REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS DEGREE IN LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL STUDIES (AH07)
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME
The programme’s purpose is to:
- Provide a platform for rigorous Afrocentric study of African languages’ literature and cultures
- Provide students with a firm grounding in the study of African languages
- Contribute to building a genuinely multicultural world through the curriculum that recognises that multiculturalism is a resource
- Generate research skills for uncovering the much-needed solutions to national problems
- Impart the entrepreneurial skills which are very critical in achieving national goals
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Normal Entry
1.1.1. For normal entry into the Honours degree in African Languages and Cultural Studies, candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements specified in the Faculty Regulations and the General Regulations and should normally satisfy the following requirements:
1.1.2. Must have obtained at least five ‘O’ Level passes or the equivalent, including the English language, and an African language.
1.1.3. Applicants should have at least two ‘A’ Level passes preferably in Arts and Humanities for example any African language, Literature in English, History, Divinity, Geography, Sociology among others
2.2 SPECIAL ENTRY
Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
2.3 MATURE ENTRY
Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
2.4 VISITING AND BLOCK
To qualify for entry to the visiting school programme, a candidate must, in addition to satisfying the minimum entry requirements described under the General Regulations and Faculty Regulations, have completed either ‘A’ Levels, relevant diploma(s) or their equivalent(s) as may be prescribed by the Departmental Regulations for such Visiting School Degree Programme.
- PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 Area of Study: African languages, African languages literature, Cultures
3.2 Specialist Focus: Bantu linguistics, linguistic theories African languages literature and African-centred study of cultures of African people.
3.3 Orientation: Research and innovation-oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on both theoretical and practical aspects.
3.4 Distinctive Features: The programme adopts a pan-Africanist ideological stance.
4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Graduates of the BA Honours Degree in African Languages and Cultural Studies will have career opportunities in cultural institutions, NGOs, the public sector, welfare institutions, universities, the private sector, publishing and other language and culture-related workplaces. They will also get access to MA and PhD studies in African Languages and Cultural Studies.
5.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, research projects, individual independent study
6.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the programme, a graduate will be able to:
6.1 Exhibit profound knowledge of contemporary cultural trends
6.2 Think critically and creatively and question existing ideas
6.3 Study and apply knowledge of linguistics to practical contexts in both the world of work and academia
6.4 Execute Afrocentric analysis of cultures and literature
GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 The Bachelor of Arts in Language and Cultural Studies is a full-time degree programme. Normally, a student will be required to complete the programme in not less than four years from the date of registration.
7.2 At the Third Level of the degree programme, students go on Work -Related Learning for 10-12 months.
7.3 The degree programme offers pre-requisite, core and elective modules.
7.4 At least four of the modules registered per semester should be from within the programme.
7.5 Modules studied at other universities are accredited at the discretion of the Department and Academic Board.
7.6 Students can include in their programme of study, modules offered by other departments, in line with the concept of “Flexible Packaging”.
7.7 Conditions governing carry-over and repeating of modules are stipulated in the General Regulations.
7.8 For HLCS 450, students are required to submit the research project by the date determined by the Department. The research project is worth 24 credits.
7.9 Supplementary examinations may be allowed in accordance with the provisions of the General Regulations.
7.0 PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
The overall assessment shall consist of continuous assessment and formal examinations
7.1 Continuous Assessment
To be admitted to examinations, a student must have satisfied continuous assessment requirements for all approved modules of study.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Module Code Credits
Level 1 Semester 1
HALCS 101 Introduction to African Languages Literature 12
HALCS 102 Phonetics and Phonology 12
HALCS 103 Introduction to African Cultures 12
HALCS 113 Basic French 1 12
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology 12
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills 12
Level 1 Semester 2
HALCS 114 Basic French 11 12
HALCS 107 Theories of Literature and Criticism 12
HALCS 108 Linguistic Theories 12
HALCS 109 Theoretical Foundations of Heritage and Cultural Studies 12
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills 12
Level 2 Semester 1
HALCS 201 African Indigenous Knowledge Systems 12
HALCS 202 Language, Culture and Identity 12
HALCS 203 Intercultural Communication 12
HALCS 204 Children’s Literature and Child Development 12
HALCS 211 Introduction to Gender Studies 12
ENT 131 Entrepreneurship 12
Level 2 Semester 2
HALCS 205 Translation and Interpreting Studies 12
HALCS 206 Language Policy and Planning 12
HALCS 207 Language Change and Development 12
Level 3 Work- Related Learning
HALCS 300 Work Placement Report 20
HALCS 301 Work- Related Learning Report 45
HALCS 302 Academic Supervisor’s Report 30
HALCS 303 Employers Assessment Report 30
Level 4 Semester 1
HALCS 401 Discourse, Society and Culture 12
HALCS 402 Dialectology and Linguistic Geography 12
HALCS 403 Multiculturalism, Diversity and the Nation 12
Level 4 Semester 2
HALCS 407 Language, Culture and Media in Africa 12
HALCS 408 Race, Sex and Gender 12
HALCS 450 Research Project 24
Module Synopses
HALCS 101 Introduction to African Languages Literature
This module introduces students to literature written in African languages. The module revolves around the definition of African Literature, key thinkers and their work as well as the growth of literature (novelistic discourses, poetry, drama, short stories) in African languages. The module provides a platform for debating key national issues such as liberation war heritage, the land issue and gender among many others.
HALCS 102 Phonetics and Phonology
This module exposes students to the sound system of a language and their patterning (phonetics and phonology). It is an introduction to the study of speech sounds and their patterning in the world’s languages. The module teaches how to produce, transcribe and describe, in articulatory terms, sounds of human languages.
HALCS 103 Introduction to African Cultures
The module introduces students to what cultural anthropology is and how diverse cultures of the world came into existence. The evolution of human cultures and in particular African cultures is analysed based on an Afrocentric point of view. The conceptual schemes, theories and methods of interpreting human cultures are studied with the view of understanding the structure and functions of culture in past and present African communities.
HALCS 107 Theories of Literature and Criticism
This module is preoccupied with critical approaches used to direct and inform literary criticism from the early 20th century to date. The relevance of each critical canon (or lack thereof) is appreciated. It is biased towards African-centred approaches to African literature. Simultaneously, the applicability of selected theories to African literary and cultural studies is of interest.
HALCS 108 Linguistic Theories
The module focuses on the trends in the developments of linguistic theory. It exposes students to various theories of linguistics. It is historically oriented, that is, it deals with early theories through to current theories. Theories of phonology, morphology and semantics are explicated with particular emphasis on African languages.
HALCS 109 Theoretical Foundations of African Cultural Studies
The module is preoccupied with Africa’s contribution to world heritage against colonialist criticism that has denied African culture and even history. The module provides a platform where students appreciate Africa’s contribution to world heritage and develop critical consciousness that allows them to challenge colonialist criticism and what it stands for.
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
HALCS 113 Basic French I
This module is meant for total beginners in French who wish to develop basic communicative competence in French. It will develop basic linguistic and communicative skills as well as concomitant intercultural awareness to enable the learner to interact with speakers of French at a basic level.
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology
Refer to the Department of Information Systems.
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
HALCS 114 Basic French II
Building on Basic French I, this module builds up the learner’s communicative competence in terms of conversation and writing up to reporting past events, stating wishes and expressing conditions.
HALCS 201 African Indigenous Knowledge Systems
This module deals with African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS), and their relevance to the development of African societies. It introduces students to the theoretical underpinnings of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The module focuses on intangible cultural heritage as a site and medium through which AIKS can be appreciated and transmitted transgenerationally. The module relates AIKS to colonialist criticism and its denial and destruction of AIKS. Institutions promoting African Indigenous Knowledge Systems such as those embedded in song, myths, proverbs, dress, and ancestor veneration among others are emphasised. The module also debates new forms of archiving AIKS such as digital platforms.
HALCS 202 Language, Culture and Identity
The module critically analyses the symbiotic relationship between language, culture and identity. It examines how various African societies employ languages for collective and individual identification. The module also scrutinises the formation of identities in African cultures.
HALCS 203 Intercultural Communication
The module delves into the study of communication in multilingual and multicultural settings in Africa. The module revolves around communication between people of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in education, business, the judiciary, general social settings and so on. Barriers to communication will also form part of the module.
HALCS 204 Children’s Literature and Children’s Development
This module is preoccupied with a critical appreciation of children’s literature in Africa with a view to understanding the different ways in which literature is deployed to the business of empowering the young in society. Theories are deployed to the analysis of such literature in African languages.
HALCS 211 Introduction to Gender Studies
This module introduces students to the concept/study of gender and stresses the social constructedness of gender and gender roles. With a conceptualisation of gender and related concepts as its point of departure, the module traces the historical development of the discipline and addresses theoretical perspectives related to gender. Thereafter, the module looks at the concept of gender analysis and discusses strategies to redress gender imbalances. The module then explores gender issues in Southern Africa and concludes with a discussion on how both males and females can be empowered within the context of gender-responsive environments.
ENT 131 Entrepreneurship 1
Refer to the Department of Entrepreneurship.
HALCS 205 Translation and Interpreting Studies
This module is designed to teach and develop students’ translation and interpreting skills in the English and African languages. It is an introductory module, which gives a general overview of the theory and practice of translation and interpretation.
HALCS 206 Language Policy and Planning
This module introduces students to the conceptual and practical issues involved in the design and implementation of language policies in Africa. It also defines the scope of language planning and models and language planning with particular reference to Africa. Learners are furnished with the core analytical skills necessary to engage in research related to language policy and planning.
HALCS 207 Language Change and Development
The module deals with African languages’ phonological, semantic, syntactic, and morphological changes. The governing interest in the module is on the factors that motivate language change and its impact on development. Theories of linguistics are applied in the appreciation of linguistic changes and development.
HALCS 300 Work Placement Report
This is a report written by the student providing information on his/her placement details. The report format is provided by the Department.
HALCS 301 Work-Related Learning Report
This is a report written by the student based on their activities and experiences during Work- Related Learning. The report format is provided by the Department.
HALCS 302 Academic Supervisor’s Assessment
The Academic Supervisor’s assessment looks at the student’s conduct at the workplace. The focus will be on the ability to link working and learning, being initiative, creativity, ingenuity and perseverance in identifying and communicating with colleagues.
HALCS 303 Employer’s Assessment
The host supervisor’s assessment looks at the student’s conduct and behaviour, interpersonal skills development, operational competencies and leadership qualities.
HALCS 401 Discourse, Society and Culture
The module introduces students to language as a social practice. It is concerned with the main theories, ideas, practices and approaches in Discourse Analysis. The module provides a systematic linguistic way for analysing discourse. It enables students to interpret and critically analyse different types of discourse in different cultures.
HALCS 402 Dialectology and Linguistic Geography
This module explores theoretical issues and practical applications in the study of dialectology. In the process, the module interrogates the delicate distinction between language and dialect. It also traces the evolution of dialectological theory and methodology from the 19th century to the present. Using both synchronic and diachronic approaches, the module examines the geographical and social language variations. The module explores the lexical, phonological, and grammatical features of specific African languages’ dialects. Students are also introduced to issues on linguistic geography.
HALCS 403 Multiculturalism, Diversity and the Nation
This module deals with the concept and practice of multiculturalism. The student is exposed to the definition, benefits as well as problematics of multiculturalism. Particular interest is in the acceptance of all cultures as well as treating such cultures as equal and deserving of mutual recognition and respect within the broader context of social cohesion and nation-building.
HALCS 407 Language, Culture and Media in Africa
This module interrogates the interface of language, culture and media in post-independent African societies. In the process, the module discusses the representation of African culture in the media, how it is interpreted, (re)produced, preserved and destroyed in the context of new media technologies. The module further analyses the impact of social media and new media technologies on African culture.
HALCS 408 Race, Sex and Gender
The module focuses on the intersections of race, sex and gender in Africa. It discusses the politics of sex and gender in African cultures and how this has been impacted by other races.
HALCS 450 Research Project
The module provides students with the opportunity to apply research methods skills through conducting actual research and writing a research project/dissertation on a selected topic in the areas of language, literature or culture. With guidance from a member of the academic staff as supervisor, students plan and design an independent research project which relates to their overall programme of study. The size of the dissertation should range between 9000- 10000 words.