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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Comparative African Languages and Literatures 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93853  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Comparative African Languages and Literatures 
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 purpose of the qualification is to equip learners with scientific knowledge and insight into the connection between related matters by working in an inter-disciplinary manner. Learners will be in command of various literary and linguistic theories. They will have the ability to communicate the value of African languages and literatures in professional situations.

Rationale:
The restructuring of the higher education sector creates a number of new opportunities for the humanities to contribute to social, political and economic development of the country. The qualification has potential to attract post-graduate learners and to address the current and future career and educational needs in African Languages and Literatures.

The qualification aims to support research activities and the development of a new generation of academics and researchers. It is structured in such a way as to produce well-rounded learners who are able to think critically and to serve the country and its people. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners whose academic background is outside of African Languages will be expected to motivate how their professional or life experience has prepared them for studying Comparative African Languages and Literatures. An interview will be conducted with the applicant by a selection team.

Entry Requirements:
Learners must have the following as a prerequisite to enter into this qualification:
  • Degree in Comparative African Languages and Literatures or have the status of such a Degree approved by Senate. An average mark of at least 60% will be considered for the exit modules in African Languages examination. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Modules:
  • SA and African Comparative literature, 24 Credits.
  • Contemporary African literary trends, 24 Credits.
  • Overview of developments in African literatures, 24 Credits.
  • African Linguistics, 24 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and solve linguistic and/or literary problems in a critical and creative manner.
    2. Formulate an informed viewpoint based on subject specific and theoretical knowledge.
    3. Understand the nature and content of Comparative African Languages and Literatures.
    4. Acquire, master, apply, analyse, and integrate knowledge independently.
    5. Situate the problem and findings of study in broader societal and cultural contexts and within an articulated worldview.
    6. Present findings of the study in appropriate academic language. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Knowledge is evaluated in a principled and well-grounded manner.
  • Appropriate linguistic and literary theories are mastered and explained.
  • The skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning are acquired.
  • Skills, especially those of critical thinking and analysis are developed.
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines is developed.
  • Ideas and information are expressed confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication.
  • Own cultures and personal histories, perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities are appreciated.
  • The nature of knowledge and the process of learning language and literature are reflected.
  • Strengths and limitations are assessed and understood in order to support their learning and personal development.
  • Language and literature course is directed towards developing and understanding the constructed nature of meanings generated by language.
  • The ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual texts and make relevant connections is developed.
  • Ways in which cultural values are expressed in literature are explained.
  • An ability to express well-organized oral and written arguments is demonstrated.
  • An ability to write a sustained and detailed literary commentary is demonstrated.
  • The effects of language structure, technique and style on the reader are analysed and evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For every module of the four theoretical papers, one test, assignment and examination will be written. Group assignment will be presented in writing as well as through a Power Point presentation to a panel of assessors. Formative assessments will include one test, one individual assignment and one group assignment. Summative assessments will consist of the final examination for each module and a mini-dissertation. Each summative examination paper is moderated internally and monitored externally. External examiners and moderators are furnished with exam papers, memoranda and scripts or answer sheets. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It was not easy to find a qualification with an African context. The University of Sussex in the United Kingdom offers a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. The focus of this qualification is linguistic structure and its literary heritage. The English Language and Literature course offers an in-depth study of the linguistic (including sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic) structure of English.

    The qualification ensures that learners will acquire the following:
  • Knowledge of a range of different kinds of literature from various historical periods and contexts.
  • Insight into the complex role that literature has played in shaping culture in the past and the present.
  • Understanding theoretical approaches and how they influence the study of literature.
  • A sharp, critical awareness of how words can be used and what they can do.
  • Development of conceptual abilities that enable the study of English in the context of related disciplines.
  • Skills enhanced by independent critical thinking and research.

    In Kenya a Postgraduate Diploma in Education is offered by Kenya University. Though the qualification does not focus merely on Languages and Literatures it still consists of modules in the field.

    The University of Nairobi in Kenya offers a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. The Faculty of Arts at the University of Ghana offers a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics. The qualification focuses on different languages as a form of specialisation.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the ones indicated. The qualification offered by the University Sussex is not based in the African context but its focus is in linguistic structures and literacy heritage which the other African based qualifications emphasise. The duration and some of the modules of these qualifications to be completed are similar. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally this qualification may articulate with the following qualifications at NQF Level 8:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: African Languages and Literature.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: African Languages for Professional Contexts.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Applied Linguistics and African Languages.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Southern African Literary and Language Studies.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following qualifications at NQF Level 9:
  • Master of Arts: African Languages.
  • Master of Arts: Applied Language Studies.
  • Master of Arts: Applied Linguistics and African Languages.
  • Master of Arts: Applied Linguistics: Language Practitioners.
  • Master of Arts: Comparative African Languages and Literature. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 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.