Module Descriptions
Bachelor of Arts with Alternative Education
Below are all the Module Descriptions herewith below
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
This module introduces theories of transformative education and critical pedagogies which form the foundation of many alternative forms of education. Through reading and engaging with local and global theorists and practitioners, students will gain knowledge about a range of models of critical and transformative learning and teaching with a particular focus on those approaches which foreground critical thinking, community engagement and social change.
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.
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.
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.
The module develops, extends, and deepens key areas of mathematics covered in grade 12: numbers and number systems, spaces and shapes, decimal and other notation, numerical and geometric patterns, algebra and functional relationships, and mental mathematics.
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.
Education: Afrikaans A
This module provides prospective teachers an overview of communicative Afrikaans, highlighting the significance of accurate grammar, reading comprehension, and speaking skills. It's a hands-on course covering grammar, writing, speaking, and reading skills, along with exploring symbolism, research, and literature within an educational framework.
Education: IsiXhosa A
This module offers future educators insights into areas of isiXhosa usage that are important for communication and accurate writing. The module covers aspects of grammar, writing, speaking, and reading skills.
Study Year 2 of 3 (Intermediate level) 120 Credits
This module offers students an opportunity to reflect on and critically engage with a range of pedagogical theories and classroom practices which intersect with alternative education and transformative learning approaches. The module draws on global and local research to encourage students to critically examine different pedagogical theories and practices. Students are asked to reflect on whether and to what extent different pedagogies can be viewed as transformative and consider how these pedagogies could contribute to promoting alternative approaches in education.
The module aims to equip students with a theoretical understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research as well as practical skills to perform various key statistical techniques in relation to data collection and data set analysis.
Education: Afrikaans B (15 Credits)
This module offers prospective teachers a practical course in Afrikaans that covers aspects of the study of language, comprehension, and written and spoken communication in an education context.
OR
IsiXhosa B (15 Credits)
This module provides an introduction to isiXhosa literature through exploring various literary genres. Students will develop their critical thinking and writing skills by engaging analytically with the literature studied.
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.
In our rapidly changing world, teaching models and approaches are continuously evolving to support and align with demands for education that, on the one hand, meets the increasing demand for student-centred, relevant education, and, on the other, provides skills and knowledge to meet tomorrow’s reality. Given this context, this module investigates a selection of current and emerging educational trends and models, exploring their key objectives, their benefits and challenges, as well as the meaning of each for alternative educational practices.
Psychology: Psychotherapy
This module provides students with an introduction to the theories and principles of various current approaches to psychotherapy and brief therapy.
Psychology: Sociology of Institutions
Sociological theory is applied to important institutions in society such as the family, media institutions, religion, education and political institutions
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.
Study Year 3 of 3 (Advanced level) 120 Credits
This module is designed to equip students with skills in community-based research (i.e., tools, techniques and methodologies). The module aims to assist students in helping a community identify an issue or problem, collect and analyse information, act upon the problem to find solutions that promote economic, social and political development or transformation. A key focus of the module will be to train students on how to write a research proposal while being exposed to qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and analysis for social research. The module will review methodologies and approaches appropriate to community based participatory research and will provide students with opportunities for practical application of acquired knowledge and skills.
This module explores a selection of current trends in teacher agency and assessment for learning by addressing the benefits and challenges as well as the meaning of each for emerging educational practice. Building on shared understandings of alternative education frameworks, the module will explore some conceptual frameworks underpinning facilitated learning and models of assessment. Students will deepen their understanding of the dynamic interplay of learning environments, learner agency and learner engagement as essential prerequisites for developing critical thinkers who can meet the global developmental challenges facing humanity within and beyond the 21st Century.
This course delves into embodied pedagogies, an innovative approach that emphasises the role of the body, emotions, and lived experiences in learning. Drawing from phenomenology, critical pedagogy, and decolonial theories, the module challenges the disembodied nature of traditional education, advocating for a holistic approach that integrates intellectual, emotional, and physical engagement. Students will explore how embodied experiences influence knowledge creation and dissemination, particularly within contexts of marginalisation and social justice. The course critically examines the impact of oppression—related to race, gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity—on educational settings and demonstrates how embodied pedagogies can foster more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Through engagement with contemporary research, case studies, and practical applications, students will learn to design and implement pedagogical strategies that honour the full spectrum of human experience, extending beyond cognitive domains to embrace the bodily, emotional, and social dimensions of learning.
This module explores important African literature in English by way of close reading of a range of texts from Southern, Eastern, and Western national contexts. Oral traditions will be explored as well as written texts through a range of fiction, drama, and poetry, as well as literary non-fiction and film.
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.
Fieldwork is a practical extension of the academic programme in a defined module. In this module, students will select a school, educational workplace (e.g., an NGO), etc. that follows an alternative education model or approach. Students will be tasked with observation, data collection, and reflection regarding aspects of the alternative education system and its practices and will gain an understanding of a range of needs and issues in the alternative education environment. This experience will, where appropriate, feed into the capstone Research Project.
This module explores inclusivity in teaching and learning as an approach that strives to serve and support the needs and engagement of all learners regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, talents, or identities. The module considers inclusivity as universal access, an approach advocating that all learners be able to take control of their learning in a classroom climate that recognises them, makes relevant connections with their lives, and responds to their unique concerns. The module examines practices of inclusivity such as incorporating diverse perspectives, creating an inclusive classroom climate, the value of collaborative teamwork, and how learning can be fostered across differences to actively engage, include, and challenge all students.
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