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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Ancient Cultures 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86146  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Ancient Cultures 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 this qualification is to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise and develop research capacity in the methodology pertinent to Ancient Cultures.

The learner will gain the following:
  • Increased insight into the cultures of the ancient world and their interactions.
  • A deepened understanding of the fundamental and formative influences of these cultures on the values and institutions of contemporary cultures.
  • Expertise to relate ancient texts and artefacts from ancient cultures to today's world.

    The qualification provides learners with opportunity to study the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East, e.g. Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syro-Palestine, Persia, Greece and Rome. A study of ancient cultures provides insight into the development of human societies from the earliest periods of recorded history up to the advent of Islam (ca. 3000 BCE to 650 CE). This qualification will contribute to knowledge regarding the development of and interaction between ancient cultures.

    Rationale:

    The qualification will make a contribution in terms of one of South Africa's biggest challenges: its cultural diversity and the capacity of people of different cultures to live and work together. The qualification can contribute to the enhancement of cultural literacy and the establishment of cultural tolerance based on an in-depth knowledge of the way in which culture is created and developed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has knowledge of Ancient Cultures or Ancient History or an ancient language at NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of Prior Learning allows for access to be granted to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements and to grant credits towards the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is open to learners in possession of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient Cultures, Ancient History, Ancient Languages (Greek, Hebrew or Latin) or another subject deemed equivalent by the Senate.

    An average of 60% in the major is required. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    To be awarded the qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 120 credits.

    The following four modules at NQF Level 8 are compulsory (30 credits each):
  • Ancient Cultures: Theory, method and sources.
  • Theme in Ancient Cultures I.
  • Theme in Ancient Cultures II.
  • Research Essay in Ancient Cultures. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced and specialised knowledge and insight of the cultural-historical framework of the ancient world.

    2. Analyse and interpret a wide variety of ancient texts in translation, artefacts and art.

    3. Do independent research (under supervision) and present the research findings to different audiences.

    4. Critically review the views, theories and arguments of others.

    5. Demonstrate sensitivity to the role which culture plays in people's dealings with the world.

    6. Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-dependence and interaction between cultures.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associates Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way:
  • Find and select secondary literature.
  • Understand and evaluate the value and relevance of literature sources.
  • Have insight into the most important theoretical frameworks for interpreting ancient cultures.
  • Have a good knowledge of the appropriate methods to apply for research.
  • Apply academic forms of argumentation and referencing.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a theme in ancient cultures.
  • Find and select a variety of primary sources (texts in translation) and secondary literature and critically engage with such sources.
  • Analyse and interpret ancient texts (in translation), artefacts and art.
  • Do independent research under supervision.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The assessment principles to be followed will formally comply with the policy of the University.

    The assessment will include:
  • Essays
  • One or more assignment for each module
  • One or more test for each module
  • Integrated research study
  • Final examination

    All tests and assignments will be internally moderated. The research essay will be externally moderated. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares well with the following:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient and Medieval Archaeology and Art, The University of Winchester, United Kingdom.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Ancient History, Macquarie University, Australia. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This Qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Any cognate Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:

    The Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Master of Arts: Ancient Cultures or an equivalent research based NQF Level 9 qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment principles comply with the policy of the University.

    All the academic staff teaching this qualification hold the required qualifications, one level above that of this qualification, and have appropriate experience to teach the qualification. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. Stellenbosch 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.