism; 8 Credits.
  • Philosophy integration seminar; 8 Credits.
  • International Relations II; 10 Credits.
  • Political philosophy II; 10 Credits.
  • Political economics; 10 Credits.
  • Regional politics; 10 Credits.
  • Capstone seminar 3A; 8 Credits.
  • Capstone seminar 3B; 8 Credits.
  • Commercial Law I; 16 Credits.
  • Commercial Law II; 16 Credits.
  • Economics; 40 Credits.
  • Politics or Philosophy; 40 Credits.
  • Capstone; 16 Credits.
  • Commercial law; 32 Credits.

    Third year sub-total = 128 Credits.

    Total = 388 Credits.

    Elective modules:

    Economics is an obligatory major and at the end of the second-level of study students must exercise a choice between Philosophy and Politics as a second major for the third-level of study.

    The qualification is obtained after 36 months of full-time study. A student has do 42 modules in 36 months. Fundamental modules consist of 30 hours of lectures, tutorials, group work, skills building exercises, and various assignments. Core Modules at first and second year levels range from 8, 10 to 14 credits per module. The time budget for each module is show in the following coded format:
  • A: Assessment.
  • H: Self-study.
  • L: Lecture.
  • P: Practical.
  • R: Revision.
  • S: Seminar.
  • T: Tutorial.

    Thus the time budget for Microeconomics I is 52L-13T-50H-15R-10A, indicating 52 hours of lectures, 13 hours of tutorials, 50 hours of self-study, 15 hours of revision and 10 hours of assessment, coming to 140 notional hours, as is appropriate for a 14 credit module. The information is shown in the following table:

    Course Name; Credits; Semester; Formula; Notional Hrs:
  • Microeconomics I (ECON 101); 14 Credits; First; 52L-13T-50H-15R-10A; 140 Hours.
  • Macroeconomics I (ECON102); 14 Credits; Second; 52L-13T-50H-15R-10A; 140 Hours.
  • Microeconomics II (ECON201); 8 Credits; First; 26L-6T-32H-8R-8A; 80 Hours.
  • Macroeconomics II (ECON211); 8 Credits; First; 26L-6T-32H-8R-8A; 80 Hours.
  • International economics (ECON202); 8 Credits; Second; 26L-6T-32H-8R-8A; 80 Hours.
  • Mathematics for economists (ECON212); 8 Credits; Second; 26L-6T-32H-8R-8A; 80 Hours.
  • Microeconomics III (ECON301); 8 Credits; First; 26L-30H-12R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Macroeconomics III (ECON311); 8 Credits; First; 26L-30H-12R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Econometrics (ECON321); 8 Credits; First; 26L-13P-23H-10R-8A; 80 Hours.
  • Development economics (ECON302); 8 Credits; Second; 26L-30H-12R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Economics of the public sector (ECON312); 8 Credits; Second; 26L-30H-12R-12A; 80 Hours.

    Philosophy:
  • Critical Thinking and Logic (PHIL101); 14 Credits; First; 39L-26T-44H-15R-16A; 140 Hours.
  • Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL102); 14 Credits; Second; 39L-26T-44H-15R-16A; 140 Hours.
  • History of Philosophy I (PHIL201); 8 Credits; First; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • The Philosophy of Knowledge and Reality (PHIL211); 8 Credits; First; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • History of Philosophy II (PHIL202); 8 Credits; Second; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Philosophy of Mind and Person: Nature and Dignity of Human Beings (PHIL212); 8 Credits; Second; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Ethics (PHIL301); 8 Credits; First; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Philosophy of Science (PHIL311); 8 Credits; First; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Philosophy of Religion (PHIL321); 8 Credits; First; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Contemporary Philosophy: Pluralism and Metaphilosophy (PHIL302); 8 Credits; Second; 26L-13T-21H-8R-12A; 80 Hours.
  • Philosophy Integration Seminar (PHIL312); 8 Credits; Second; 26S-26H-13H-15A; 80 Hours.
  • Introduction to Political Science (POLS 101); 14 Credits; First; 39L-26T-50H-20R-5A; 140 Hours.
  • Introduction to Global Politics: (POLS 102); 14 Credits; Second; 39L-26T-50H-20R-5A; 140 Hours.
  • Political Philosophy I: The foundations of modern political philosophy (POLS201); 8 Credits; First; 13L-26T-25-H-12R-4A; 80 Hours.
  • International Relations I (POLS211); 8 Credits; First; 13L-26T-25-H-12R-4A; 80 Hours.
  • South African Government and Politics: an Introduction (POLS 202); 8 Credits; Second; 13L-26T-25-H-12R-4A; 80 Hours.
  • The Politics and Government of the United States of America and a Selected South American Country (POLS212); 8 Credits; Second; 13L-26T-25-H-12R-4A; 80 Hours.
  • International Relations II (POLS301); 10 Credits; First; 26L-26T-29H-14R-5A; 100 Hours.
  • Political Philosophy II: The Enlightenment to the Twenty-first Century (POLS311); 10 Credits; First; 26L-26T-29H-14R-5A; 100 Hours.
  • Analytical approaches to 'political economics' (POLS 302); 10 Credits; Second; 26L-26T-29H-14R-5A; 100 Hours.
  • A world of regions (POLS 312); 10 Credits; Second; 26L-26T-29H-14R-5A; 100 Hours.
  • Capstone Seminar (CAPS301)(3A, 3B);16 (8+8) Credits; First and second; 26S-108H-26A; 160 (80+80) Hours.
  • Accounting (ACCN101); 16 Credits; First; 104L-26T; 320 Hours.
  • Accounting (ACCN102; 16 Credits; second; 145H-30R-15A.
  • Commercial Law; Commercial Law I (COMM101); 16 Credits; First; 52L-13T-65H-20R-10A; 160 Hours.
  • Commercial law II (COMM102); 16 Credits; Second; 52L-13T-65H-20R-10A; 160 Hours.
  • Mathematics (MATH101); 14 Credits; First; 52L-13T-13P-48H-8R-6A; 140 Hours.
  • Statistics (STAT101); 14 Credits; Second; 52L-13T-13P-48H-8R-6A; 140 Hours.
  • Communication and Study Skills (STUD101); 10 Credits; First; 30L-10R-4A-30P-26H; 100 Hours.
  • Basic Computing and Research Methods (STUD102); 10 Credits; Second; 30L-10R-4A-30P-26H; 100 Hours.

    Note: At 3rd year level the Economics modules are obligatory, while a choice must be made between Politics and Philosophy.

    Each fundamental module is worth 10 credits and there are 2 fundamental modules.
    Each of the 8 core modules at first year level is worth 14 credits. 12 of the 13 modules at second year level are worth 8 credits each while accounting I is worth 32 credits. At third year level 12 of the core modules are worth 8 credits each, 4 are worth 10 credits each and 1 module is worth 16 credits.

    The two fundamental modules are worth 10 credits per module = 100 notional hours.
    The final credit value at first and second year level is therefore 12 credits per module = 120 notional hours per module.

    The final credit value at third year level is therefore 30 credits per module = 300 notional hours per module. This means the final credit value for the whole qualification is 388 credits = 388 notional hours. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The critical outcomes are integrated into the exit level outcomes.

    The exit level outcomes are as follows:

    General Outcomes:

    Learners will:
  • Develop a grasp of legal, accounting and quantitative skills necessary for the management of a business or non-governmental organization.
  • Develop a detailed grasp of economic principles and organization.
  • Develop logical and critical skills to the point where complex chains of argument can be analyzed accurately.
  • Develop an understanding of political theory and institutions and hence be able to analyze political developments shrewdly and comprehensively.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the political and economic environment of business in South Africa and elsewhere.
  • Be able to communicate their knowledge within businesses, non-governmental organizations and to be able to present arguments to government and the public at large.
  • Be well aware of the ethical challenges faced by business and government in a changing global environment.

    These exit level outcomes are supported by the specific outcomes of the component modules of the undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Commerce. The assessment criteria for each module are given along with the module outcomes.

    Communication and Study Skills:

    Outcome 1:
  • To be able to write comprehensive and coherent texts in line with expectations for successful academic study.

    Outcome 2:
  • To be able to apply appropriate reading strategies in different learning areas.

    Outcome 3:
  • To be able to demonstrate an interactive and robust critical and analytical approach towards learning.

    Basic Computing and Research Methods:

    Outcome 1:
  • To be able to use the concepts in information technology.

    Outcome 2:
  • To be able to use word processing.

    Outcome 3:
  • To be able to construct Power Point presentation and use Excel applications.

    Outcome 4:
  • The ability to use search engines such as Yahoo, Microsoft Network (MSN), Google to obtain information.

    Outcome 5:
  • Understanding the elements of research design.

    Economics:

    Note: Similarity in assessment criteria between some of the Economics modules is unavoidable as what is required of students is that they understand concepts, be able to explain theories, be able to apply concepts and theories in problems and be able to write critical essays. What changes between the modules is the nature and level of the content.

    Microeconomics I (ECON101):

    Outcome 1:
  • Distinguish clearly between the concepts of supply and demand with an understanding of the main determinants of each.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand the difference between product markets and factor markets.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand the concept of market structure and the implications of market structure for economic efficiency.

    Outcome 4:
  • Understand the bearing of particular circumstances (such as uncertainty or externalities) of the operation of markets.

    Macroeconomics I (ECON102):

    Outcome 1:
  • Interpret national accounts.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand the way in which money is created and regulated.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand the short-run and long-run determinants of national output.

    Outcome 4:
  • Understand ways in which national output is related to conditions in the rest of the world.

    Microeconomics II (ECON201):

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the interaction between preferences and budgets in the formation of individual and market demand.

    Outcome 2:
  • Analyse the income and substitution components of changes in demand as it responds to changes in prices.

    Outcome 3:
  • Deal with time and risk in microeconomic analysis.

    Macroeconomics II (ECON211):

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand and apply intermediate graphical, algebraic and calculus models to the analysis of the economy at the macroeconomic level in the short run.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand and apply the elements of growth theory.

    Outcome 3:
  • Identify the main controversies in macroeconomic theory.

    International economics:

    Outcome 1:
  • Have a broad general grasp of patterns of international trade.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand and apply concepts and theory in international trade theory at the intermediate level.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand issues and debates in the field of trade policy.

    Mathematics for economists:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the mathematical concepts used in intermediate economic analysis, including optimization, integral calculus, and differential equations.

    Outcome 2:
  • Deal with problems extending over a period of time.

    Outcome 3:
  • Apply optimization techniques to static and dynamic economic models.

    Microeconomics III (ECON301):

    Outcome 1:
  • Analyse the behaviour of firms.

    Outcome 2:
  • Analyse price formation in competitive markets.

    Outcome 3:
  • Analyse special cases, such as externalities, public goods and imperfect information.

    Macroeconomics III (ECON311):

    Outcome 1:
  • Analyse monetary and fiscal policy at the intermediate level.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand the macroeconomic analysis of economies open to trade and capital flows.

    Outcome 3:
  • Incorporate expectations into their understanding of macroeconomics.

    Econometrics:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the application of statistical techniques to economic problems.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand the classical linear regression model and its limitations in some detail.

    Outcome 3:
  • Use a statistical package to derive econometric results from a data set.

    Development economics:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the main themes in contemporary development economics.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand the structural changes in economy and society accompanying economic development.

    Outcome 3:
  • Analyse inequality and poverty.

    Economics of the public sector:

    Outcome 1:
  • The rationale for government action in the economy.

    Outcome 2:
  • The economic effects of taxation and government expenditure.

    Outcome 3:
  • The issues associated with public choice.

    Capstone Seminar:

    Outcome:
  • This weekly seminar will be devoted to exploring issues requiring an interdisciplinary approach. The issues will require the perspective of at least two and possibly all three of philosophy, politics and economics.

    Ancillary Courses:

    Accounting:

    Outcome:
  • On successful completion of the course an individual should be able to understand the content of a set of financial statements (including the audit report) in terms of completeness and, at a non-complex level, assess the financial status of the entity.

    Commercial Law:

    Commercial Law I:

    Outcomes:
  • The learner will be familiar with the general principles of the law of contract.
  • The learner will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply these principles to problem type questions.
  • The learner will have an understanding of the way in which the court system operates in respect of commercial matters.
  • The learner will have an appreciation of the origins of our law and the impact of the constitution on commercial law.

    Commercial Law II:

    Outcomes:
  • The learner will be familiar with the general principles of the law of sale, lease, agency, cheques and credit agreements.
  • The learner will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply these principles to problem type questions.
  • The learner will have an understanding of the different forms of business entity available in South African law.

    Mathematics:

    Outcome 1:
  • Handle vectors and matrices and to understand their practical uses in economics.

    Outcome 2:
  • Develop their knowledge of differential and integral calculus.

    Outcome 3:
  • Deal with optimization problems at an elementary level.

    Outcome 4:
  • Use a mathematical computer package.

    Statistics:

    Outcome 1:
  • Calculate descriptive statistics and understand their uses.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand the elements of probability theory.

    Outcome 3:
  • Be able to handle elementary problems in statistical inference and regression.

    Outcome 4:
  • Use a statistical package.

    Critical Thinking and Logic:

    Outcome 1:
  • Be able to distinguish deductive and inductive arguments as well as identify indirect arguments of persuasion.

    Outcome 2:
  • Be able to evaluate the validity and soundness of deductive arguments and the strength of inductive and analogical arguments.

    Outcome 3:
  • Be able to apply critical thinking skills by reference to a variety of real-life contexts such as advertising, the media, political communication or text-books.

    Introduction to Philosophy:

    Outcome 1:
  • Be familiar with particular ways in which human life raises philosophical questions about objectivity about the objectivity of knowledge, the nature of reality or about the nature of values and goodness.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand what is distinctive to the main areas of philosophy such as Epistemology, metaphysics and Ethics as well as appreciating what is involved in a variety of specialized areas such as the philosophy of mind or the philosophy of religion.

    Outcome 3:
  • Be acquainted with the ways in which historical and contemporary positions differ in their understanding of the nature of philosophy and philosophical method.

    Outcome 4:
  • Be able to read texts philosophically and be able to write philosophically: They will be able to identify different types of arguments in philosophical texts and be able to generate their own arguments when analyzing philosophical texts and when responding to philosophical claims.

    History of Philosophy I:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the way in which philosophy emerged in (a) the critical questioning of cosmological myths and in (b) reflection on the natural world by the Presocractics.

    Outcome 2:
  • Appreciate how Plato and Aristotle systematized philosophy and differentiated epistemological, metaphysical, ethical and socio-political questions.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand how the Christian background of Augustine and Aquinas brought about a transformation in philosophy.

    Philosophy of Knowledge and Reality:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand how epistemology came to the fore in the modern period and grasp the developments in the philosophy of knowledge from Descartes to Kant and Hegel.

    Outcome 2:
  • Become familiar with Aquinas's philosophy of knowledge and understand how contemporary Thomism has attempted to respond to modern epistemology.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand the nature of metaphysics and how metaphysical thinking has been affected by shifts from medieval to modern to postmodern contexts.

    History of Philosophy II:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand how the Renaissance brought about a transition from medieval to modern culture and hence a shift to modern philosophy.

    Outcome 2:
  • Appreciate the central role of modern science in the development of empiricism and rationalism and Kantian idealism.

    Outcome 3:
  • Be able to understand and evaluate the world view of Modernity and the Enlightenment ideal of progress through science.

    Outcome 4:
  • Be able to appreciate how the philosophies of the modern period continues to influence the contemporary world.

    Philosophy of Mind and Person:

    Outcome 1:
  • Be familiar with a range of philosophical positions regarding human nature and human worth and participate in contemporary debates on human dignity.

    Outcome 2:
  • Be able to argue for and against different accounts of human nature.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand what is required for an integral understanding of the human Person.

    Ethics:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the difference between normative ethics and Metaethics and how these are interrelated.

    Outcome 2:
  • Be able to understand and critically evaluate a range of ethical theories.

    Outcome 3:
  • Be able to engage in moral reasoning in relation to particular moral problems.

    Philosophy of Science:

    Outcome 1:
  • Acquire an accurate knowledge of key scientific experiments and theories in the development of modern science.

    Outcome 2:
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the nature of scientific method and methods.

    Outcome 3:
  • Become familiar with the epistemological and metaphysical questions arising out of scientific claims regarding the world.

    Philosophy of Religion:

    Outcome 1:
  • Become acquainted with phenomenological accounts of religious experience, including the first hand reports of the mystics.

    Outcome 2:
  • Be acquainted with the epistemological and metaphysical positions that arise out of religious claims.

    Outcome 3:
  • Be able to assess the claims made by scientific thinkers regarding the truth of religion.

    Contemporary Philosophy:

    Outcome 1:
  • Become familiar with the main positions in contemporary Western philosophy.

    Outcome 2:
  • Begin to appreciate the alternative perspectives found in World Philosophy, especially in African philosophy and Asian philosophy.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand different ways of responding to philosophical pluralism and hence be able to argue for or against the possibility of dialogue between different traditions in World Philosophy.

    Philosophy Integration Seminar:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the interrelationship between different areas of philosophy in relation to a particular theme or question.

    Outcome 2:
  • Acquire the ability to engage a range of philosophical positions and apply them to a particular concrete problem.

    Outcome 3:
  • Develop the ability to engage in philosophical conversation and debate.

    Introduction to Political Science :

    Outcome 1:
  • Assess political events critically and with analytical rigour.

    Outcome 2:
  • Understand key political concepts and institutions at an introductory level.

    Outcome 3:
  • Read, summarize and assess arguments and empirical content in articles and books.

    Outcome 4:
  • Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments.

    Introduction to Global Politics:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand key forces shaping global politics.

    Outcome 2:
  • Read, summarize and assess arguments and empirical content in articles and books.

    Outcome 3:
  • Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments.

    Political Philosophy I: The foundations of modern political philosophy:

    Outcome 1:
  • Read original texts, assess their internal structure and coherence, and relate them to their historical contexts.

    Outcome 2:
  • Assess arguments in political philosophy critically.

    Outcome 3:

    Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments at a high level of abstraction.

    International Relations I:

    Outcome 1:
  • Know the major contemporary literature in the field of international relations.

    Outcome 2:
  • Have a substantive knowledge of the natures and working of international institutions and treaties.

    Outcome 3:
  • Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments at a high level of abstraction.

    South African Government and Politics: an Introduction:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the key forces that have shaped South African politics.

    Outcome 2:
  • Know the South African Constitution and the processes and conflicts that led to democracy.

    Outcome 3:
  • Analyse South African politics in comparative perspective.

    Outcome 4:
  • Write an essay in the field, and articulate relevant arguments, at a high level of abstraction and with a detailed command of relevant empirical material.

    The Politics and Government of the United States of America and a Selected South American Country:

    Outcome 1:
  • Know the basic principles of comparative political analysis.

    Outcome 2:
  • Have in-depth knowledge of the political systems, and social contexts of, two countries other than South Africa.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand the effect of different historical trajectories in the development of contemporary national political systems.

    Outcome 4:
  • Read, summarize and assess arguments and empirical content in articles and books on the politics and government of the two countries covered by the module.

    Outcome 5:
  • Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments with a detailed command of relevant empirical material.

    International Relations II:

    Outcome 1:
  • Know some of the major normative and empirical theoretical approaches to, and perspectives on, international relations studies.

    Outcome 2:
  • Read, summarize and assess arguments and empirical content in articles and books.

    Outcome 3:
  • Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments with a detailed command of relevant empirical material.

    Outcome 4:
  • Conduct independent bibliographical research in the field.

    Political Philosophy II: The Enlightenment to the Twenty-first Century:

    Outcome 1:
  • Critically engage with texts and arguments at a high level of theoretical abstraction.

    Outcome 2:
  • Develop high-level reasoning skills in the field.

    Outcome 3:
  • Know about historical contexts in which political thought is articulated.

    Outcome 4:
  • Write an essay in the field and conduct independent bibliographical research on specific topics.

    Analytical approaches to 'political economics':

    Outcome 1:
  • Know the content of key texts in the field.

    Outcome 2:
  • Read, summarize and assess arguments and empirical content in articles and books.

    Outcome 3:
  • Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments with a detailed command of relevant empirical material.

    Outcome 4:
  • Conduct independent bibliographical research in the field.

    A world of regions:

    Outcome 1:
  • Understand the importance of regional forces in contemporary global politics.

    Outcome 2:
  • Know key institutions that operate at the regional level.

    Outcome 3:
  • Understand the political economy and other features of three regions (Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific regions).

    Outcome 4:
  • Read, summarize and assess arguments and empirical content in articles and books.

    Outcome 5:
  • Write an essay in the field and articulate relevant arguments with a detailed command of relevant empirical material. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Communication and Study Skills:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Write an academic essay on a given topic.
  • Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, interpret and represent information obtained through research in writing.
  • Demonstrate ability to use secondary sources of information.
  • Demonstrate referencing, citing and bibliographic skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate ability to summarising text to capture the content relevant to a topic of discussion.
  • Identify key concepts.
  • Conceptualise key concepts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate in essay form the ability to formulate an individual and well-argued position on texts read.
  • Collect, analyse, and organise information.
  • Critically evaluate information.
  • Analyse specific texts.

    Basic Computing and Research Methods:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Identify and define the fundamental concepts in information technology.
  • Explain how the concepts in information technology are applied.
  • Use the concepts in information technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Create a document using a word processing programme such as Microsoft Word.
  • Demonstrate the ability to edit a document by aligning pages, spacing paragraphs, indenting text, and using other text features.
  • Demonstrate the ability to save a document in a specific location and to retrieve it.
  • Construct a file management system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the ability to create a presentation such as Power Point.
  • Demonstrate the ability to select among different slide options.
  • Be able to insert objects into a presentation such as Power Point.
  • Construct a basic spreadsheet such as an Excel document.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate the ability to access some of the search engines on the World Wide Web to retrieve specific information.
  • Obtaining information through different search engines, such as Yahoo, Google.
  • Demonstrate the ability to recognise relevant information.
  • Distinguish between accredited academic information and opinion pieces.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 5:
  • Identify and explain different basic research design methods.
  • Demonstrate basic ability to collect and analyse data.
  • Demonstrate basic ability to interpret findings.

    Economics:

    Microeconomics I (ECON101):

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant microeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant microeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant microeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant microeconomic models.

    Macroeconomics I (ECON102):

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant macroeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant macroeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant macroeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Be able to explain tools of analysis.
  • Be able to solve stylized numerical problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write short essays explaining the assumptions and the workings of relevant macroeconomic models.

    Microeconomics II (ECON201):

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant microeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of microeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant microeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of microeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant microeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of microeconomic models.

    Macroeconomics II (ECON211):

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to identify and explain the markets considered in macroeconomic models and how these markets interact.
  • Be able to analyse macroeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of macroeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to distinguish between short-run and long-run issues in economics and to give an account of the characteristic problems in each.
  • Be able to analyse macroeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of macroeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to identify issues at stake in macroeconomic controversies.
  • Be able to compare and contrast macroeconomic theories.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of macroeconomic models.

    International economics:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to identify key international trade flows.
  • Be able to identify key issues for theoretical analysis.
  • Be able to identify key institutional issues in international trade.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant international trade problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of international trade models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to explain the main issues in trade policy.
  • Be able to analyse trade policy problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining trade policy issues.

    Mathematics for economists:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to formulate economic problems in mathematical terms.
  • Be able to solve the mathematical problems thus formulated.
  • Be able to interpret the mathematical answers in economic terms.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to formulate economic problems in mathematical terms.
  • Be able to solve the mathematical problems thus formulated.
  • Be able to interpret the mathematical answers in economic terms.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to formulate economic problems in mathematical terms.
  • Be able to solve the mathematical problems thus formulated.
  • Be able to interpret the mathematical answers in economic terms.

    Microeconomics III (ECON301):

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant microeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of microeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant microeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of microeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant microeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of microeconomic models.

    Macroeconomics III (ECON311):

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to explain issues in monetary and fiscal policy.
  • Be able to analyse relevant policy problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of monetary and fiscal policy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant macroeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of macroeconomic models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to explain the relevant theories at the intermediate level.
  • Be able to analyse relevant macroeconomic problems using graphical, algebraic and calculus techniques.
  • Be able to write essays explaining the assumptions and working of macroeconomic models.

    Econometrics:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to explain which parts of statistical theory are of particular application to economics.
  • Be able to formulate economic measurement problems in statistical terms.
  • Be able to analyse resulting statistical problems in mathematical terms.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain the assumptions behind the model.
  • Be able to explain the workings of the model.
  • Be able to apply the model.

    Development economics:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to use the statistical package.
  • Be able to represent an econometric model in the package language.
  • Be able to collate and interpret the results of running a model in the package.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to explain the scope of development economics.
  • Be able to outline the main themes in development economics since 1945.
  • Be able to set out the assumptions and consequences of key theories in development economics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to identify the key changes in economic structure as an economy develops.
  • Be able to write essays on the theories of why these key changes take place.
  • Be able to give an account of controversies in the theory of economic development.
  • Be able to give an account of the conceptual aspects of inequality and poverty.
  • Be able to use the principal quantitative measures of inequality and poverty.
  • Be able to write essays on the explanation of inequality and poverty.

    Economics of the public sector:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to identify the main reasons for government intervention in the economy.
  • Be able to write essays on the rationale behind each reason for government intervention.
  • Be able to discuss controversies concerning the role of government in the economy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to give an account of the theoretical basis for the analysis of the incidence of taxation and government expenditure.
  • Be able to carry out applied exercises in public sector economics analysis.
  • Be able to explain the distributive effects of taxation and government expenditure.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to explain why public sector choice has its own particular set of problems.
  • Be able to give an account of some of the main theories of public choice.
  • Be able to write essays on the implications of theories of public choice.

    Capstone Seminar:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Read academic texts critically, integrate and use the knowledge in written assignments.
  • Will avoid making relevant 'category mistakes'; will define concepts with precision and will substantiate claims and arguments.
  • Will summarize and critically assess key journal articles and books or chapters of books.
  • Will select and use study methods appropriate to their own needs and the demands of the module content.
  • Will display an awareness of the relationship between, and integrate, the different disciplinary approaches used in the B.Com PPE.
  • Will exhibit knowledge of the content of the module.
  • Will be able to write substantial essays setting out interdisciplinary approaches to selected problems.

    Ancillary Courses:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Understand the rationale for financial reporting.
  • Write brief essays on the forms of financial reporting and what is involved in each.
  • Carry out the analyses of the financial status of entities from a set of financial reports.

    Commercial Law:

    Commercial Law I:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to identify the general principles of the law of contract.
  • Be able to apply principles to a given set of facts.
  • Be able to locate commercial law within the general framework of South African law.

    Commercial Law II:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to identify the general principles of the law of contract.
  • Be able to apply principles to a given set of facts.
  • Be able to locate commercial law within the general framework of South African law.

    Mathematics:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to write down a proof of key theorems.
  • Be able to solve relevant mathematical problems.
  • Be able to formulate economic problems in mathematical terms and to solve such formulations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to write down a proof of key theorems.
  • Be able to solve relevant mathematical problems.
  • Be able to formulate economic problems in mathematical terms and to solve such formulations.

    Associared Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to write down a proof of key theorems.
  • Be able to solve relevant mathematical problems.
  • Be able to formulate economic problems in mathematical terms and to solve such formulations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Understand the package language in sufficient detail to allow the solution of mathematical problems.
  • Implement such solutions.
  • Interpret the results.

    Statistics:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be able to write down the formulae for key descriptive statistics.
  • Be able to calculate key descriptive statistics from data sets.
  • Be able to interpret the results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Be able to give an account of key definitions and theorems.
  • Be able to apply probability theory to stylized problems.
  • Be able to interpret the results of a probability analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Be able to give an account of the basic approach in statistical inference and regression.
  • Be able to solve inference and regression problems.
  • Be able to interpret the results of mathematical analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Be able to set up a data set for analysis by the package.
  • Be able to write code for a simple statistical analysis.
  • Be able to interpret results for an analysis carried out using the package.

    Critical Thinking and Logic:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Discriminate specific deductive and inductive arguments within a given group of arguments.
  • Identify a range of techniques of persuasion and their implicitly suggested conclusions.
  • Diagram the structural relations between premises and conclusions in a range of arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Determine the validity of specific deductive arguments by reference to standard forms or by truth-table methods.
  • Determine the strength of specific inductive or analogical arguments by reference to such techniques as representative sampling or concomitant variation or by suitability of analogy.
  • Determine the soundness of arguments by reference to the consistency of premises and their relevance to the conclusion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Identify typical formal and informal fallacies in a variety of texts.
  • Discern the use of typical methods of mis-direction such as misuse of rhetoric, emotive language, and appeal to prejudice.
  • Make explicit the premises and conclusions in texts from various real-life contexts that contain hidden arguments or techniques of persuasion.

    Introduction to Philosophy:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Identify specific ways in which science, religion, social life and politics raise particular philosophical questions.
  • Express, in their own terms how personal problems in everyday life lead to philosophical questions.
  • Indicate how the different historical and social contexts of major philosophers influenced their systematic philosophical reflection.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Distinguish in different philosophers the epistemological, metaphysical and ethical dimensions of their writings.
  • Identify the core notions and distinctive methods of arguments proper to a range of philosophical fields such as philosophy of religion or the philosophy of science or the philosophy of mind.
  • Explain how different disciplines and sciences raise distinctive epistemological or metaphysical or ethical questions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate a clear grasp of the different perspectives in ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary philosophy.
  • Present an informed comparison between different philosophical periods.
  • Develop a historical appreciation of philosophical developments and an awareness of the metaphilosophical questions generated by philosophical pluralism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Identify and re-express the arguments of a variety of major philosophers.
  • Read texts in terms of their argumentative structure and in light of the conceptual framework underlying the text.
  • Identify the philosophical positions or the particular philosophers being addressed by a text.
  • Formulate arguments that respond to the positions of major philosophers.

    History of Philosophy I:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Identify the aspects of mythological thought that are critiqued by the Presocractics.
  • Analyze the different cosmologies of a range of Presocractic thinkers.
  • Explain the various accounts of the One and the Many put forward by the Presocractics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Explain how Plato developed the ethical thinking of Socrates.
  • Explain the character of Platonism as reflected in writings such as the Republic.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Aristotelian philosophy showing how it contrasts with the Platonic system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Explain how Augustine's religious background influenced his philosophical outlook, especially his account of the person and free will.
  • Explain how Aquinas's theological perspective shaped his philosophical thinking, especially in relation to the metaphysics of creation and the account of the human intellect and will as well as in relation to the human virtues.
  • Compare and contrast the Greek understanding of philosophy with that of Augustine and Aquinas.

    Philosophy of Knowledge and Reality:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Explain how the rise of skepticism at the end of the medieval period along with the rise of science provoked epistemological reflection in Descartes and others.
  • Compare and contrast rationalism and empiricism.
  • Evaluate Kant's attempt to reconcile rationalism an empiricism.
  • Explain and evaluate Hegel's account of the dynamic aspect in human knowing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Show familiarity with Aquinas's account of 'insight-into-phantasm'.
  • Explain how contemporary Thomist such as Lonergan have developed Aquinas's account of human knowing.
  • Compare and contrast Thomistic accounts of human knowledge with empiricist, rationalist and idealist accounts as well as with postmodern critiques of theories of knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Show an understanding of how religion, science, and culture have affected metaphysical thinking in different periods.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of metaphysical and anti-metaphysical positions including those of Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Suarez, Kant, Hegel and Heidegger.
  • Explain how contemporary Thomistic metaphysics would respond to the modern and postmodern critiques of metaphysics.

    History of Philosophy II:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be familiar with a variety of Renaissance writers.
  • Understand the range of classical philosophies which were taken up and developed by Renaissance philosophers.
  • Understand the critiques of medieval philosophers presented by Renaissance thinkers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Identify the work of experimental scientists that gave rise to the empiricism of Locke and Hume.
  • Explain how developments in the mathematical side of science inspired the rationalist philosophy of Descartes and Leibnitz.
  • Explain the way in which Newtonian science influenced the idealist philosophy of Kant.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Compare and contrast the ways in which the relationship between human reason and the world of Nature was explained by such thinkers as Bacon, Descartes, Hume and Kant.
  • Explain the key notions of Modernity: Secularism, Naturalism, Materialism, Individualism, Autonomy, Progress.
  • Show familiarity with the debates between supporters and critics of the Enlightenment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Explain how Kant continues to influence contemporary metaphysical positions.
  • Explain how Hegel was the point of departure for contemporary thinking about historical consciousness.
  • Explain how Nietzsche anticipated postmodern thinking.

    Philosophy of Mind and Person:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Explain the development of notions of human worth in such thinkers as Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Hobbes, Kant and Hegel.
  • Explain the relationship between such notions as intrinsic dignity, extrinsic dignity, a sense of dignity, respect, self esteem.
  • Explain the relationship between accounts of human nature and accounts of human dignity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Analyze and evaluate different versions of analytical behaviorism and diverse analytical accounts of personal identity.
  • Analyze and evaluate a range of positions in European Continental Thought relating to the philosophy of subjectivity.
  • Show familiarity with the debates concerning the deconstruction and reconstruction of the self.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Compare and contrast analytical, phenomenological and Thomistic accounts of the human person.
  • Understand the ethical implications of different accounts of the human person.
  • Explain how an integrated account of the human person leads to an integration of individual and relational dimensions of human dignity.

    Ethics:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Define the terms 'normative ethics' and 'Metaethics'.
  • Identify the normative and meta-ethical elements in a range of classical ethical texts.
  • Explain the interrelationship between normative and meta-ethical positions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Define basic ethical positions such as Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Theory, Natural Law Theory, Personalism.
  • Identify the normative and meta-ethical dimensions of basic ethical positions.
  • Compare and contrast the main positions in ethical theory and judge their relative adequacy in terms of explaining human action.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Select and apply a variety of ethical frameworks to particular ethical situations and problems.
  • Distinguish factual and ethical aspects of human situations and be able to discuss the fact-value distinction.
  • Develop an ethical position that begins to integrate basic ethical frameworks and apply them in a balanced way to diverse moral situations.

    Philosophy of Science:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Explain the shift from an Aristotelian to a Copernican perspective.
  • Detail the experimental and theoretical stages of investigation giving rise to Quantum Theory in physics.
  • Explain the experimental background and the reasoning that gave rise to genetic theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Distinguish between observation, theory construction and methods of verification.
  • Discuss the difficulties of relating observation and theory.
  • Differentiate and explain classical, statistical and genetic methods of inquiry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Compare and contrast positivistic, idealistic and realist accounts of scientific knowledge.
  • Analyze and assess arguments concerning the status of theoretical entities.
  • Compare and contrast rationalistic and objectivist positions with relativistic positions in the philosophy of science.

    Philosophy of Religion:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Be familiar with the religious writings of the major world religions.
  • Be able to explain the relationship of faith, religious experience and mystical experience.
  • Show a detailed knowledge of the writings of major mystics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Critically analyze and evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God.
  • Explain the relationship between faith and reason and evaluate the evidential status of religious experience.
  • Discuss the meaningfulness of religious language.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Identify historically important cases where scientific discoveries have raised questions about religious claims.
  • Explain the similarities and dissimilarities between religious and scientific thinking.
  • Explain how contemporary scientific discoveries continue to challenge religion.

    Contemporary Philosophy:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between analytical, phenomenological and hermeneutical, and postmodern approaches to philosophy.
  • Compare and contrast analytical philosophy with European Continental Philosophy.
  • Show evidence of understanding the difference between different traditions within Thomistic philosophy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the main Trends in African Philosophy and their relationships with African Culture.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the different Traditions in Asian philosophy and their relationship to Asian cultures.
  • Show understanding of how African and Asian philosophies may be related to and contrasted with Western philosophy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Explain the different ways in which philosophies may be related to the cultures they emerge from.
  • Explain how the structures of human consciousness lead to the generation of a variety of philosophical traditions.
  • Explain how the recognition of pluralism in philosophy does not necessarily lead to relativism.

    Philosophy Integration Seminar:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Identify epistemological, metaphysical, ethical and social-political dimensions of a selected problem.
  • Explain the interplay of the different philosophical dimensions.
  • Develop a systematic approach to the selected problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Select aspects of different philosophical positions and argue for their relevance to a particular complex problem.
  • Critically engage a range of philosophical positions and demonstrate their limitations in relation to the problem under discussion.
  • Argue for a systematic treatment of the problem under discussion based on an integration of a range of philosophical positions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Present different philosophical positions and arguments clearly and convincingly.
  • Develop and present their own arguments and communicate them concisely and coherently.
  • Respond to the presentations of other learners in a way that is both sympathetic and critical.

    Introduction to Political Science:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Demonstration of critical assessment of political events in written assignments.
  • Application of analytical rigour to political analysis in written assignments. This will include the substantiation of all claims, and precise use of political terminology.
  • Integration of awareness of the historical sequence of key political events into the assessment of these events.
  • Ability to analyze political events under closed-book examination conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to define key political concepts clearly and precisely, under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Ability to explain the origins and workings of key political institutions, under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Ability to use knowledge of these political concepts and institutions to strengthen political analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Ability to provide clear summaries of arguments and empirical content in relevant (assigned and supplementary) articles and books, both in written assignments and under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Written assignments which demonstrate critical engagement with the arguments and empirical content of relevant articles and books.
  • Ability to use relevant academic texts to substantiate claims made in written assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of political events and institutions to support own arguments and claims.

    Introduction to Global Politics:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to define and describe relevant forces clearly and with precision, under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Demonstration of an awareness of historical sequence in the emergence and operation of these forces.
  • Application of analytical rigour in the discussion of forces shaping global politics. This will include the substantiation of all claims, and precise use of relevant political terminology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to provide clear summaries of arguments and empirical content in relevant (assigned and supplementary) articles and books, both in written assignments and under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Written assignments which demonstrate critical engagement with the arguments and empirical content of relevant articles and books.
  • Ability to use relevant academic texts to substantiate claims made in written assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments concerning global politics in essay and other written assignments.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of global political forces to support own arguments and claims.

    Political Philosophy I: The foundations of modern political philosophy:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and discuss relevant characteristics of each, in written assignments and in closed-book examinations.
  • Ability to read, understand, and to use in written assignments and examinations, the content of primary sources (in translation).
  • Integration of awareness of historical sequence into the assessment of original texts, both in written assignments and in closed-book examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to extract arguments from original texts (in translation), and to explain these arguments with clarity and precision, in both written assignments and under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Ability to present a critical analysis of these arguments. This will include the precise use of terminology, and an awareness of historical context and sequence.
  • Ability to integrate material drawn from other academic readings into the assessment of arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Clear presentation of alternative arguments present in the political philosophy literature, and an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.

    International Relations I:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to accurately summarize and critically assess key journal articles and books or chapters of books in the area of international relations.
  • Ability to answer questions about key works, or drawing on knowledge of these works, in a closed-book examination situation.
  • Ability to use relevant literature to substantiate claims and support arguments in written assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to explain the natures and working of relevant institutions and treaties with clarity and precision, in both written assignments and examinations.
  • Ability to critically assess the natures and working of these institutions and treaties.
  • Awareness of historical sequence of international institutions and treaties, along with knowledge of relevant geographical information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of international treaties and institutions to support own arguments and claims.

    South African Government and Politics: an Introduction:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to describe the key forces that have shaped South African politics, in both written assignments and examinations.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts to substantiate claims about the forces that have shaped South African politics, in written assignments and examinations.
  • Demonstration of awareness of South African historical sequence and relevant geographical information, in written assignments and examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to describe the processes and conflicts that led to democracy in South Africa. This description must demonstrate an understanding of historical sequence and relevant geographical information.
  • Ability to explain clearly the structure and content of the South African Constitution.
  • Ability to analyse the South African constitution, and South African democracy, critically and rigorously. This will include the ability to use relevant academic tests to substantiate claims and assertions in written assignments and examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Ability to read, understand and clearly summarize academic literature in comparative politics that makes use of South Africa as a case study.
  • Ability to use knowledge of the South African political system, political events, historical sequence and geography to assess academic literature in comparative politics that makes use of South Africa as a case study.
  • Ability to compare and contrast South African political systems and events with political systems and events in other countries, using academic literature to substantiate claims.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts and empirical material to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of South African politics to support own arguments and claims.

    The Politics and Government of the United States of America and a Selected South American Country:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to define concepts, political and methodological, central to comparative political analysis with clarity and precision, under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Ability to critically assess academic texts in the area of comparative political analysis, drawing on an understanding of the basic principles and methodological approaches of comparative political analysis.
  • Ability to make use of these concepts and principles to substantiate claims and arguments in written assignments and in examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to clearly describe the political systems and social contexts of the two countries covered in the module, under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Demonstration of awareness of the historical sequence of political events in the two countries.
  • Demonstration of awareness of relevant geographical and regional information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Demonstration of a clear knowledge of historical sequence for the two countries covered by the module.
  • Ability to read and provide clear summaries of texts in comparative political analysis which deal specifically with the effects of different historical trajectories in the development of contemporary national political systems.
  • Ability to apply these texts to analysis of the two countries covered by the module, in written assignments and examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Ability to extract arguments from relevant academic texts, and provide a clear and accurate summary of these.
  • Ability to provide a clear summary of the empirical content of relevant academic works, including relevant information on sources of information and methodological approaches.
  • Ability to assess these arguments and accompanying empirical content rigorously, drawing on knowledge of the politics of these countries, and substantiating claims with references to appropriate sources of information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 5:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts and empirical material to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of the politics of the two countries covered by the module to support own arguments and claims.

    International Relations II:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to provide clear summaries of arguments and empirical content in relevant (assigned and supplementary) articles and books, both in written assignments and under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Written assignments which demonstrate critical engagement with the arguments and empirical content of relevant articles and books.
  • Ability to use relevant academic texts to substantiate claims made in written assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts and empirical material to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of international relations theory and institutions to support own arguments and claims.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Ability to identify and locate relevant academic literature, beyond that assigned in the module.
  • Ability to read, understand and summarize the literature identified, and to explain clearly its relevance to the module.
  • Ability to use the literature identified to substantiate claims and arguments in written assignments, and in the assessment of other literature.

    Political Philosophy II: The Enlightenment to the Twenty-first Century:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Demonstration of an understanding of the key theoretical concepts of 'modernity', 'enlightenment', 'post-modernity', liberalism, and socialism, in written assignments and examinations.
  • Ability to read, understand, and use the content of primary sources (in translation), and to distinguish between primary and secondary sources.
  • Written assignments which demonstrate critical engagement with the relevant primary sources and academic texts and arguments at a high level of theoretical abstraction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Familiarity with key works in the field, including the ability to provide clear, precise summaries of key arguments and contributions.
  • Ability to engage critically with these works in written assignments and examinations. This includes the careful and precise use of terminology, and the substantiation of all claims and assertions.
  • Evidence of clear, logical thought and reasoning in written assignments and examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Demonstration of clear understanding of the historical sequence of the articulation of these concepts in written assignments and examinations.
  • Ability to describe the particular historical contexts in which the key concepts of 'modernity', 'enlightenment', 'post-modernity', liberalism, and socialism emerged and were articulated, under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Ability to critically discuss the implications of historical contexts for the political thoughts articulated, and to draw on knowledge of historical context in the assessment of political thought, in written assignments and examinations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant original texts (in translation) and the broader academic literature to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of political thought, political concepts and political philosophy to support own arguments and claims.

    Analytical approaches to 'political economics':

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to accurately summarize and critically assess texts in the field of political economics in written assignments and examinations.
  • Ability to both differentiate between, and integrate quantitative and qualitative (narrative) approaches to political economics.
  • Ability to answer questions about key works, or drawing on knowledge of these works, in a closed-book examination situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to provide clear summaries of arguments and empirical content in relevant (assigned and supplementary) articles and books, both in written assignments and under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Written assignments which demonstrate critical engagement with the arguments and empirical content of relevant articles and books.
  • Ability to use relevant academic texts to substantiate claims made in written assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts and empirical material to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of political economics, including knowledge of particular cases, to support own arguments and claims.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Ability to identify and locate relevant academic literature, beyond that assigned in the module.
  • Ability to read, understand and summarize the literature identified, and to explain clearly its relevance to the module.
  • Ability to use the literature identified to substantiate claims and arguments in written assignments, and in the assessment of other literature.

    A world of regions:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 1:
  • Ability to describe, clearly and precisely, in written assignments and examinations, regional forces relevant to the regions covered by the module.
  • Demonstration of an awareness of historical sequence in the emergence and operation of these forces.
  • Application of analytical rigour to the discussion of the importance of regional forces to contemporary global politics. This will include the substantiation of all claims, and the appropriate use of political terminology and theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 2:
  • Ability to explain the natures and working of specific regional institutions with clarity and precision, in both written assignments and examinations.
  • Ability to critically assess the natures and working of these institutions, drawing on political theory and academic texts where appropriate.
  • Awareness of the historical sequence of these regional institutions, along with knowledge of relevant geographical information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 3:
  • Ability to clearly describe the political economies, and other features including political systems and social contexts, of the three regions covered in the module, under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Demonstration of awareness of the historical sequence of political events and changes in the political economies and other features of the three regions covered in the module.
  • Demonstration of awareness of relevant geographical, country-specific, and global information necessary to the analysis of the political economies and other features of these regions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 4:
  • Ability to provide clear summaries of arguments and empirical content in relevant (assigned and supplementary) articles and books, both in written assignments and under closed-book examination conditions.
  • Written assignments which demonstrate critical engagement with the arguments and empirical content of relevant articles and books.
  • Ability to use relevant academic texts to substantiate claims made in written assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Outcome 5:
  • Clear presentation of own arguments in essay and other written assignment.
  • Ability to draw on relevant academic texts and empirical material to substantiate own arguments and claims.
  • Ability to draw on knowledge of regional politics, regional forces, and specific regions to support own arguments and claims.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment is aimed at evaluating foundational, reflexive and practical competence of the learner.

    Overall competence is shown when there is evidence that the learner:
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the interrelationship between different areas of economics, politics and philosophy in relation to a particular theme or question.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the contemporary 'tragedy of the commons'; living with the consequences of 'our industrial revolution'; the oceans, air and 'common pool resources'.
  • Is able to argue the congruence and dissonance between economic and philosophical conceptions of rationality.
  • Is able to produce assignments that are well-focused, carefully structured, presented in suitable format and contain originality of thought.
  • Is confident in the use of research skills appropriate to Economics, Politics and Philosophy.
  • Is able to contribute to local, regional or national contexts by applying interdisciplinary concepts, principles and methods to managing specific societal situations.
  • Is able to provide leadership within the fields of economics, politics and philosophy and analysis through the development of careful, critical and responsible thinking. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The programme was designed by an advisory committee comprising of the following persons:
  • Prof Charles Simkins, Prof Raphael de Kadt, Dr Gerard Walmsley, Dr Nicholas Rowe.

    While the degree will incorporate standard Bachelor of Commerce elements, notably four first-level courses in economics, mathematics and statistics, accounting and commercial law and have a compulsory major in economics, what will make the St Augustine's degree different is that the remainder of the courses will be in philosophy and politics rather than the usual management sciences or accounting.

    Such a structure is being used both nationally and internationally for example UCT, Oxford University and University of Pennsylvania and reflects an interdisciplinary approach of study which is valuable in acquiring an organic vision of reality and a continuing desire for intellectual growth and development. It ascribes a significant status not only to economics and politics but also to philosophy. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    There is vertical articulation in the sense that the programme may provide access to NQF Level 7 possible Honours degrees in Theology. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The moderators/assessors would be academics of standing in the field of Theology and would normally hold a qualification not lower than a Master's degree. Moderators are always appointed for all summative assessments. The procedure for appointing all moderators is by nomination of the Academic Board Executive. The criteria for appointment are academic or professional credibility in this sub-field and usually, a Master's degree. In a few isolated cases the College might appoint someone who holds only an Honours degree but who has professional expertise instead of a degree of Master. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. St. Augustine College of South Africa NPC 



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