Programme: BA

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
01130015 Faculty of Humanities Department: Humanities Dean's Office
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 3 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  07

Programme information

This programme is directed at a general formative education in the humanities. It provides the student with a broad academic basis in order to continue with postgraduate studies and prepares the student for active involvement in a wide variety of career possibilities.

Admission requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2025

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

APS

(Grade 11)

APS

(NSC/IEB completed)

5

30

28

* To retain admission, candidates must obtain an APS of at least 28 in the NSC/IEB.

Note: Students who wish to become psychologists must complete a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology, the BSocSciHons (Psychology) and the MA (Clinical, Counselling or Research Psychology).

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

  • Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
  • Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
  • Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

 

Other programme-specific information

In addition to the prescribed fundamental modules of 18 credits, the curriculum should be compiled as follows:
First year of study
Select any 4 disciplines (subjects) and do 2 semester modules from each of these disciplines plus 1 other module.

Second year of study
Select any 3 of the 4 disciplines that you did at the first-year level and do 2 semester modules from each of these disciplines.

Third year of study
Select any 2 of the 3 disciplines that you did at the second-year level and do 2 semester modules (4 quarter modules) from each of these disciplines.

Please note: 

  • Students who want to continue with honours study in Psychology must include RES 320 in their programme.

Note: The following general principles for combining disciplines in this programme prevail:

  • If a discipline (subject) does not offer two semester modules (4 quarter modules) per year level, students should consult the relevant head of department of the particular discipline regarding potential supplementing with other relevant modules.
  • If any language disciplines (language subject) are selected, the module choices that are prescribed in the language groups and in the alphabetical list of modules must be taken into account.
  • This programme also provides for students who register for Humanities Special (Extended programme).
  • Credits for 1st-year modules are [12 credits] at yr level 1 per semester, [20 credits] at yr level 2 per semester and [30 credits] at yr level 3 per semester, unless indicated otherwise.
  •  A few disciplines (subjects) from other faculties may be included in this programme but the following restrictions are applicable: only two of the four first-year subjects, one of the three second-year subjects, and one of the two third-year subjects may be selected from another faculty. Only the following disciplines from other faculties may be included in the programme:
    • Biblical and religious studies (REL 110,120)
    • Education (OPV)
    • Geography (ENV 101,201, 301; GGY 156, 168, 201, 301, 383; GIS 221)
    • Economics (EKN)
    • Information science (INL)
    • Mathematics (WTW)
    • Public administration (PAD)
    • Statistics (STK)
    • Consult the yearbook of the relevant faculty that offers these disciplines regarding the credit values, presentation modes and possible prerequisites.
  • In order to continue with postgraduate studies in a specific discipline a student needs to do 6 semester modules or 12 quarter modules in the discipline over the three years of study.

LANGUAGE GROUPS FOR SELECTION IN PROGRAMMES

Note: Consult the yearbook for module-specific requirements/prerequisites by searching for the relevant language module.

Module group 1 – Afrikaans
Year level 1
• As a first language: AFR 110, 120
• For speakers of other languages (also for speakers of other languages who are registered for qualifications in education and law) AFR 114

Year level 2
• As a first language: AFR 214, AFR 210 ,220
• For students following a programme in education: AFR 214, AFR 220

Year level 3
• As a first language: AFR 311, 321
• For students following a programme in education: Any modules with alpha codes AFR offered at year level 3.

Module group 2 – English
Year level 1
• For special purposes: ENG 118
• For academic purposes: ENG 110, 120

Year level 2
ENG 210, 220

Year level 3
• ENG 310, 320
• ENG 311, 322

Module group 3 – French
Year level 1
• For beginners: FRN 104
• Cultural-professional (for students who have passed French in Grade 12): FRN 113, 123

Year level 2
FRN 211, 221

Year level 3
Cultural-professional: FRN 361, 362, 363, 364

Module group 4 – German
Year level 1
• For beginners: DTS 104
• Cultural-professional (for students who have passed German in Grade 12): DTS 113, 123

Year level 2
DTS 211, 221

Year level 3
Cultural-professional: DTS 361, 362, 363, 364

Module group 5 – Greek
Year level 1
GRK 110, 120

Year level 2
GRK 210, 220

Module group 6 – Hebrew
Year level 1
HEB 110, 120

Year level 2
HEB 210, 220

Module group 7 – Latin
Year level 1
LAT 110, 120 (students who passed Latin in Grade 12 may start immediately with Latin at year level 2)

Year level 2
LAT 210, 220

Year level 3
LAT 310, 320

Module group 8 – IsiNdebele
Year level 1
For speakers of isiNdebele as home language or first or second additional language
NDE 110, AFT 121

Year level 2
NDE 210, AFT 220

Year level 3
NDE 310, AFT 320

Module group 9 – IsiZulu
Year level 1
• For beginners: ZUL 110, 120
• For speakers of isiZulu as home language or first or second additional language: ZUL 111, AFT 121

Year level 2
• For students who did ZUL 110, 120 at year level 1: ZUL 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121: ZUL 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, ZUL 211

Year level 3
ZUL 310, AFT 320

Module group 10 – Sepedi
Year level 1
• For beginners: SEP 110,120
• For speakers of Sepedi as home language or first or second additional language: SEP 111, AFT 121

Year level 2
• For students who did SEP 110, 120 at year level 1: SEP 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121, SEP 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, SEP 211

Year level 3
SEP 310, AFT 320

Module group 11 – Setswana
Year level 1
• For beginners: STW 110, 120
• For speakers of Setswana as home language or first or second additional language: STW 111, AFT 121

Year level 2
• For students who did STW 110, 120 at year level 1: STW 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121, STW 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, STW 211

Year level 3
STW 310, AFT 320

Module group 12 – Spanish
Year level 1
For beginners: SPN 101, 102

Year level 2
SPN 211, 221

Year level 3
SPN 311, 321

Module group 13 – Portuguese
Year level 1
• For beginners: PTG 101
• Portuguese language and culture (for students who have passed Portuguese in Gr 12): PTG 113, 123

Year level 2
PTG 211, 221

Year level 3
PTG 311, 321

Academic literacy

Students with an achievement level of 5 or 6 or 7 for English Home Language or an achievement level of 6 or 7 for English First Additional Language may apply for an exemption from ALL 110 and ALL 125 or the foreign qualification equivalence, as per the conversion table.

Students who are deemed NOT to be at risk of their level of academic literacy are compelled to take language modules to the value of 12 credits from the other departments.

Students with an achievement level of 4 and below for English Home Language or an achievement level of 5 and below for English First Additional Language or the foreign qualification equivalence must register for ALL 110 and ALL 125. 

Department of English
ENG 110 Introduction to literature in English (I) 
ENG 120 Introduction to literature in English (II) 
ENG 118 English for specific purposes 

Departement Afrikaans
AFR 110 Afrikaanse taalkunde en letterkunde 
AFR 120 Afrikaanse taalkunde en letterkunde 
AFR 114 Afrikaans vir sprekers van ander tale (I) 

Department of African Languages
NDE 110 Introduction to isiNdebele grammar – Capita selecta 
* Students who want to take isiNdebele in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)
ZUL 110 IsiZulu for beginners 
ZUL 111 Introduction to isiZulu grammar – Capita selecta 
* Students who want to take isiZulu in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)
SEP 110 Sepedi for beginners 
SEP 111 Introduction to Sepedi Grammar – Capita selecta
* Students who want to take Sepedi in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)
STW 110 Setswana for beginners
STW 111 Introduction to Setswana Grammar  – Capita selecta
*Students who want to take Setswana in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)

Department of Modern European Languages
DTS 104 German for beginners 
DTS 113 German: Cultural-professional (1) *Prerequisite: Grade 12 German
FRN 104 French for beginners 
FRN 113 French: Cultural-professional (1) *Prerequisite: Grade 12 French
SPN 101 Spanish for beginners 
SPN 102 Spanish for beginners 
PTG 101 Portuguese for beginners

Department of Ancient Languages and Cultures
HEB 110 Hebrew 
LAT 110 Latin 
GRK 110 Greek

Minimum credits: 120

Core/Elective modules
Select any 4 disciplines (subjects) and do 2 semester modules from each of these disciplines plus 1 other module.

In order to follow a Geography stream the following modules should be taken: ENV 101, GGY 156 and GGY 168. 
A student must have passed Mathematics and Physical Science with at least 60% in the NSC examination OR a student must have passed PHY 143 and WTW 143.
Students cannot register for both GGY 166 and GGY 168. 

Note: A student is required to meet the total number of credits every year.  If there is a credit shortfall, a student is required to register for additional electives modules within the curriculum.

Fundamental modules

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde

    Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde met die klem op skryfvaardighede.

    Letterkundekomponent: Inleiding tot Afrikaanse literatuurstudie

    Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse literatuurgeskiedenis, -kritiek en -teorie.

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    Taalkundekomponent: Fonetiek en fonologie

    Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse fonetiek en fonologie. Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde.

    Letterkundekomponent: Afrikaanse populêre kultuur

    Inleiding tot kultuurstudie: ʼn Oorsig oor populêre fiksie, musiek en films in Afrikaans.

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    Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as an introduction to literary concepts such as literary text(s), topic, characters, events, time and place; the analysis of selected short stories.

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    *Optional Field school usually in April
    Introduction to Archaeology
    An introduction as to how archaeologists study the past via the artefacts left behind by our ancestors. Basic introduction to archaeological theory and how it has contributed to interpretation of the past is discussed. Topics range from the origins of the human family in Africa over three million years ago to the study of more recent times.  

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    African and world archaeology
    Africa is the home of humanity in both a biological and cultural sense and we have the artefacts and sites to prove it. Topics range from the famous 3 million year-old Australopithecine ‘Lucy’ ancestor found in Ethiopia to the ‘Out of Africa’ dispersal of modern humans, and the emergence of human symbolism, rock art and the emergence of complex societies at society at Lake Chad (Daima) and southern Africa (Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe). The main aim is to situate events in Africa in global perspective. 

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    An introduction to the ancient world I: the ancient Near East
    Various facets of the ancient Mesopotamian, Syria-Palestinian and Egyptian cultures are dealt with in broad outline. Examples that are dealt with can include the following, namely geography, worldviews, history, literature, daily life, customs, values, religion and mythology. Examples of ancient cultures whose characteristics can be investigated range from the Sumerians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Canaanites, the Israelites and the Egyptians from their origin Before the Common Era to the beginning of the Common Era.

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    An introduction to the ancient world II: the Greek and Roman worlds
    Various facets of the ancient Greek and Roman cultures are dealt with in broad outline. Examples that are dealt with can include the following, namely geography, worldview, history, literature, daily life, customs, values, religion and mythology. These classical societies are investigated from their origin Before the Common Era into the Common Era.

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    This introduction to social anthropology introduces basic themes of the discipline including ritual, religion, marriage and sex. It combines classic studies with recent scholarship, and asks the ‘big question’ about human society and human cultures that offer challenging perspectives on the world we live in.

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    This module builds on the ethnographic and theoretical themes introduced in APL 110, asking particular questions about how we may think about the relationship between the local and the global; indigenous and universal; public and private; the real and the possible.The module continues in the vein of APL 110, in that it explicitly encourages students to understand the society in which they live through a series of critical anthropological perspectives.

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    The languages of drama and film
    This module introduces the languages of drama and film as well as approaches to drama and film analysis. In addition, historical and contemporary drama and film theories will be used to read various drama and film texts.

    A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016.

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    Drama and film genres: This module introduces the notion of genre as part of a wider concept of narrative building and storytelling in both drama and film. Different types of genre are introduced and discussed with regard to film and drama and furthermore linked to the idea of emerging identities in contemporary storytelling. All these parts are conceptually introduced and provide an introduction to reading, interpretation and giving meaning to various discourses in film and drama narratives.

     
    A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016

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    *No previous knowledge of or experience in German required for admission. Students who passed grade 12 German are not allowed to register for this module
    An intensive introductory study of the German language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of German-speaking countries.  This module complies with the requirements for level A2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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    Comprehensive review of German grammar; development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of tests.

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    Continuation of comprehensive review of German; further development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.

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    Overview of the origin and nature of tourism development of South African cultural, natural and adventure tourist destinations.

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    An introductory exploration of the relationship between heritage conservation and tourism.

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    This module deals with the core principles of economics. A distinction between macroeconomics and microeconomics is made. A discussion of the market system and circular flow of goods, services and money is followed by a section dealing with microeconomic principles, including demand and supply analysis, consumer behaviour and utility maximisation, production and the costs thereof, and the different market models and firm behaviour. Labour market institutions and issues, wage determination, as well as income inequality and poverty are also addressed. A section of money, banking, interest rates and monetary policy concludes the course.

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    This module deals with the core principles of economics, especially macroeconomic measurement the private and public sectors of the South African economy receive attention, while basic macroeconomic relationships and the measurement of domestic output and national income are discussed. Aggregate demand and supply analysis stands core to this course which is also used to introduce students to the analysis of economic growth, unemployment and inflation. The microeconomics of government is addressed in a separate section, followed by a section on international economics, focusing on international trade, exchange rates and the balance of payments. The economics of developing countries and South Africa in the global economy conclude the course.

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    *Alternative evening classes - 2 discussion classes per week Introduction to Literature in English (1)

    This module introduces the study of literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, prose, drama). The texts studied here will be mainly from the pre-twentieth century era and may include texts written in English from both Africa and other parts of the world. The aim of this module is to equip students with the critical and analytical skills required for a perceptive reading of poetry, novels and plays.

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    This module is intended to equip students with a thorough knowledge of English grammar and is particularly useful for those interested in a career in teaching, editing, document design or other forms of language practice.

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  • Module content:

    *Alternative evening classes: 2 discussion classes per week
    Introduction to Literature in English (2)
    This module introduces the study of post-nineteenth century literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, drama, prose). Texts will be from both Africa and other parts of the world. By the end of this module students should have the background and analytical skills to perceptively read modern and contemporary poetry, novels and plays.

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    Introducing the basic concepts and interrelationships required to understand the complexity of natural environmental problems, covering an introduction to environmental science and biogeography; including a first introduction to SDGs and Aichi targets.

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    Introduction to Philosophy

    The two semester modules at first-year level introduce students to four main subfields of philosophy, namely metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy and ethics. This module introduces students to two of these subfields, namely epistemology and metaphysics with reference to the work of a range of scholars from Africa and the rest of the Global South as well as from Asia and the West. Students will become acquainted with the nature of philosophical reflection by exploring a number of classical philosophical themes in each subfield. Throughout the module there is an emphasis on developing those critical thinking, reading and writing skills that are required in Philosophy, while students become acquainted with the power of critique as judgment and discernment.

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    Introduction to Philosophy

    The two semester modules at first-year level introduce students to four main subfields of philosophy, namely metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy and ethics. This module introduces students to two of these subfields, namely political philosophy and ethics and the emphasis is on texts by African and Western scholars. Students will become acquainted with the nature of philosophical reflection by exploring a number of classical philosophical themes in each subfield. Throughout the module there is an emphasis on developing those critical thinking, reading and writing skills that are required in Philosophy, while students become acquainted with the power of critique as judgment and discernment.

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    *No previous knowledge of or experience in French required for admission. Students who passed grade 12 French are not allowed to register for this module.
    An intensive introductory study of the French language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of French-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level A2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Comprehensive review of French grammar; development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.

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  • Module content:

    Comprehensive review of French grammar; further development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.

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  • Module content:

    The making of the Modern World: a survey
    A selection of themes on Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe and their contribution to the making of the Modern World.

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    Africa and South Africa: a survey
    An overview focusing on the making of African and South African societies from the earliest times to the present with emphasis on the most significant historical forces, factors and events.

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    This module begins by fostering an understanding of human geography. Then follows with the political ordering of space; cultural diversity as well as ethnic geography globally and locally; population geography of the world and South Africa: and four economic levels of development. The purpose is to place South Africa in a world setting and to understand the future of the country.

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    Note: Students cannot register for both GGY 166 and GGY 168.

    Investigating southern African landscapes and placing them in a theoretical and global context. The geomorphological evolution of southern Africa. Introduction to the concepts of Geomorphology and its relationships with other physical sciences (e.g. meteorology, climatology, geology, hydrology and biology). The processes and controls of landform and landscape evolution. Tutorial exercises cover basic techniques of geomorphological analysis, and topical issues in Geomorphology.

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    Note: Students cannot register for both GGY 168 and GGY 166.
    This module serves as an introduction to the field of physical geography and geomorphology. Initially, a theoretical overview of a variety of geomorphic realms will be studied. Students will be taught about the key processes that are present in each realm and how those processes work together in order to produce specific landforms. In addition, students will receive training in several fundamental analytical techniques, including cartographic skills, aerial photographs and introductory GIS.

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    Greek grammar (1)
    The basic characteristics of Hellenistic Greek: the writing system and pronunciation, the Greek verb and noun systems, conjugation and declension, basic syntax and vocabulary. Passages from the Greek New Testament are adapted as exercises in order to facilitate linguistic proficiency. Continuous evaluation includes class tests and homework assignments.
    Greek grammar (2)
    Further study of the verb and noun systems of Hellenistic Greek, expansion of the basic vocabulary, and analysis of compound sentences. Adapted passages from the New Testament form the core of practical academic literacy exercises.

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    Greek grammar (3)
    Further study of the verb and noun systems of Hellenistic Greek: middle and passive forms, the third declension, and analysis of compound sentences. Adapted passages from the New Testament form the core of practical academic literacy exercises.
    Greek texts: Read and comprehend
    Read selected texts from the NT and/or Apostolic Fathers, with emphasis on word analysis, basic translation, use of basic aids (dictionary, translations). Evaluation includes translation of unseen passages from the corpuses concerned.

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    Hebrew grammar (1)
    Basic principles of the grammar of classical Hebrew: signs of writing and pronunciation, Hebrew morphology, the nominal and verbal system, basic syntax and vocabulary. Exercise basic competence by means of the analysis and translation of selected passages from the Hebrew Old Testament.
    Hebrew grammar (2)
    More advanced principles of the grammar of classical Hebrew: the function of nouns, verbs and particles, the derived formations of the verb. Passages from the Hebrew Old Testament from the basis for exercising academic literacy.

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    Hebrew grammar (3)
    Continued study of the Hebrew verbal system: the irregular and weak verbs. Passages from the Hebrew Old Testament from the basis for students’ exercise in academic literacy.
    Hebrew texts: Read and comprehend
    Read selected texts from the OT, with emphasis on word analysis, basic translation, use of basic aids (dictionary, translations). Evaluation includes translation of unseen passages.

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    Introduction to Information Science. This module is an introduction to the study field of information science and its various professions. Key concepts that will be discussed include the following: the human as information processor and user; the life-cycle of information in terms of processes, products and role-players; as well as the communication of information. The social-ethical impact of globalisation is included as a key concern, with reference to Africa, the 4th Industrial Revolution and other revolutions to come are addressed as well as core principles such as equity, diversity and inclusion.

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    Information organisation, representation and structuring. This module offers a brief overview of the basic principles and processes underlying the organisation, representation, and structuring of information. The process of organising information on the web (such as social networking sites), in multimedia formats, by means of document image processing and in databases is dealt with. Themes on the representation of information through the creation of metadata include various general and domain specific metadata schemas such as Dublin Core for the web, as well as the various retrieval and management tools available for metadata. Practical classes provide a learning environment for students to apply and integrate academic content learned in the theory classes to complete more hands-on projects (e.g. HTML web design). 

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    Part 1: Fundamental criminology
    A general introduction to criminology is provided. An overview of factors that contribute to crime, forensic criminology and forensic criminalistics are investigated.
    Part 2: Violent crime
    Various types of violent crimes receive attention in this section.

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    Part 1: Penology
    Attention is given to the roleplayers in the criminal justice system, namely the police, judiciary and corrections.
    Part 2: Crime prevention and control
    The nature and extent of crime, theories to explain criminal behaviour and crime prevention and control are investigated.

    The two sections will not necessarily be presented in chronological order.

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    *Not for students who passed Latin in Gr 12
    Latin grammar and reading (1) and (2)
    Basic characteristics and use of classical Latin: the verb and noun in Latin (conjugation and declension), basic syntax, as well as vocabulary; exercises in grammar and reading; relevant social, political and historical background.
    Continued study of accidence and syntax; further basic vocabulary. More adapted Latin passages to facilitate academic literacy.

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    *Not for students who passed Latin in Gr 12
    Latin grammar and reading (3) and (4)
    Continued study of accidence and syntax: further basic vocabulary. More adapted Latin passages to facilitate academic literacy.
    The student’s knowledge and understanding of Latin accidence, syntax and vocabulary is extended further. The emphasis is now more on reading passages and analysing them grammatically and syntactically.

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    Introduction to Social Work 
    Introduction of social work as discipline and profession. Overview of social work history, principles and values, methods, specialised fields and social work functions and roles.

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    Ethics in social work 
    Ethical standards and practice in social work. Social work values and ethics.

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    For speakers of isiNdebele as home language or first or second additional language.
    Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.

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  • Module content:

    In this module students are guided to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes with regard to the political, professional, historical and cultural complexities of teaching.  Selected themes in the history of South African education will be explored to enable students to think critically about their role as engaged professional educators today.

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    This module focuses on child development and learning. In addition to the underlying principles of developmental psychology and theories of development, child development is discussed in terms of physical growth and motor development; development of perception, cognition and language; emotional development; social development and moral development. Developmental psychopathology is also introduced. In terms of child learning, the principles of learning, theories of learning and barriers to learning are discussed. In addition, school learning is explained in terms of learning, reading and study skills.

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    This module in public administration is designed specifically to assist students in understanding the role of public administration in a modern state, the unique characteristics of public administration, the schools and approaches in public administration and introducing the various generic administrative functions. The discipline of public administration has developed rapidly and by implication, has changed and shifted its paradigm over the years. The purpose of this module is to introduce public administration to the student as a field of study that makes a significant contribution to the effective administration and management of government institutions.

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    This module in public administration will introduce the constitutional framework pertaining to public administration. The South African system of government, the functions, role and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government as well as the functioning of the three spheres of government will be discussed. The module will enable the student to understand how and where public administration is practiced.

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  • Module content:

    This module offers an intensive study of the Portuguese language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills: listening. reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to Lusophone culture. This module complies with the requirements for level A set by the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages".

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  • Module content:

    This module involves a comprehensive review of Portuguese grammar, the development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills and the analysis and interpretation of texts.

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  • Module content:

    This module involves the continuation of the comprehensive review of Portuguese grammar begun in PTG 113 and further development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills as well as the analysis and interpretation of texts. This module offers an introduction to Portuguese literature from Portugal, Africa and Latin America.

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  • Module content:

    An introduction to the study of organised political society at national and international levels with specific reference to political concepts, approaches and methods. The emphasis is on state and governance as frameworks for analysis in light of the salient changes brought about at national and international levels by global trends and processes. Attention is paid to the corresponding dynamics of regime development, performance and change at national and international levels considering increasing challenges to national sovereignty from within and without states in a context of a growing global agenda dealing with transnational issues and challenges.

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  • Module content:

    What is religion? The functions of religion. Studying religion. Perspectives on religion. Common concepts and key terms in various religions will be dealt with - also generic dimensions and aspects.  The interdependence of religion, culture and society.

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  • Module content:

    The occurrence of religion in societies. Types of religion. Primal religions. Christianity, Judaism, Islam.  A variety of religions will be addressed: capita selecta will be made from Christianity; Hinduism; Buddhism; New Religions; New Age; main developments in the world and South Africa.

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  • Module content:

    *For absolute beginners only.
    The acquisition of basic Sepedi communicative skills with emphasis on everyday expressions and suitable high frequency vocabulary, within specific social situations.

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  • Module content:

    *For speakers of Sepedi as home language or first or second additional language.
    Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.

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  • Module content:

    Sepedi - communication and grammar
    The acquisition of more advanced communication skills in further social situations. More extensive vocabulary and more advanced language structures are acquired and used. Further awareness of the nature and function of language structures. Writing and spelling rules. Dictionaries and dictionary use. Reading and comprehension of basic texts.

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  • Module content:

    This module is a general orientation to Psychology. An introduction is given to various theoretical approaches in Psychology, and the development of Psychology as a science is discussed. Selected themes from everyday life are explored and integrated with psychological principles. This module focuses on major personality theories. An introduction is given to various paradigmatic approaches in Psychology.

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  • Module content:

    This module introduces the student to a basic knowledge and understanding of the biological basis of human behaviour. The module addresses the key concepts and terminology related to the biological subsystem, the rules and principles guiding biological psychology, and identification of the interrelatedness of different biological systems and subsystems. In this module various cognitive processes are studied, including perception, memory, thinking, intelligence and creativity. Illustrations are given of various thinking processes, such as problem solving, critical, analytic and integrative thinking.

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  • Module content:

    Invitation to Sociology
    How do we understand ourselves as individuals in relation to society? How are our individual life courses and large-scale processes of social and historical change related to each other? How have our societies come to be what they are today? And how can we think of our private troubles as public issues? These questions are at the very heart of sociology as a distinctive way of thinking about and understanding the social worlds that we inhabit. This module invites students to become familiar with sociological ways of thinking about current issues and personal experiences (particularly in the southern African context), and to develop the analytical skills that are necessary in order to ask and answer critical questions about the communities, society, and world that they live in. The module will include a specific emphasis on academic reading skills.

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  • Module content:

    Thinking sociologically
    Drawing from the idea of Sociology as a discipline that focuses on critical thinking, the module will introduce students to ways of questioning the obvious and the taken-for-granted. In particular, power and inequality will be problematised, with a focus on how power operates to structure racial, class and gender inequalities across institutions, ideologies and identities. The module will introduce students to the operations of power as manifested in the production of institutions, the proliferation of identities and heightened contestations among ideologies. The module will include a specific emphasis on writing skills.

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  • Module content:

    *No previous knowledge of Spanish is required. Please note: Students with an advanced knowledge of Spanish (e.g. levels B1, B2 or higher) are not allowed to register for this module.

    An introductory study of the Spanish language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level A set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

    The module is presented in English at the beginning, but it gradually shifts into Spanish.

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  • Module content:

    Please note: Students with an advanced knowledge of Spanish (e.g. levels B1, B2 or higher) are not allowed to register for this module.

    An intensive introductory study of the Spanish language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level A2 set by the "Common European Framework for Reference for Languages."

    The module is presented in English at the beginning, but it gradually shifts into Spanish.

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  • Module content:

    Descriptive statistics:
    Sampling and the collection of data; frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion.
    Probability and inference:
    Introductory probability theory and theoretical distributions. Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one and two-sample cases). Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are demonstrated and interpreted through practical coding and simulation within a data science framework.

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  • Module content:

    *On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognised for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
    Data operations and transformations: Introductory concepts, the role of statistic, various types of data and the number system. Concepts underlying linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic, logarithmic transformations of quantitative data, graphical representations, solving of equations, interpretations. Determining linear equations in practical situations. Characteristics of logarithmic functions. The relationship between the exponential and logarithmic functions in economic and related problems. Systems of equations in equilibrium. Additional concepts relating to data processing, functions and inverse functions, sigma notation, factorial notation, sequences and series, inequalities (strong, weak, absolute, conditional, double) and absolute values. Descriptive statistics – Univariate: Sampling and the collection of data, frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion. Probability: Introductory probability theory. Theoretical probability distributions. Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques. The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.

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  • Module content:

    Students can only get credit for one of the following two modules: STK 120 or STK 121.
    Analysis of variance, categorical data analysis, distribution-free methods, curve fitting, regression and correlation, the analysis of time series and indices. Statistical and economic applications of quantitative techniques: Systems of linear equations: solving and application. Optimisation, linear functions, non-linear functions. Marginal and total functions. Stochastic and deterministic variables in statistical and economic context: producers' and consumers' surplus. Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are illustrated using simulation within a data science framework.
    This module is also presented as STK 121, an anti-semester module. This is a terminating module. 

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  • Module content:

    *On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognized for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
    Optimisation techniques with economic applications: Data transformations and relationships with economic applications, operations and rules, linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic and logarithmic functions; systems of equations in equilibrium, system of linear inequalities, solving of linear programming problems by means of the graphical and extreme point methods. Applications of differentiation and integration in statistic and economic related problems: the limit of a function, continuity, rate of change, the derivative of a function, differentiation rules, higher order derivatives, optimisation techniques, the area under a curve and applications of definite integrals. Probability and inference: Theoretical probability distributions (revision only). Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one-sample and two-sample cases). Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques. The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.

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  • Module content:

    * For absolute beginners only.

    The acquisition of basic Setswana communicative skills with emphasis on everyday expressions and suitable high frequency vocabulary within specific social situations.
     

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  • Module content:

    *For speakers of Setswana as home language or first or second additional language. Aspects of the grammar of Setswana such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.

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  • Module content:

    Setswana – communication and grammar
    The acquisition of more advanced communication skills in further social situations. More extensive vocabulary and more advanced language structures are acquired and used. Further awareness of the nature and function of language structures. Writing and spelling rules. Dictionaries and dictionary use. Reading and comprehension of basic texts.

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  • Module content:

    Foundations of visual culture
    This module introduces art and visual culture theory using a wide range of texts and ideas. The module gives students wide exposure to visual discourses and includes a variety of visual culture examples e.g. artworks, advertisements. These discourses may include:  exploring what visual culture is; modes of analysis; introducing terminology such as ideology and myth; dealing with selected periods from history contextually; introducing cultural icons and themes from popular visual culture.

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  • Module content:

    Images across media: current issues
    This module presents an introduction into the ways in which images appear across media in contemporary visual culture from a specific African perspective within the global. This is done by means of exploring key modes, themes, genres, platforms and visual texts. Among the media and mediums that may be covered are photography, art, graphic design, advertising, film, documentaries, video, digital and social media. 

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  • Module content:

    *For absolute beginners only
    The acquisition of basic isiZulu communicative skills with emphasis on everyday expressions and suitable high frequency vocabulary, within specific situations.

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  • Module content:

    *For speakers of isiZulu as home language or first or second additional language.
    Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.

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  • Module content:

    isiZulu - communication and grammar
    The acquisition of more advanced communication skills in further social situations. More extensive vocabulary and more advanced language structures are acquired and used. Further awareness of the nature and function of language structures. Writing and spelling rules. Dictionaries and dictionary use. Reading and comprehension of basic texts

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Minimum credits: 120

Core/Elective modules
Select any 3 of the 4 disciplines that you did at the first-year level and do 2 semester modules from each of these disciplines.

Geography
In order to follow a Geography stream the following modules should be taken: ENV 201, GGY 201 and GIS 221.

Sociology
First semester: Select either SOC 210 OR SOC 211
Second semester: Select either SOC 220 OR SOC 221

Note: A student is required to meet the total number of credits every year.  If there is a credit shortfall, a student is required to register for additional electives modules within the curriculum.

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Leer Nederlands
    Die module het as uitkoms die verwerwing van lees-, praat-, skryf- en luistervaardighede in Nederlands. 'n Goeie kennis van Afrikaans is 'n voorvereiste. Die module is kontrastief. Klem word gelê op die verskille tussen die Afrikaanse en Nederlandse grammatika, woordeskat en kultuur.

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  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Semantiek en pragmatiek

    Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse semantiek en pragmatiek.

    Letterkundekomponent: Teks en konteks I

    Verdere bestudering van Afrikaanse letterkundige en kultuurtekste binne breër geskiedkundige, sosiokulturele en teoretiese konteks. Afrikaanse literatuur tot die 1970’s binne historiese en teoretiese konteks.

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  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Sosiolinguistiek

    Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse sosiolinguistiek.

    Letterkundekomponent: Teks en konteks II

    Afrikaanse literatuur sedert die 1970’s binne historiese konteks. Verdere bestudering van Afrikaanse letterkundige en kultuurtekste binne breër geskiedkundige, sosiokulturele en teoretiese konteks.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as the continuation of the study of concepts such as text, topic, characters, events, time and place; the study of plot and style; the critical analysis of a novel/novelette.

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  • Module content:

    Southern African Stone Age, Iron Age, Pastoralism, and Historical Archaeology are the main topics discussed. What types of people were making ESA, MSA, and LSA, when did hominids first left Africa, southern African rock art, the origins of livestock herding, the development and decline of complex societies in southern Africa, and postcolonial approaches in archaeology are some of the focus areas.

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  • Module content:

    *Compulsory veld school, usually in September.
    Archaeological field methods and interpretation
    Introduction to the history and application of key field techniques such as research design, field survey, mapping, GPS and GIS, Total Station, compass work, photography, excavation, rock art recording, basic curation of artefacts, data management- and heritage legislation. Practical instruction in artefact cleaning, curation, meta-data capture and exhibition.

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  • Module content:

    Interpretation of written remains
    A selection of ancient Near Eastern (namely Mesopotamian, Syria-Palestinian and Egyptian) and ancient Greek and Roman myths and typical mythological themes are studied against their proper cultural and historical background. Some of the different methods of interpretation for myths that will be dealt with include ancient and current approaches. This is done in order to indicate ancient myths’ influence on contemporary society.

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  • Module content:

    Interpretation of material remains
    The physical remains of the ancient Near East (namely Mesopotamia, Syria-Palestine and Egypt) and the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, namely artefacts and architecture, are examined within their socio-historical context to interpret the physical representations of their worldviews. Contemporary society’s interaction with material remains of the ancient world will also be examined.

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  • Module content:

    Cultural constructions of sex and sexuality are the primary building blocks of social organisation. Anthropological discussions of sexuality tend to revolve around the various aspects of social organisation, such as the lifecycle, gendered identities, and personhood. These discussions are informed by the cultural meanings we impute to differences in biological sex and reproduction, and the ways in which these meanings influence social organisation, personhood, and power. In this module, we will consider cultural constructions of sex and sexuality as these inform certain aspects of social organisation such as kinship and marriage. We will attempt to develop an anthropological perspective on the interplay between sex, culture and society. To this end, we will examine the physiology of sexuality, and then consider different theoretical perspectives on human sexuality as reflected in cross-cultural ethnographic case studies.

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  • Module content:

    Power and wealth
    This module explores anthropological perspectives on politics, power and wealth in colonial and postcolonial contexts.  Key concepts that are discussed include anthropological approaches to citizenship, cosmopolitanism, hegemony, human rights, neoliberalism, sovereignty, civil society, gender, race and class.

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  • Module content:

    Historical modes of Western performance
    The module involves a study of the socio-political contexts of Western Classical and Renaissance theatre, redirecting the focus to the notion of violence in performance during the age of Enlightenment.

    A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

     

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  • Module content:

    Realism and contemporary South African performance
    Concepts of naturalism and realism will be interrogated in relation to dramatic texts and performance values in both drama and film. Ways in which dramatic realism emerges from and reflects historical perspectives since the "Age of Reason" will be offered. Against this background, the concept of "realism" will be interrogated in relation to performance texts and performance values in the emergence of interdisciplinary framework of performance studies. Ways in which dramatic realism emerges from and reflects historical perspectives will be offered and discussed, so as to draw connections between realism, and contemporary South African performance.

    A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the further development of communication skills with special emphasis on the receptive activities of the language, namely listening and reading. Careful attention is given to critical aspects of German grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the German-speaking countries.  This module complies with the requirements for level B1.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    This module continues with the development of communicative skills of the language. Special attention is given to the comprehension of non-fictional and literary written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs, as well as the application of knowledge of German grammar in oral and written production. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    A multidisciplinary look at notions of representation and perception as they pertain to the tourism sector.

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  • Module content:

    An analysis of tourism’s history and development theories, focussing on community-based tourism (CBT) and pro-poor tourism (PPT). 

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  • Module content:

    *Alternative evening classes - 3 discussion classes per week
    Modern English literature and English language studies
    This module focuses on post-nineteenth century literature in English as well as on historical and theoretical aspects of the English language.

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  • Module content:

    *Alternative evening classes - 3 discussion classes per week
    Twentieth-century, postcolonial and contemporary literature
    This module focuses on post-nineteenth century literature in English. Various genres are covered and particular attention is given to postcolonial writing.

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  • Module content:

    Introduces basic concepts and interrelationships required to understand our atmosphere, with a strong focus on an introduction to weather and climate. A key component of the course is an introduction to climate change, including the science of climate change, introducing climate change projections, and climate change impacts. A key focus of the second part of the course will be climate change implications for the attainment of SDGs and Aichi targets on the African continent, under a range of plausible scenarios.

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  • Module content:

    The content of this module engages in the historical emergence of contemporary African philosophy in relation to the Western canon. The first quarter traces the history of modern western philosophy, recounting key positions in epistemology (e.g. Descartes, Kant), metaphysics (e.g. Heidegger, Putnam), ethics (e.g. Bentham, Levinas) and political philosophy (e.g. Rawls, Habermas).The content of the second quarter considers recent works in African philosophy, as critical responses to, but also independent of the Western philosophies, with regard to epistemology (e.g. Menkiti, Ikuenobe), metaphysics (e.g. Mbiti, Ramose), ethics (e.g. Tut, Gyeke) and political philosophy (e.g. Biko, Fanon).

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  • Module content:

    In this module contextually relevant aspects of human reality are reflected on through philosophy considered as practical activity. Students will engage issues of social, political, or economic relevance in contemporary (South) Africa, the Global South and beyond. A range of themes may be investigated, such as structure and agency, social imaginaries, issues of social justice, gender and sexuality, the ethics of science and technology, the role of art and others. The focus is on key themes and debates of contemporary relevance and may include issues from any of the sub-disciplines of philosophy such as political philosophy, moral philosophy, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy of mind and artifical intelligence, and philosophy of science.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the further development of communication skills with special emphasis on the receptive activities of the language, namely listening and reading. Careful attention is given to critical aspects of French grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the French-speaking countries.  This module complies with the requirements for level B1.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    This module continues with the development of communicative skills of the language. Special attention is given to the comprehension of non-fictional and literary written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs, as well as the application of knowledge of French grammar in oral and written production. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    A selection of themes on the history of Africa and its people in the recent past that shaped the African historical experience.

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  • Module content:

    The development of South Africa through segregation and apartheid to democracy.

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  • Module content:

    The module introduces students to urban settlement patterns, processes and structures. Using a series of case studies, it aims to develop an understanding of the challenges facing urban areas both in South Africa and globally.

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  • Module content:

    Physical processes that influence the earth’s surface and management. Specific processes and their interaction in themes such as weathering; soil erosion; slope, mass movement and periglacial processes. Practical laboratory exercises and assignments are based on the themes covered in the module theory component.

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  • Module content:

    Note: Enrolment is limited. Preference will be given based on choice of majors. Students should enquire at the department if they wish to register for the module, but are unable to do so.
    *GIS 221 does not lead to admission to any module at 300 level.
    Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), theoretical concepts and applications of GIS. The focus will be on the GIS process of data input, data analysis, data output and associated technologies.This module teaches students to use GIS as a tool. Examples used throughout the course are drawn from South African case studies.

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  • Module content:

    Greek texts – syntax
    Basic syntactical theory and application to selected Greek texts
    Greek prose – text analysis
    Basic theory of comprehensive text analysis and application of selected NT prose texts.

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  • Module content:

    Greek poetry – text analysis
    Basic theory of poetic text analysis and application of selected NT and related poetry texts.
    Greek texts – holistic analysis
    Students are guided towards reading and analysing independently chosen Greek texts by application of all knowledge and skills acquired in GRK modules on year level 1 as well as in GRK 210 and 220.

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  • Module content:

    Hebrew texts – syntax
    Basic syntactical theory and application to selected Hebrew texts.
    Hebrew prose – text analysis
    Basic theory of comprehensive text analysis and application to selected OT prose texts.

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  • Module content:

    Hebrew poetry – text analysis
    Basic theory of poetic text analysis and application to selected OT poetic texts. Hebrew texts – holistic analysis
    Students are guided towards reading and analysing independently chosen Hebrew texts by application of all knowledge and skills acquired in HEB modules on year level 1 as well as in HEB 210 and 220.

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  • Module content:

    Information seeking and retrieval. This module explores the theory and practice of effective information seeking and retrieval, including systematic reviewing. It builds on supporting research paradigms such as the systems, user-centred, cognitive and socio-cognitive paradigms. The focus is on the complexities of effective information seeking and retrieval within the context of information behaviour on a personal level, as well as in the context of professional, academic or everyday information needs.

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  • Module content:

    Information organisation and presentation. Information needs to be represented and organised in a system for it to be effectively retrievable. This module deals with the representation and organisation of information on the level of individual entities (e.g. indexing), from the perspective of the users (user profiling), as well as within a document collection (taxonomies and ontologies). The fundamental concepts of information organisation are also covered including components of information retrieval systems (IRS), abstraction principles and user information needs. This module also deals with search engine optimisation and data governance.

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  • Module content:

    How do we explain the behaviour of state and non-state actors within the international system? The answer to this question depends on the theoretical lens through which global politics are viewed. An overview is provided of competing theoretical perspectives of international relations and research methodology within the field. It includes mainstream and alternative perspectives, as well as the underlying ideas, theories and variants of each. These theories also propose different approaches to global peace, amongst others peace through international organisation(s). A comprehensive analysis is made of selected international organisations with a universal or regional scope, such as the United Nations, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.

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  • Module content:

    Foreign policy and diplomacy
    A short introduction to the study of foreign policy is followed by an explanation of the use of the comparative and case study methods as frameworks for foreign policy analysis and evaluation. This allows for the comparative study of the foreign policies of selected states from the major regions of the world, amongst others of South African foreign policy. In each case study the policy environment, the formulation and implementation processes, as well as the substance of the particular state’s foreign policy are covered. Thereafter the focus narrows to diplomacy: the oldest, most versatile and universally used instrument of foreign policy. The nature, history, modes of diplomacy and legal framework of the institution are explored. Examples are drawn from global practice, with specific consideration of the evolution of diplomatic practice within the African and South African context. This module also includes a simulation component, such as the Model United Nations Debate (MUN).

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  • Module content:

    Part 1: Forensic criminalistics
    The integrated nature of systematic criminal investigation is explored by demarcating the study field into the criminal tactic and technique.
    Part 2: Youth misbehaviour
    The nature, extent, theoretical explanations as well as prevention and control of youth misbehaviour are investigated.

    The two sections will not necessarily be presented in chronological order.

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  • Module content:

    Part 1: Victimology
    Contemporary issues in victimology are explored and special attention is given to aspects such as victim-based legislation and restorative justice. 
    Part 2: Political offences
    Political offences such as corruption, assassination and human rights violations are investigated in this section.

    The two sections will not necessarily be presented in chronological order.

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  • Module content:

    Latin literature, grammar and history (1) and (2)
    Selected passages from Latin literature, including legal and patristic texts; Latin grammar.
    An introduction to Roman history
    Selected passages of prose and poetry. Latin grammar. Roman history and constitution.

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  • Module content:

    Latin literature, grammar and history (3) and (4)
    Selected passages of prose and poetry. Latin grammar. Roman history and constitution. History of Latin literature.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to isiNdebele speech sounds/phonetics.

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  • Module content:

    Curriculum in the classroom:
    This module addresses four components that are directly related to classroom teaching and learning. The first unit deals with the foundations of the curriculum covering the work done by Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Montessori, Gandhi, Steiner, Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, Illich, Freire and Lakoff. Unit two discusses curriculum design and development and also focuses on the organisation of knowledge through educational taxonomies. The last two units cover teaching strategies as well as issues related to classroom testing and classroom assessment practices.

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  • Module content:

    Supportive learning environments:
    Theoretical approaches to learning environments (bio-ecological and asset-based approaches, indigenous knowledge systems, solution-oriented intervention; appreciative inquiry); school-based support in terms of Inclusive Education, whole-school approach, the supportive role of the teacher and the well-being of the child; community-based support in the form of community engagement and community education.

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  • Module content:

    This module further develops communicative skills with special emphasis on receptive activities, namely listening and reading. Careful attention will be given to critical aspects of Portuguese grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the Lusophone countries. This module complies with the requirements for level B1 set by the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages".

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  • Module content:

    This module continues with the development of communicative skills in Portuguese. Special attention is given to the comprehension of written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages".

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  • Module content:

    Investigating the method of Phenomenology as way of studying religions. Focussing on African Christianity and the phenomenon of African Independent Churches. Highlighting Prosperity Theology as phenomenon in Africa. Exploring the place of land, water and the city within religion in Africa

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  • Module content:

    Ancient religions and Health:
    Exploring ancient religions (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Zoroastranism, Aztec, Inca and Mayan) and health. Exploring the San religious treatment of health matters. The relationship magic and religion is investigated.

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  • Module content:

    The relation Religion and Culture:
    Central topics are inter religious Ethics and cultural sensitivity towards social taboos. Political and economic matters as interpreted form a religious perspective is investigated. Religion in the education system is addressed.

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  • Module content:

    Sepedi - communication and grammar
    The acquisition of advanced communication skills in further social, occupational and educational situations. More extensive vocabulary and advanced language structures are acquired and used. Heightened awareness of the nature and function of language structures.
    Sepedi - reading and writing
    Writing of coherent, idiomatic and grammatically correct texts in order to impart ideas and information for a selected range of communicative purposes. Writing entails creative writing as well as reduplication. Reading and comprehension of texts which contain reasonably extensive vocabularies and a relatively large variation of language structures. Commence with the reading of fairly simple literary works. Students are also further trained in the use of the dictionary.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to Sepedi speech sounds/phonetics.

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  • Module content:

    Sepedi  -  communication, grammar, reading and writing
    The further acquisition of advanced communication skills in further social, occupational and educational situations. More extensive vocabulary and advanced language structures are acquired and used. Heightened awareness of the nature and function of language structures. Continuation of the writing of coherent, idiomatic and grammatically correct texts in order to impart ideas and information for a range of communicative purposes. An introduction to Sepedi speech sounds / phonetics.  Reading and comprehension of texts which contain more extensive vocabularies and a larger variation of language structures. Reading of further literary works.

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  • Module content:

    In this module human development from conception through adolescence to adulthood is discussed with reference to various psychological theories. Incorporated are the developmental changes related to cognitive, physical, emotional and social functioning of the individual and the context of work in adulthood. Traditional and contemporary theories of human development explaining and describing these stages are studied in order to address the key issues related to both childhood and adulthood.

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  • Module content:

    This module is a social-psychological perspective on interpersonal and group processes. Themes that are covered include communication, pro-social behaviour, social influence and persuasion, political transformation, violence, and group behaviour.

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  • Module content:

    Industrial sociology
    This module addresses sociological approaches to the workplace. Its focus is on theories of work and the current themes and debates within the sociology of work with an emphasis on exploring these issues from a southern perspective. Some of the themes that will be covered include the theorisation and conceptualisation of work, work in industrialising societies, workplace restructuring and reorganisation, flexibility in the labour market, changing technologies and the implications for work and employment, and new forms of work (including atypical work, service work, emotional labour, professional work).

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  • Module content:

    Urban sociology and social movements
    This module considers the relationship between the rural and urban, against the backdrop of the emergence and development of both capitalism in its various guises and globalisation within the twentieth and twenty-first centuries in the global North and South. Questions on the nature of social interaction in communities, changing ways of relating, inequality and livelihoods, collective action, local cultures and modernities are considered. With migration to the city spurred by the communication revolution, the city has become a source of aspirations and illusions. A key issue in place-space configurations is the dialectic between citizenship and cosmopolitanism (aligned to individualism and multiple identities), on the one hand, and the experience of community (aligned to a collectivity) on the other hand. The debate on who belongs to the city highlights both symbolic and material issues and a politics around access to rights and resources, and therefore a possibility of mobilisation. Contemporary themes such as informality, different forms of local participation and consumption are considered.

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  • Module content:

    Culture and religion in the construction of identities: Gender, sexuality and race
    The global proliferation of identities is explored through the lens of social categories of difference. The convergence of ideologies and institutions in the construction of identities at the intersections of gender, sexuality and race is examined with a particular emphasis on modern African identities, drawing on the sub-disciplines of the sociology of religion and cultural sociology.

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  • Module content:

    Demography, health and society
    This module will use intersectional and critical lenses to provide students with a broad understanding of how demographic and social factors affect population health and medical care across a range of contexts. The main theoretical underpinnings and debates, as well as basic measures of each construct will be covered to operationalise the constructs for the purposes of practical application in sociological research and understanding. The focus will be comparative, both across time and between developed and less developed societies in general and South African societies in particular.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the further development of communicative skills with special emphasis on the receptive activities of the language, namely listening and reading. Careful attention is given to critical aspects of Spanish grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking countries.  This module complies with the requirements for level B1.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

    The module is mostly presented in Spanish.

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  • Module content:

    This module continues with the development of communicative skills of the language. Special attention is given to the comprehension of written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

    The module is mostly presented in Spanish.

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  • Module content:

    Political dynamics (Micro) 
    The study of the theory and practice of behavioural phenomena in politics, including a critical engagement with how behavioural phenomena have been (and are) studied. With reference to appropriate examples, the emphasis is on the study of political dynamics internal to the nation state, including but not limited to the following: elections, electoral systems, and voting behaviour; parties and party systems; political culture, political identities, public opinion, leadership, communication, and interest groups.

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  • Module content:

    Political dynamics (Macro)
    This module is offered in two parts. Part One places emphasis on the nature of the state, governance and conflict in Africa. Amongst others, a study is made of the issues of colonialism and post-colonialism, democratisation, authoritarianism and the development of the state in Africa, in the context of a globalising world. Part Two provides a through introduction to and overview of South African politics. Topics to be unpacked include: South Africa’s transition to democracy, South Africa’s electoral system, and the political, social and economic challenges facing South Africa at present. Mini case studies are applied throughout the module to aid comprehension and analysis. Case studies may differ from year-to-year depending on local and international developments.

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  • Module content:

    Setswana – communication and grammar
    The acquisition of advanced communication skills in further social, occupational and educational situations. More extensive vocabulary and advanced language structures are acquired and used. Heightened awareness of the nature and function of language structures.
    Setswana – reading and writing
    Writing of coherent, idiomatic and grammatically correct texts in order to impart ideas and
    information for a selected range of communicative purposes. Writing entails creative writing as well as reduplication. Reading and comprehension of texts which contain reasonably extensive vocabularies and a relatively large variation of language structures. Commence with the reading of fairly simple literary works. Students are also further trained in the use of the dictionary.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of Setswana such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to Setswana speech sounds/phonetics.

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  • Module content:

    Setswana – communication, grammar, reading and writing
    The further acquisition of advanced communication skills in further social, occupational and educational situations. More extensive vocabulary and advanced language structures are acquired and used. Heightened awareness of the nature and function of language structures. Continuation of the writing of coherent, idiomatic and grammatically correct texts in order to
    impart ideas and information for a range of communicative purposes. An introduction to Setswana speech sounds/phonetics. Reading and comprehension of texts which contain more extensive vocabularies and a larger variation of language structures. Reading of further literary works.

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  • Module content:

    Gender, sexuality and visual representation
    Introduction to the representation of sex, gender and sexuality in visual culture.  Gender theory and terminology related to feminism, masculinity studies and lbgtq theory (lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgendered, queer) are unpacked. Themes and issues in gender and identity politics such as the male hero, the nude in late 19th century art, the femme fatale, hysteria, androgyny and transsexuality are dealt with. Sexuality and gender issues across a range of visual cultural such as soaps, sitcoms, artworks, advertisements, fashion, music videos and films are addressed.

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  • Module content:

    Visual (Post)colonialisms
    This module investigates aspects of Africanness, Afrocentrism, multiculturalism, transnationalism and the African diaspora and studies a cross section of work including traditional art, tourist art and the hybrid aesthetics of contemporary African art and visual culture. The module also focuses on the ideology of imperialism and colonialism and its influence on art and visual culture from the nineteenth century onwards. The influence of postcolonial thinking on the deconstruction of the ideology of colonialism is highlighted with reference to landscape and memory, the exotic and primitivism in South African visual culture.

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  • Module content:

    isiZulu - communication and grammar
    The acquisition of advanced communication skills in further social, occupational and educational situations. More extensive vocabulary and advanced language structures are acquired and used. Heightened awareness of the nature and function of language structures.
    isiZulu -  reading and writing
    Writing of coherent, idiomatic and grammatically correct texts in order to impart ideas and information for a selected range of communicative purposes. Writing entails creative writing as well as reduplication. Reading and comprehension of texts which contain reasonably extensive vocabularies and a relatively large variation of language structures. Commence with the reading of fairly simple literary works. Students are also further trained in the use of the dictionary.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to isiZulu speech sounds/phonetics.

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  • Module content:

    isiZulu - communication, grammar, reading and writing
    The further acquisition of advanced communication skills in further social, occupational and educational situations. More extensive vocabulary and advanced language structures are acquired and used. Heightened awareness of the nature and function of language structures. Continuation of the writing of coherent, idiomatic and grammatically correct texts in order to impart ideas and information for a range of communicative purposes. An introduction to isiZulu speech sounds/phonetics.  Reading and comprehension of texts which contain more extensive vocabularies and a larger variation of language structures. Reading of further literary works.

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Minimum credits: 120

Core/Elective modules
Select any 2 of the 3 disciplines that you did at the second-year level and do 2 semester modules (4 quarter modules) from each of these disciplines.
In order to follow a Geography stream the following modules should be taken: ENV 301, GGY 301 and GGY 383.

?Note: A student is required to meet the total number of credits every year.  If there is a credit shortfall, a student is required to register for additional electives modules within the curriculum.

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Historiese taalkunde

    Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse historiese taalkunde.

    Letterkundekomponent: Gevorderde literatuurstudie I

    Afrikaanse literatuur in die konteks van resente literatuurteoretiese diskoerse.

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  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Sintaksis

    Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse sintaksis.

    Letterkundekomponent: Gevorderde literatuurstudie II

    Afrikaanse literatuur in die konteks van resente literatuurteoretiese diskoerse.

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  • Module content:

    *Kwartaalmodule aangebied oor 14 weke
    Versorging van Afrikaanse tekste met betrekking tot korrekte taal- en leestekengebruik, feitelike korrektheid, bibliografiese versorging, teksstruktuur en skryf vir verskillende teikengroepe.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as the critical analysis of a dramatic work and poetry (selected poems).

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  • Module content:

    *AGL 310 will be a prerequisite for a number of other modules (eg AGL 751 Advanced archaeological theory) and it is the responsibility of the students intending to continue archaeology to postgraduate level to do this module.

    Nature of archaeological theory; critique of various approaches to archaeological theory, debates over the relevance of theory, are some of the major topics to be presented.

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  • Module content:

    The module focuses on the following topics: designing and managing fieldwork projects; the relationship between commercial practice, academic research, and local communities; management of archaeological collections in repositories and debates on repatriation; ethics; cultural resource management; presentation of archaeological sites; heritage and related legislation, The main aim is to prepare students for post-degree work in both private and public sectors. 

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  • Module content:

    Social aspects of the ancient Near Eastern and the ancient Greek and Roman worlds
    A selection of ancient Near Eastern (namely Mesopotamian, Syria-Palestinian and Egyptian) and ancient Greek and Roman sources are studied within their socio-historical context to illustrate and interpret these cultures and social practises and how they influenced contemporary institutions and social structures.

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  • Module content:

    Verbal and visual expression in the ancient world: looking for answers
    This module entails an overview of the research process in ancient culture studies, especially the identification of a research problem, formulating a research question, proposing a suitable hypothesis and applying suitable research strategies through the discussion of relevant themes on the ancient world. Students are then guided towards independent research on themes of their choice relating to departmental research interests by applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the entire course of ancient culture studies.

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  • Module content:

    This module considers the colonial histories of anthropology in Africa and their impact on traditions of knowledge production in the discipline to propose a decolonised anthropology. It does so by critically reflecting on old and contemporary ethnographies from and about the African continent and pays particular attention to ethnographic methods, politics of representation, reflexivity, power and identity as pertinent questions to establish a decolonised anthropology. Students in this module are encouraged to imagine a decolonised anthropology in and for Africa. 

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  • Module content:

    Fieldwork, ethnography and theory
    This module reviews themes such as conducting fieldwork, writing ethnography and developing theory in anthropology.  The module allows the opportunity to gain experience with ethnographic field methods in order to develop insight into the implications of methodological choices and their relationship to research questions and settings.

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  • Module content:

    Part 1:Texts in context
    OT texts are read in their Ancient Near Eastern context with special reference to intra-, inter- and extratextual relations. NT and/or Patristic texts are read in their Jewish and Hellenistic context with special reference to intra-, inter- and extra-textual relations.
    Part 2: Between the Testaments
    Reading and interpreting of Hebrew and Greek inter-testamental literature, including Qumran literature, Ben Sira and Greek apocryphal books like Judit or Tobit.

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  • Module content:

    Part 1: Critical textual competence
    Students are exposed to diverging translations and interpretations of selected OT and NT texts. Through their own knowledge of and competence in intra-, inter-  and extratextual analysis they are guided towards critical assessment of diverging points of view and independent decision making in the reading, analysis and understanding of ancient literary texts.
    Part 2: Integration of analytical skills
    Students are guided towards independent reading and analysis of chosen Greek and Hebrew texts by integrated application of all knowledge and skills acquired in GRK and HEB modules on year levels 1 and 2, as well as in BYT 251, 310 and 320.

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  • Module content:

    Reading cultural representation
    Against the framework of post-colonialism, issues of signification, representation and meaning in performance will be considered in relation to selected theoretical approaches to performance and their concern with gender in theatre and film. Representation and subjectivity and how they are revealed as gendered fictions rather than "natural", inevitable realities will be explored through various drama and film texts. The student will explore how the body, as codified cultural product, can become a symbolic battleground for cultural supremacy in and through performance.

    A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

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  • Module content:

    Counter discourses
    Social relations, material conditions, discursive practices, identity and representational structures will be studied in relation to Marxist Materialism, cross-cultural theatre, postmodern discourse and post-theory ideas. Key figures and ideas from relevant critical theory will guide an interrogation of popular performance and cinema as well as non-dominant cinemas and modes of performance.
     
    A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to German linguistics. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of relevant texts from different disciplines. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of textual grammar of the German language.  This module complies with the requirements for level B2.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of literary texts in cultural-historical perspective.  This module complies with the requirements for level B2.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    An evaluation of South African cultural activities and heritage sites, with a specific focus on tourism in practice.

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  • Module content:

    A selection of themes in tourism innovation, research and industry.

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  • Module content:

    Reading Medieval and Early Modern literature
    In this module students study the works of  writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton and Pope. The general characteristics and techniques of these authors are discussed in relation to developments in aesthetic theory, generic conventions and socio-historical change.

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  • Module content:

    Reading the Nineteenth Century
    In this module students read a  selection of 19th-century texts in English. The general characteristics and techniques of these texts are discussed in relation to developments in aesthetic theory, generic conventions and socio-historical change.

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  • Module content:

    The module serves as an introduction to human-environment relations, on contemporary environmental issues in Africa. 
    The module begins with different theories and schools of thought in human-environment relations, followed by recent and future impacts of human pressures on natural resources, the state of the environment in South Africa, management of critical resources, population trends, biodiversity loss, pollution, water scarcity, desertification, climate change, waste accumulation and management, environmental management tools, environmental education and environmental management legislation. A key focus here is future scenarios for the African continent in terms of SDGs and Aichi targets; given current and projected driving forces.

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  • Module content:

    In this module the focus is on understanding humankind, its knowledge and its relation to reality.This module traces the development of the conceptions of ‘self’ and ‘subjectivity’ in any given philosophical tradition in Africa, or more generally the Global South or the West, by focussing, amongst others, on issues such as the nature of the human mind, existentialism, the nature of personal identity, the relation between personal identity and morality, the nature of subjective experience and the issue of free will.

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  • Module content:

    In this module contextually relevant aspects of human reality are reflected on through philosophy considered as practical activity. Students will engage issues of social, political, or economic relevance in contemporary (South) Africa, the Global South and beyond. A range of themes may be investigated, such as, structure and agency, social imaginaries, issues of social justice, gender and sexuality, the ethics of science and technology, the role of art and others. The focus is on key themes and debates of contemporary relevance and may include issues from any of the sub-disciplines of philosophy such as political philosophy, moral philosophy, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy of mind and artificial intelligence, and philosophy of science.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of textual grammar of the French language. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of relevant audio-visual material and texts from non-fictional and fictional sources.
    This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of grammar of the French language. Introduction to professional translation and interpreting for the purpose of learning French as a foreign language.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of literary texts in cultural-historical perspective.

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  • Module content:

    Historical trends in the modern world
    A selection of political, economic and social themes.

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  • Module content:

    Interpreting the process of global change. Explaining the debates and the origin and nature of globalisation and its significance.

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  • Module content:

    Classic economic development theories and frameworks. Spatial development history and legacy in South Africa. Rural and agricultural reconstruction. Land reform. Urban development and strategy. Urban spatial reconstruction. National spatial development frameworks. Integration of environmental, economic, and social components of sustainable development, including challenges, actors and actions in sustainable development.

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  • Module content:

    This module will require students to apply the geographic knowledge and skills they have acquired during their first three years of study in Geography. Based on an annually selected theme, e.g. related to spatial injustice within the City of Tshwane, students will be introduced to the basic principles of conducting research in the field of human geography. Guiding them through the process of proposal writing and then conducting a small-scale, in-depth qualitative/quantitative research project, students will be tasked to produce a detailed, reflective and evidence-based account of their 6-month research in the form of a digital portfolio. 

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  • Module content:

    The Information Organisation. The module is concerned with the organisation of information in the digital environment focusing on the structure and use of document management and workflow systems, as well as distribution channels and virtual environments. The characteristics and application of the internet, intranets, as well as portals and applications use, are considered within the information culture of the organisation. The module introduces the practical component of business continuity and information organisation which includes information access, storage, organisation and security using SharePoint as web-based collaborative platform.

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  • Module content:

    Knowledge Management. This module focuses on knowledge management at an operational level and corporate strategic level. It deals with the management of knowledge, which enables the organisation to be competitive. In this module the focus is on aspects such as: the 21st-century organisation, the external and internal stakeholders that have an interest in products, as well as the infrastructure that should be in place in organisations to manage such products. The module includes topics relating to knowledge management at a corporate strategic level from a people, process and technological perspective.

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  • Module content:

    International political economy 
    The nature and functioning of the international contemporary political-economic order are analysed against the background of the process of globalisation. Analysis of the mainstream theories employed by scholars in this field is also included. The focus is on the interaction of political and economic trends and issues such as the vital role played by state and non-state actors; the rise of new economic powers in the Global South; and global economic governance.

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  • Module content:

    Security and strategic studies
    A study of traditional and contemporary approaches to security and strategy. Attention is paid to theories on war, security and strategy; military and non-military security issues and threats; the nature, levels, patterns, forms and instruments of strategy; and the laws of war. Global and regional strategic and security issues and trends are analysed, along with multilateral approaches to understanding and confronting security issues.

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  • Module content:

    Part 1: Theories of crime
    Theories focusing on understanding and explaining crime and criminality are investigated in this section.
    Part 2: Psychocriminology
    Explaining the relation between abnormal behaviour and criminality receives attention in this section.

    The two sections will not necessarily be presented in chronological order.

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  • Module content:

    Part 1: Female crime
    The historical exclusion of women in Criminology theory development and research is interrogated through an epistemological lens. Gender and racial disparity in the criminal justice system are placed firmly on the agenda.
    Part 2: Contemporary criminology issues
    In this section contemporary crime manifestations are examined.

    The two sections will not necessarily be presented in chronological order.

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  • Module content:

    To gain insight into the global context of the classroom, learners and ideas taught, as well as into the local world and country in which the classroom, learners and school are situated. Diversity and social justice and their importance in the local and global context, as well as their importance for teaching and learning are explored.
    Through individual and group learning tasks, students come to understand the overlapping themes of globalisation; understanding the nation state and its place in the regional and global world; and the role of technology and the media in globalisation and education. Significant social, political, historical and economic factors influencing the classroom are also investigated. Students collect, organise and critically evaluate information; appreciate the value of diversity in various social contexts; apply problem solving skills to learning tasks; and communicate ideas effectively in group tasks.

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  • Module content:

    The module deals with the understanding and application of the Bill of Rights in creating a safe and disciplined classrooms.  The second theme deals with managing a classroom through relationship building, participative decision-making, effective planning and monitoring, motivation and communication.

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  • Module content:

    This module provides an introduction to Portuguese linguistics covering the language's sound system, morphology and syntax. Portuguese semantics and language variations. An in-depth review of grammar is required. This module complies with the requirements for level B2 as set by the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages".

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  • Module content:

    A comprehensive review of Portuguese grammar is presented in order to increase language proficiency with special emphasis on productive activities such as speaking and writing. This module offers techniques and current methods of text analysis (which include translation and retroversion from and to Portuguese) as a foreign language acquisition and work instrument. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 as set by the "Common European Framework for Reference for Languages".

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  • Module content:

    The function of myths and rites in current society is investigated. The relation between religion and art is explored. The place and function of music in religion is investigated. The way in which holy texts are interpreted (scriptural reasoning) within different religions is explored.

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  • Module content:

    The following social themes are addressed: Religion and Media; Religion and Ecology; Religion and Xenophobia; Religion and Homophobia; Religion and Violence; Religion and Gender equality; the possibility of Inter-religious dialogue.

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  • Module content:

    The module introduces methods of inquiry in the social sciences and humanities. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the research process in order to equip them with the necessary competence to:
    identify social problems, formulate research questions and hypotheses;
    have a basic understanding of writing the literature review and research proposal;
    know and select relevant methods of inquiry;
    be aware of the necessity of conducting ethically sound research; and
    interpret and present data graphically.

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  • Module content:

    Sepedi grammar - Capita selecta
    Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes / phonology of Sepedi.
    The acquisition and inculcation of advanced communicative skills within a larger number of social, occupational and educational situations. Awareness of the nature and function of language structures is heightened further. Attention is also paid to cultural phenomena.

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  • Module content:

    Identification of abnormal behaviour in children based on knowledge of normal childhood development; introduction to the study of various models pertaining to abnormal behaviour; understanding and application of basic concepts in child psychopathology. This module also provides an introduction to psychopathology and symptomatology of adult abnormal behaviour. Terminology, definitions of abnormal behaviour, problems in diagnosis, labelling, and myths regarding abnormal behaviour are discussed. Neurosis as a specific mental disorder is studied critically from a multidimensional perspective, including intrapsychic, interpersonal and social-cultural explanations.

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  • Module content:

    This module deals with a community psychological perspective on human behaviour and psychological interventions and also critically explores the contribution of various perspectives in psychology. The module focuses on themes such as definitions of key concepts, principles and aims of community psychology, and the role of the community psychologist as well as the impact of earlier thought frameworks on contemporary perspectives. The implications of these ideas for practical initiatives focused on mental health in communities, are discussed. The module further focuses on critical psychology. Critical psychology is an orientation towards psychology that is critical towards the assumptions and practices of psychology as it is practiced in the mainstream. It attempts to address power issues as they manifest in the practice of mainstream psychology. The focus is on examining how the practice and theories of mainstream psychology contribute to these power issues impacting on marginalised groups.

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  • Module content:

    Structure, agency and power in social theory
    How do we theorise the interrelationships between structure, agency, and power in society? This is the central question in this module, which provides students with an intensive introduction to critical social theories. Engaging with current affairs and debates in society, the module will enable students to learn how to develop theoretical knowledge about the ways in which power is structured and exercised in society – both from above and below, as well as across fields (the economic, the political, the cultural) and scales (the body, private and public spheres, communities and nation-states, and the world-system).

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  • Module content:

    Thinking methodologically
    This module sets out to introduce students to ‘doing research’. In this respect the assumptions and processes underpinning methodological choices in sociological research are considered in order to think about foundations of research, about how knowledge claims are made, how science is conceptualised, what role theory plays, as well as how values and ethics shape the politics of research. In addition to these foundational questions, a broad introduction to methods used in social research is provided by considering both the theoretical dimensions and practical application of various research tools. The purpose of the module is to equip students with the necessary competence to, describe ontological and epistemological debates and different approaches to research in the social sciences, delineate a research problem, identify units of analysis, make sampling decisions and formulate questions and hypothesis as well as understand the principles of quantitative (elementary statistical decision-making) and qualitative data analysis.

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  • Module content:

    A comprehensive review of Spanish grammar is presented in order to increase language proficiency with special emphasis on the productive activities of the language, namely speaking and writing. It also offers an introductory approach to Hispanic history. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    This module continues with the presentation of a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar in order to increase language proficiency with special emphasis on the interactive activities of the language, namely spoken and written interaction. It also offers an introductory approach to Hispanic literature. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Political theory
    A theoretical and normative study of political ideas, concepts, texts and values. This includes the study of key global political thinkers throughout history, as well as the contemporary manifestations of ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, conservatism, postcolonialism and feminism. This normative assessment of politics will also focus on the critical evaluation of prominent political concepts such as justice, liberty, power, democracy and equality.

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  • Module content:

    Part 1: Public Policy Studies A high-level critical analysis of the theory and practice of public policy within the domestic, regional, and international context. Attention is given to key aspects of the policy-making process, including, but not limited to: agenda setting, policy adoption, policy assessment, and policy termination. Case studies may differ year-on-year depending on local and international developments.


    Part 2: Political analysis The methods and practice of political analysis are the focus of this module. The principles and problems underpinning different approaches and methods of political analysis are described and explained. This includes the nature, methods and use of comparative analysis, forecasting, risk analysis, performance evaluation and the political audit. These analytical methods are positioned in a political and policy context, with emphasis on practical application. Applicable examples and case studies are used throughout and differ year-on-year depending on domestic and international developments.

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  • Module content:

    Setswana grammar - Capita selecta
    Aspects of the grammar of Setswana such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes / phonology of Setswana.
    The acquisition and inculcation of advanced communicative skills within a larger number of social, occupational and educational situations. Awareness of the nature and function of language structures is heightened further. Attention is also paid to cultural phenomena.

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  • Module content:

    Post/Modernities: Contemporary discourses
    This module investigates Modernism and Postmodernism as the dominant aesthetic, discursive and visual paradigms of the 20th and 21st centuries. Key concepts in these discourses and counter-discourses are highlighted and explored, such as the creation of modern subjectivity, the beautiful and the sublime, the avant garde, the metaphysics of presence, originality, authorship, hermeneutics, the “language turn”, différance and the so-called “end of art”. Theorist may include: Kant, Heidegger, Derrida and Foucault.

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  • Module content:

    Visual and virtual spaces 
    Critical decoding of culturally encoded ideas and ideologies embodied in the construction of space, place, and cyberspace in selected Modernist and Postmodernist cultural practices. Topics include spaces of consumption and entertainment such as shopping malls; gender and spatiality; symbolic spaces; surveillance and the architecture of fear. Land art, environmental art and related debates are also addressed. The ways in which real space is virtualised through new technologies; the history and development of virtual reality, virtual communities, the cyborg and cyberpunk, as well as post humanism, are all engaged with specific emphasis on how embodiment and disembodiment are represented visually.

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  • Module content:

    isiZulu grammar -  Capita selecta
    Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes/phonology of isiZulu.  The acquisition and inculcation of advanced communicative skills within a larger number of social, occupational and educational situations. Awareness of the nature and function of language structures is heightened further. Attention is also paid to cultural phenomena.

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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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