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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in French 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91929  Bachelor of Arts Honours in French 
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  128  Not Applicable  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 primary purpose of this qualification is three fold in nature to equip learners with:
  • Higher level mastery of modern French, combined with the cultural knowledge and intercultural skills needed for successful non mother-tongue communication, to prepare the learner for careers in which a knowledge of French is required.
  • A strong foundation for fundamental and applied research skills to enable learners to find and interpret information independently for research projects and to construct logical, well-founded arguments with a view to further studies in French at NQF Level 9.
  • Both communication and translation skills (both spoken and written) in modern French.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is the first year of Postgraduate study in French language and literature after completion of a Bachelor Degree in French. It is designed to provide the opportunity for further intensive study in French, and training in concepts and research methods designed to equip the learner with the skills necessary, either for employment in educational and cultural fields, or for further study at Master and Doctoral levels in French or a related subject area.

    French is an academic and broadly vocational discipline, which aims to equip learners to communicate effectively in French in a professional context. Learners are provided with the skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing in French, as well as with an understanding of the socio-cultural realities of French-speaking countries. Learners are also provided with the skills required to analyse and synthesise information in French. Such education is crucial in the context of globalisation on this Continent where French is widely spoken. This qualification offers learners a particular vocational path and equips them to become active players in the fields of diplomacy, tourism, business, education and social development.

    In the process of developing this qualification care has been taken to ensure that the design of the qualification makes provision for the depth of knowledge required in a qualification at NQF Level 9. Strict adherence to the guidelines of the Level Descriptors will ensure that the learner will be prepared to advance to a Master's Degree after successful completion of this Honours Degree. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who want to enrol for the Bachelor of Arts Honours in French at NQF Level 8 should:
  • Demonstrate the information-gathering, analysis and presentation skills required for study at NQF Level 7.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the French language and the ability to communicate accurately and comprehensively in the required medium of instruction on par with NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    All forms of relevant previous learning will be taken into consideration should a learner wish to enrol for this qualification. These include:
  • Formal prior accredited learning at the Higher Education and Training level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the learner has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for admission to the previous Degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts), and, if appropriate, allow the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or completely.
  • Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning for an may be considered for an applicant whose level of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes have not been assessed earlier in terms of the formal qualification in question, but who can demonstrate in appropriate ways, through an assessment designed by the institution to which application is made, that she/he has acquired those skills and competencies. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable modules prior to admission, or to parallel modules after admission.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Be in possession of a relevant Bachelor Degree, with certain mastery of the French language equivalent to NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises three compulsory modules, worth a total of 80 Credits, and two elective modules, worth a total of 48 Credits.

    All the required modules are at NQF Level 8 and must be completed for the qualification to be awarded.

    Minimum credits required for the qualification: 128.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Principles and practice of professional translation, 24 Credits.
  • French literature (1): French and Francophone literary works in context, 24 Credits.
  • Research methodology and mini-dissertation: Research on a chosen topic in French, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules - choose any two:
  • French literature (2): Study of a given era or genre of French Literature, 24 Credits.
  • Semantics and interpreting, 24 Credits.
  • Methodology and didactics of teaching French as a foreign language, 24 Credits.
  • Introduction to French Linguistics, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrated knowledge of and engagement in French studies is demonstrated and critical understanding and application of theories, research methodologies and techniques relevant to this field of study are applied.
    2. Multiple sources of knowledge about French studies within the field of French literature and language are critically interrogated.
    3. Knowledge about French studies within the field of French literature and language and the manner in which the knowledge was produced is critically evaluated and reviewed.
    4. An accurate, coherent and appropriate written/verbal communication of innovative/new professional ideas and findings related to the field of French literature and linguistics is presented.
    5. Selected texts, authors or phenomena in French studies from multiple scientific perspectives are contextualised and analysed.
    6. The linguistic and literary phenomena of the culturally-diverse French-speaking populations of Africa and beyond are recognised and explained.
    7. Problems in the field of French studies, individually or in groups, are identified and solved and the solutions offered are critically reflected upon.

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

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Assessment Criteria may be applied in an integrated manner to any or all of the Exit level Outcomes:
  • The correct use of the terminology, concepts, principles and theories in written and/or oral communication reflects familiarity, knowledge and understanding.
  • Analysis, evaluation and synthesis of recent and relevant research findings in the disciplines are evidenced.
  • Solutions to well-structured and practical problems (both concrete and abstract) that are based on theory-driven arguments are proposed and effectively applied.
  • Scholarly discourse and discipline-specific conventions are efficiently communicated.
  • A critical appraisal of the relationship among concepts and principles of the disciplines is clearly represented.
  • Competence with the basic and elementary modes of inquiry is reflected in a well-defined and coherent representation of identified problems.
  • The selection and application of appropriate methods, techniques, tools and procedures relevant to the discipline are represented.
  • Analysis of contemporary contexts and the ability to locate work in those contexts is reflected in explicit recognition of the diversity, complexity and multi-dimensionality of a context and how that affects the particular work being undertaken.
  • The provision of relevant information pertaining to the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the context for addressing specific problems is demonstrated.
  • Relevant role players and resources that will contribute to resolution of specific problems are clearly identified.
  • All relevant factors pertaining to the context and people's performance(s) in these contexts and how they affect the particular work being undertaken are described.
  • Critical factors impacting on practical problems to be investigated from the perspective of the discipline are identified.
  • Interpretation of topical issues from different perspectives is based on results from analyses of relevant national contexts and research findings.
  • Diverse theories are compared and explained.
  • The boundaries and limitations of theory are evaluated and defined and the provisional nature of research findings is recognised.
  • Ethical and responsible solutions for practical problems are proposed.
  • Scholarly discourse and different modes of communication are effectively used.
  • Competence in higher-order cognitive domains and/or meta-cognition is clearly communicated.
  • Knowledge and comprehension of discipline-specific conventions and scholarly discourse are demonstrated through interpretation, explanation and argumentation.
  • Accurate accounts of scholarly positions, viewpoints and solutions are given.
  • Current perspectives and scholarly debates pertaining to the discipline are identified and compared.
  • Critical appraisal of recent and relevant literature including both primary and secondary sources is reflected upon.
  • An extended essay/design of a minor research project aimed at engaging with a well-defined issue within a particular discipline is written, based on the findings from the analysis and evaluation of relevant literature.
  • An identified problem for research purposes is clearly stated and contextualised.
  • The essential modes of inquiry relevant to the discipline/s in which the essay/project is developed are described.
  • All procedures (e.g., research strategies, data collecting) are appropriately described in a coherent fashion required for undertaking the minor research project.
  • Ethical accountability and cultural sensitivity pertaining to all related aspects (people, context) are reflected.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The following forms of continuous formative and summative assessment are used to ensure integrated assessment of all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Reports, portfolios and written assignments.
  • Practical evaluations.
  • Written and practical examinations.

    Learning and assessment is integrated throughout this qualification as is expected when active learning is at the foundation of the development of teaching and learning opportunities.

    Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes.

    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit-Level Outcomes of the qualification. These assessments focus on the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, necessary competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit-Level Outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.

    Assignments designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment are such as to achieve:
  • An integration of the achievement of Exit-Level Outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either in total or in the component parts of the programme of study.
  • Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence.
  • Criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to and understood by the learner and which can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning.

    It is essential that a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes be integrated using innovative methods - and in the assessment of outcomes due recognition should be given to criteria and methods of assessment that assess these appropriately and adequately. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Bachelor of Arts Honours in French is comparable to similar language-focused international qualifications with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the depth and level of complexity of the content and expected competences, and with due regard to notional learning time.

    The Level Descriptors for NQF Level 8 were used to design the qualification. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.

    In setting the standard for this qualification, the following requirements were considered and taken into account:
    To ensure international comparability, these Level Descriptors were compared to the standards and norms contained in the qualifications frameworks developed for various countries such as England, New Zealand and Australia.

    This Bachelor of Arts Honours in French was constructed using the qualification descriptors for the Honours formative Bachelor's Degree in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The process followed in developing this qualification is in line with the process envisaged in the General Qualification Standards Setting Project launched and driven by SAUVCA. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with other Bachelor of Arts Honours in Languages at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a relevant Master's Degree at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • For every non-exit level module there is at least one internal examiner and at least one internal moderator.
  • Every exit-level module is moderated externally at least every second year by a person or persons with the required qualifications, provided that such a person or persons may not be a staff member or otherwise connected to the institution by way of an extraordinary appointment. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators are required to hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated.

    Moderators are also required to have more than two years teaching experience. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer. 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.