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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient Languages 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86126  Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient Languages 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
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  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  134  Level 7  NQF Level 08  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   2031-06-30  

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient Languages is to develop academic researchers in the field of language.

The successful completion of this qualification will result in the enrichment of knowledge, skills, and research outputs in the field of Ancient Languages. It also provides the learner access to Master studies, thus increasing the candidate pool for leadership in Ancient Languages.

Qualified learners will contribute to the on-going development of Ancient Languages through the development of scientific and professional knowledge in language, law practice, research, management and education. Skilled practitioners will contribute to the quality of encyclopaedic knowledge delivered to the community through participating in issues relevant to policy change, development and implementation.

Furthermore this qualification aims to:
  • Foster interest and engagement in learning about antiquity and its history, literature, philosophical ideas, religion, language and culture.
  • Encourage independent thinking, effective arguing and skilful problem-solving through interaction with knowledge related to the ancient world.
  • Debate topics of on-going relevance and to appreciate the continuing influence of antiquity on the modern period.
  • Provide a learning environment which allows learners to gain a progressively deeper understanding of subjects of ancient civilisation and of appropriate multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary methods.
  • Encourage learners to make their own contributions to academic debates.

    Rationale:

    The rationale of this Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient Languages, lies in the close historical relationship (geography, history, language system, language influence) between the Semitic languages, Greek and Latin in the ancient world, their emergence from a common writing system and a common set of scriptural texts (Tenak, Qumran texts, Quran, LXX, Peshitta, Greek New Testament and Vulgate) as a medium through which to develop and express ethical, social, political and religious ideas and visions. This is especially important because, to achieve South Africa's developmental and empowerment goals, learners require a fuller understanding of how ancient languages contribute to cultures and to society as a whole.

    Ancient Language, as an academic discipline, promotes recognition of the inter-connectedness of human culture. The skills and perceptions acquired through the study of Ancient Languages are widely applicable in all employment categories, particularly in those related to human interaction. The study of the many aspects of ancient culture and languages that have contributed markedly and directly to western culture, enables South Africans to participate fully in the international arena on an equal footing with educated citizens of other western-style nations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in:
  • The knowledge, skills, values and attitudes associated with a Bachelors Degree at NQF Level 7.
  • Greek, Latin and/or Semitic Languages, at NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The Recognition of Prior Learning for the Bachelor of Arts: Ancient Languages, NQF Level 8, may be used to:
  • Grant admission to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the qualification.
  • Grant learners credits towards the achievement of the qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning applications are considered in accordance with the guidelines and policy of the Faculty and the University.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Learners require an applicable Bachelors Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Learners need to complete the two Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 38 credits, as well as four Elective Modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 96 credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Ancient Language Mini Dissertation, 30 Credits.
  • Textual Methodology for Ancient Languages, 8 Credits.

    Elective Modules (Select four):
  • Practical Translation Greek New Testament, 24 Credits.
  • Rhetorics of Ancient Greek Texts, 24 Credits.
  • Lifestyle Education in the Greek New Testament, 24 Credits.
  • Classical Greek Mythology in Context, 24 Credits.
  • Septuagint, 24 Credits.
  • Translation and Theory of Translation of Latin Texts, 24 Credits.
  • Christian Prose and Poetry in Latin Texts, 24 Credits.
  • Roman Historiography and Biography, 24 Credits.
  • Roman Didactical Prose, Rhetoric and Letters, 24 Credits.
  • Roman Epos, Lyric, Elegy and Epigram, 24 Credits.
  • Roman Satire, Drama and Comedy, 24 Credits.
  • Judicial Latin, 24 Credits.
  • Practical Translation Hebrew and Aramaic Old Testament, 24 Credits.
  • Comparative Semitic Textual Study, 24 Credits.
  • Extra-Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, 24 Credits.
  • Syriac, 24 Credits.
  • Ugaritic, 24 Credits.
  • Accadian, 24 Credits.
  • Arabic, 24 Credits.
  • The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a wide range of themes and topics in the study of the ancient world to establish its relevance and influence on the modern period.

    2. Interrogate a number of ancient texts in their original script to understand their impact on cultures and society.

    3. Use a variety of methods, including historical debate, textual and literary analysis and philosophical discourse, for ancient language and textual interpretation.

    4. Research, plan and conduct relevant academic debates through engagement with specific research issues.

    5. Examine and explain the profound impact of the ancient world on later periods.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification aims to address all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Events and developments in the history and cultures of the ancient world are identified and their significance for the modern era interpreted.
  • Literature-based evidence relating to a wide range of antiquity themes and topics is researched, described and analysed in terms of today's world.
  • Problems and questions are identified and solutions and answers are formulated based on lessons learned from happenings in the ancient world.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Various ancient texts are read, analysed, translated and interpreted in their original script to see how they relate to the world of today.
  • A core sample of ancient texts is interpreted and analysed in terms of their significance for understanding the cultures in which they were produced.
  • A core sample of ancient literature is analysed within its intellectual context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Hermeneutical issues are explained in terms of the discipline relating to Ancient Languages.
  • Ancient languages and texts are evaluated and summarised in terms of their impact and pivotal changes on society and culture.
    > Range: Ancient languages and texts may include the Tenak, Targumim, Peshitta, Koran, Classical Greek Texts, Latin Texts, Vulgate, Septuagint and Greek New Testament.
  • Significant religious, classical and historical texts are read, comprehended, analysed, and interpreted with methodological soundness.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Perform appropriate library and on-line research in the professional study of the Ancient Languages using informed, independent and critical thinking.
  • An informed synthesis of gathered information is constructed from primary text-based evidence and current research findings.
  • A coherent written research model is developed and presented supported by appropriate references.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Ancient civilisation is explained in its original context and in terms of its impact on later periods.
  • Problems and questions relating to understanding the ancient world and its impact on the modern world are identified and solutions and answers are developed and evaluated during practical research into the ancient world.
  • Theories from the disciplines of Social Sciences and Humanities are examined and concise and substantial research papers are used to construct reports.
  • Languages, philological and interpretative skills are integrated to analyse topics related to the field of Ancient Language.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The University prescribes a compulsory system in which formative and summative assessments are integrated. Accordingly, this qualification is assessed by a combination of internally assessed methods, such as:
  • Research and/or case study reports.
  • Oral and/or analytic presentations.
  • Community-based fieldwork.
  • Interpretation of scenarios.
  • Cooperative learning tasks.
  • Investigation and analysis.
  • Practical performances to demonstrate theoretical understanding.
  • Critical literacy tasks.
  • Examinations.
  • An exit interview with the Ancient Languages programme leader that includes discussion of the learner's portfolio and his/her future plans. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Ancient Languages was compared with similar qualifications, courses and standards in ancient languages in England, Canada and Australia. The Title, Purpose, Exit Level Outcomes, Assessment Criteria, and Embedded Knowledge were compared with that of selected qualifications in these countries.

    Although this qualification was developed for the South African context, it equates fairly well with international programmes on all levels. The major exception is that the international qualifications focus predominantly on ancient history as opposed to ancient language.

    England:

    Newcastle University.

    Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours - Ancient History:

    This Degree is divided into three stages. Each stage lasts for an academic year, in which there are Compulsory Modules and the Optional Modules and the learner is required to complete modules totalling 120 credits for each stage.
  • Stage 1 - 4 Compulsory Modules and 12 Optional Modules.
  • Stage 2 - 5 Compulsory Modules and 8 Optional Modules.
  • Stage 3 - 2 Compulsory Modules and 16 Optional Modules.

    The Newcastle University Honours Degree has similarities in that learners may choose modules comparable with the contents of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Ancient Languages, Level 8. Therefore, the equivalence will be dependent on the learner's choice of Optional Modules. The Compulsory Modules of the Newcastle Honours Degree are primarily focused on History and the Optional Modules are primarily focused on Languages (Greek and Latin).

    Canada:

    University of Calgary.

    Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours - Ancient and Medieval History:

    Core Courses:
  • Early Medieval Europe.
  • High and Late Medieval Europe.
  • Renaissance Europe.
  • History of Rome's Expansion into the Mediterranean to 30 BCE.
  • Rome: the Late Republic and Early Empire.
  • Late Roman Antiquity.
  • Honours Directed Reading.
  • Honours Special Subject.

    Elective Courses (Greek and Roman Studies) - (Choose one):
  • Greek Religion.
  • Roman Religion.
  • Women and the Family in the Greek and Roman World.
  • Topics in Hellenistic and Roman Republican History.
  • Topics in the History of the Roman Empire.
  • Topics in Late Antiquity.

    Elective Courses (History) - (Choose one):
  • Greek Art and Architecture.
  • Topics in Greek and Roman Social and Economic History.
  • History of Western Monasticism from 600 - 1500.
  • The Century of the Black Death: Economy, Society and Religion.

    The majority of the Courses offered in the above Canadian institution do not articulate well with the competencies contained in this South African Qualification. The major disparity is that the Canadian qualification has History as its main learning requirement and not Ancient Language.

    Australia:

    Macquarie University.

    Title: Bachelor of Ancient History (Honours):

    Included in the programme are:
  • History Units at four levels consisting of Roman, Greek, European, Egyptian, Biblical, Archaeological and Ancient History.
  • Ancient Language Units at two levels consisting of Ancient Greek, Latin, Classical Hebrew, Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Coptic.
  • A designated People Unit.
  • A designated Planet Unit.

    The Macquarie University, Bachelor of Ancient History (Honours), has areas of comparability. The Australian qualification has an emphasis on Historical subjects with some Language subjects, whereas the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Ancient Languages, Level 8, has its main focus on the study of Ancient Languages. In addition, the Macquarie University qualification requires a module on people and on the planet.

    The qualification compares favourably with similar high quality qualifications offered at this level internationally. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    The Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient Languages, NQF Level 8, articulates horizontally with any other related Honours Degree in areas such as Religious Studies, Biblical Studies, Language and Legal Sciences.

    Vertical Articulation:

    The Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient Languages, NQF Level 8, articulates vertically with a Masters Degree in the same area of specialisation (Languages - Greek, Latin, and Semitic). 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal and external moderators are appointed for each examination by the faculty council of the School of Biblical Studies and Ancient Languages, in accordance with moderation regulations of the North-West University.
  • Moderators will be trained and registered as moderators.
  • Moderators require peer review (academic and inter-disciplinary).
  • Moderation should validate the achievement of competencies and assessment processes in the Exit Level Outcomes and Integrated Assessment options as described in the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For a person to register as an Assessor for this qualification, they should:
  • Hold at least a Masters Degree: Greek and/or Latin and/or Semitic Languages or the equivalent thereof.
  • Have knowledge of the general academic standards applicable to an Honours Degree: ancient languages.
  • Have a thorough understanding of the 'language' of the field they are assessing, including the technical terminology and the philosophical, methodological and philological principles of the discipline.
  • Have competence in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessment.
  • Have subject matter expertise within the field of 'Ancient Languages'. 
    		•

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


    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.