Module Descriptions
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication
Below is all the Module Descriptions for BA in Communication.
Study Year 1 of 3 (Basic level) 120 Credits
This module is designed to enhance students' academic writing and research skills while fostering critical thinking and analytical abilities
Through this module, students will learn to use a computer for emails, internet, word processing, spreadsheet development and electronic presentation suites. This will enable students to access the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) known as Funda, which is used by Cornerstone for communication with lecturers and administrative purposes, as well as research and submission of assignments.
Counselling: Counselling and Life Skills (15 Credits)
This module provides students with training in how to develop and design life skills programmes, psycho-educational training and individual counselling interventions. This module provides an understanding of persons, ideas and principles in the sphere of human behaviour and examines how to manage structured psycho-educational activities in personal and group interventions and how to evaluate their success.
OR
Sociology: Sociology - An Introduction (15 Credits)
The module introduces students to the principles, concepts, history, and major approaches to the study of society. It provides an overview of what sociologists' study, the methods they use, the different ways of thinking (paradigms) within sociology, as well as the key terminology (concepts) that serve as analytical tools to understand social systems and the social construction of human life.
OR
English: English Language Studies (15 Credits)
This module introduces students to key concepts and terminology in literary studies and examines various approaches to the subject. The module explores the relationship between text and context using representative texts from different literary genres and diverse historical contexts. Students will develop their critical thinking and writing skills by engaging analytically with the literature studied.
OR
Theology: Biblical Studies (15 Credits)
The first half of this module is designed to introduce the student to the nature, purpose, and interpretative process of the Scriptures. Attention is given to the historical backdrop of the Old and New Testaments and to the development of the biblical canon (Jewish, Protestant, and Catholic). Tracing the narrative trajectory of the Bible, this module is designed to equip students with a basic skill set necessary for the artful and faithful interpretation of the biblical text both within the church and public space.
OR
Psychology: Developmental Psychology 1 (15 Credits)
This module provides students with an overview of the major theories of Developmental Psychology. Furthermore, the module aims to help the student understand the course of human development from conception to adolescence. The module also seeks to address contemporary concerns in lifespan development from conception to adolescence
Core Curriculum: Ethics and Global Citizenship (15 Credits)
This module is designed to help the student build an ethical framework that considers a holistic understanding of the human person (head, heart, and hands). Students are exposed to ethical theories that enable them to reflect on ways in which to respond to current moral, intellectual, and social questions. Students work to integrate ethical theory into their experience of life and explore how this contributes to the good of the world.
OR
Navigating Change and Conflict (15 Credits)
This module offers a comprehensive understanding of leadership from various theoretical perspectives, aiming to empower individuals for effective leadership in various contexts, particularly within South African and African settings. It delves into transformative leadership theory and practice, fostering personal and character growth. Additionally, the module introduces students to conflict resolution theory and practice, imparting essential communication skills to enrich inter-group and interpersonal relationships. Students gain insights into their conflict attitudes, self-reflect on approaches, and explore diverse conflict types through case studies. The module underscores the interconnectedness of communication, behaviour, and conflict, with a focal point on reconciliation strategies, enriching the learning experience.
OR
Group Studies and Communication (15 Credits)
This module seeks to introduce the student to the fundamentals of intergroup dynamics and communication in the global context of cross-cultural engagement. The themes of group formation and behaviours, social structure and societal hierarchies will be introduced alongside the themes of intergroup relations and the practice of communication with and between groups with diverse values, belief systems and societal standing. The module will reflect on the demands and required skills for social change interventions when working with diverse cultural, religious, language, socio-economic, and citizen communities, among others, including also the local and global realities of migration and immigrant communities.
OR
Worldviews of the South (15 Credits)
This module presents a comprehensive exploration of worldviews, specifically focusing on the philosophies of the global South, Africa, and the West. Its primary objective is to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of how these worldviews have influenced knowledge traditions and societal dynamics across our continent and the wider world. The course critically examines the essence of history, unveiling the impact of position, perspective, and power on historical narratives. This analysis is carried out through a detailed examination of South African and African histories, commencing with the indigenous peoples and tracing the trajectories of pre- and post-colonial development. By scrutinizing cultural movements, narratives, and pivotal events, the module illuminates the forces that have both historically and presently moulded our nation and continent.
This module focuses on developing critical media literacy skills, enabling students to analyse, interpret, and engage with media messages in various forms. By exploring the role of media in shaping public opinion and influencing culture, students will gain a deeper understanding of how media functions within societal contexts.
Counselling: Family and Development (15 Credits)
This module surveys the themes of marriage development and family issues. The student will be introduced to the dynamics of change within marriage and the family as part of a developmental psychology framework.
OR
Sociology: Diversity Studies (15 Credits)
This module explores the ways identity shapes and is shaped by diversity in terms of race, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation and disability, and how the social construction of difference can have a significant impact on people’s life opportunities. A fundamental objective of the module will be to develop critical diversity literacy and identify ways to promote mutual understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among communities.
OR
English: Creative English writing (15 Credits)
Academic Writing is designed to help students develop academic writing skills as preparation for further writing successes in varsity and the student’s chosen career. The module will focus on analysing one’s audience, developing thesis statements and arguments, and developing a variety of rhetorical skills. Creative Writing is designed to introduce students to creative writing skills in a variety of literary genres, including poetry, fiction, and blogs. The module includes instruction in literary techniques and conventions and exposure to exemplary texts by selected authors. Students will learn to give and receive constructive feedback through peer and lecturer evaluation of short creative writing texts.
OR
Theology: Theology - An Introduction (15 Credits)
This module is designed to introduce the student to the methodology and discourse of both systematic and practical theology and provide a framework within which to make sense of these disciplines, how they overlap and intersect, and what specific angles of vision they offer the church in its engagement, theologically and practically, with the world. Special attention is given to the relationship between theology and its cultural contexts, particularly within a South African context.
OR
Psychology: PSIN5151 Psychology - An Introduction (15 Credits)
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of persons, ideas, and principles in the sphere of human behaviour, which we understand as the social sciences. The historical development and current status of psychology, investigative activities, and significant findings are reviewed. Psychology: An Introduction will also engage with psychological thought in relation to the South African context.
Study Year 2 of 3 (Intermediate level) 120 Credits
This module explores the principles and practices of social media communication. The course covers key concepts such create and manage effective social media campaigns for various purposes.
Building on the theoretical foundation established in their first two years of study, students will begin to foster a practical skill set focusing on media production. This module will follow an intensive programme designed to help students develop the journalistic art of storytelling – from rigorous research and imaginative conception, through to refined execution and delivery. Students will be encouraged to innovate, experiment and find fresh perspectives suitable in writing for online media. They will also learn how to write for newspapers, longer features, creative non-fiction and magazine-style writing for print.
Counselling: Interpersonal Skill and Communication
This module provides students with an understanding of inter- and intrapersonal communication skills. Focusing within an academic context specifically on personal development through self-awareness in verbal and non-verbal communication.
AND
Family Counselling
This module provides a theoretical and practical overview of Family Systems Theory and Family Counselling. Dynamics and dimensions of healthy and unhealthy family functioning, with special emphasis on the South African context, will be explored. We will also explore various dysfunctional family situations and see how to practically provide support and assistance through family systems theory and family counselling, utilising systemic integration of family dynamics.
OR
Sociology: Social Change and Transformation
This module reviews several perspectives on community development and social transformation processes. The overall objective is to acquire an understanding of social transformation as it relates to community development and the ability to apply this understanding in working with diverse communities.
AND
Sociology: Sociology of Development
Sociology of Development aims to introduce the debate on the development question in Africa. It lays the conceptual foundation for further in-depth discussions on two fields of development research and practice: industrial development, and community development in Africa. The module will, therefore, introduce both macro theories pertaining to development, and the basics of what we understand by industrial development, and community development. The underlying meaning of popular development concepts and strategies will be critically revisited and debated to set the scene for further modules in development. The module explores poverty and exclusion as a developmental concern for Africa, and South Africa in particular.
OR
English: Text and Context
The module explores the relationships between text and context using representative texts from different literary genres, popular texts like advertisements, and social media posts, to develop critical thinking and writing skills by engaging analytically with the texts and contexts studied.
AND
English: Historical English Literature
This module explores important historical social, political, economic, and cultural issues by way of readings in a range of English literature from a variety of historical and cultural contexts prior to the 20th century. The module will focus primarily on two genres: the novel and poetry.
OR
Theology: Hermeneutics
This module comprises two parts.
Part 1: Applied Hermeneutics: Reading from the Margins. Here students are introduced to the importance and value of reading the Bible with others (i.e., the marginalised, whether women, children, the poor, the illiterate). The module enables the student both to recognise the value of being a trained reader and the responsibility to use such training in transformative, public, connected, dialogic and integrated ways. The module combines both theoretical and practical outcomes. The theoretical outcome of the module is achieved by defining who the others are and by laying the conceptual framework for what it means to read with others and how practically to do so. The practical outcome is achieved by assigning students to an actual reading site in which they will participate by applying the theoretical framework.
Part 2: Theoretical Hermeneutics. In this part, the branch of knowledge known as hermeneutics is explored in greater detail. Concerned with the art and science of establishing meaning through interpretation, this part provides the necessary orientation for making sense of Scripture. This includes cultivating, in the student, an awareness of the otherness of Scripture, both in its form and in its content; surveying the richness of the many ways in which one might approach the Scriptures and thereby appropriate its meaning; and, offering some guidelines for sensitive engagement with the Scriptures towards establishing meaning. A significant amount of time is dedicated to examining biblical texts within their socio-rhetorical setting.
AND
Theology: Christian Spirituality Foundations
This module introduces Christian Spirituality as it has unfolded over time and explores different facets of contemporary spiritual life and practice. It surveys various forms of worship as expressions of the range of biblical and traditional understandings and examines the theory and practice of worship in contemporary communities of faith and life. This module also includes a compulsory tutorial for spiritual formation.
OR
Psychology: Research Methods and Statistics: An Introduction
This module will provide students with an overview of the basic concepts and processes in research methodology and statistics in the social sciences. The module aims to equip students with the theoretical understanding and knowledge of various social science research methodologies. The module additionally seeks to provide students with the knowledge and practical application of various statistical techniques.
AND
Psychology: Community Psychology
This module will provide an introduction to the field of community psychology. This module focuses on social issues that influence individuals, groups and organisations. Community psychology as a science seeks to understand the relationships between psycho-social and environmental conditions.
[15 X 2]
Students will focus on mastering public speaking and presentation techniques, ensuring they can effectively convey ideas and engage audiences in various professional contexts. Additionally, the module emphasizes the development of teamwork and leadership skills, preparing students to work collaboratively and lead effectively in professional environments
This module introduces students to the principles and practices of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC), emphasizing a unified approach to promoting brands and organizations. By the end of the course, students will be able to design and implement IMC strategies that align with organizational goals.
Counselling: Child and Adolescent Counselling
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical and practical aspects of counselling young clients, focusing on children and adolescents. It covers key developmental stages and the unique psychological challenges faced by these age groups. Students will engage with foundational counselling theories and techniques, with a particular emphasis on integrating play therapy as a key tool for communication and relationship. Additionally, the module explores how technology can be effectively incorporated into therapeutic interventions. Through both theoretical learning and practical exercises, students will gain the necessary skills to approach counselling with empathy, creativity and ethical consideration.
AND
Counselling: Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counselling
In this module, students will gain a theoretical understanding of the dynamics of crisis, crisis intervention and trauma counselling. As a result of this module, students should be able to understand counselling principles and have knowledge of practical skills in crisis intervention and trauma debriefing.
OR
Sociology: Sociology of Institutions
Sociological theory is applied to important institutions in society such as the family, media institutions, religion, education and political institutions
AND
Sociology: Community and Resource Mobilisation
The module introduces students to resources and community mobilisation, which are key elements within most development projects and programmes. Students will explore real cases of community and resource mobilisation, highlighting the value of community participation as key components of the development process.
OR
English: English Literary Studies: An Introduction
This module covers aspects of the study of English Literature and focuses on a number of literary genres from the Renaissance to the present. The course places emphasis on developing the skills of close reading as well as contextual considerations when reading and writing on literature.
AND
English: Contemporary English Literature
This module explores important contemporary social, political, economic, and cultural issues by way of readings in a range of English literature from a variety of historical and cultural contexts since the beginning of the 20th century. The module will include a significant focus on English literature produced in Africa.
OR
Theology: Pentateuch
This module is a focused study of the Torah (or Pentateuch), with particular attention given to the nature and character of these writings as Israel’s core testimony concerning Yahweh. Some attention is given to the theological motifs (Law and Justice, Political Deliverance, and Economics and the Poor) embedded within the Torah and to the role of these motifs in community identity formation.
OR
Theology: Synoptic Gospels
This module is a focused study of one of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke – Acts) within its historical and literary context and places a significant emphasis on the descriptive task (exegesis of representative passages within the specified Gospel) to note distinctive theological themes. Special attention is also given to the synthetic task of locating the Gospel within the broader canon of the New Testament Gospels.
AND
Theology: Human Identity and Christology
Building on our understanding of God’s story and its trajectory in human history, this module looks at the question of human identity. It works from the premise that the meaning of life, of what it means to be human, to be created, comes into sharper focus when viewed biblically and theologically. Moving from the various biblical, theological, and historical responses to the question of human identity, the module looks to the doctrine of Christ for its ultimate answer, unpacking the story of God’s restoration in and through Jesus Christ. The implications of this doctrine are considered in the light of South African contextual realities.
OR
Psychology: Psychotherapy
This module provides students with an introduction to the theories and principles of various current approaches to psychotherapy and brief therapy.
AND
Psychology: Developmental Psychology 2
This module provides students with an overview of the major theories of Developmental Psychology. Furthermore, the module aims to help the student understand the course of human development from early adulthood to late adulthood. The module also seeks to address contemporary concerns in lifespan development from early adulthood to late adulthood, including death and dying.
[15 X 2]
Study Year 3 of 3 (advanced level; NQF 7)
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies through approaches such as action research, ethnography, participatory action research, and phenomenology. Students will explore the philosophical foundations of research, including how ontological and epistemological perspectives shape study design. Through examining the influence of cultural, socioeconomic, political, and institutional contexts on research, students are equipped with the tools for conducting contextually relevant and ethically sound studies. Practical assignments guide students through each stage of the research process, from selecting methodologies to data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations. By the end of this module, students will be able to critically evaluate research methodologies, design and execute context-specific studies.
This module delves into the role of communication in shaping international relations and political processes, both at the local and global levels.
This module explores the art and science of crafting persuasive messages tailored to diverse audience The course also involves analysing the effectiveness of various persuasive communication strategies across different contexts.
Students will learn how to develop and implement effective communication strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness and foster employee engagement.
This module focuses on the most frequently encountered types of abnormal behaviour, with an overview of the symptoms, the diagnostic process, and the generally accepted treatment methods of various psychological disorders. The emphasis is on development of recognition and management/referral skills within the framework of counselling.
Building on the corresponding research methodology module/s, this module equips students with the fundamental skills and knowledge to conduct independent research in their field of study. Students will identify a research problem, review relevant literature, and apply basic research methodologies. The module culminates in a written research document, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic writing skills. This module prepares students for advanced research and to contribute to their discipline’s body of knowledge.
This module offers students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience through internships or work placements in communication-related fields. By engaging with real-world professional environments, students will apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during their studies to practical situations.
This module offers an in-depth exploration of the legal and ethical frameworks that govern media and communication in South Africa. The course also examines the implications of these laws on communication practices.
This module explores the pivotal role of communication in shaping international relations and political processes. The course also analyses the impact of emerging global communication trends on both local and international political landscapes.