Module Descriptions
Bachelor of Arts with Alternative Education
Below is all the Module Descriptions for BA With Alternative Education 2024.
Year One
This module develops the skills needed for successful tertiary study, particularly listening and reading for comprehension, critical thinking in sourcing and evaluating academic material, structuring academic papers, writing clearly and logically, and referencing sources used. Students develop these essential skills through readings and talks and practise them in a supportive environment with detailed feedback.
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.
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.
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 late adulthood. The module also seeks to address contemporary concerns in lifespan development from conception to late adulthood
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.
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.
This module introduces alternative education through exploring a range of pedagogies in the current global context. Through this module, students will gain an understanding of the diversity of educational approaches across mainstream and alternative education. Students will examine, evaluate and explore effective and innovative systems of education from around the world through a series of examples and engagements with thought leaders in the field of alternative education.
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.
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
This module offers future educators an insight into areas of English usage that are important for communication and accurate writing. It is a practical course that covers aspects of grammar, written and spoken communication in an education context.
This module introduces students to research methods and statistics. The module aims to equip students with a theoretical understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research as well as practical skills to perform various statistical techniques. Students will be able to select appropriate methodologies and statistical analyses relative to various research situations.
Year Two
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.
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.
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.
This module introduces students to research methods and statistics. The module aims to equip students with a theoretical understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research as well as practical skills to perform various statistical techniques. Students will be able to select appropriate methodologies and statistical analyses relative to various research situations.
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.
This module provides students with an introduction to the theories and principles of various current approaches to psychotherapy and brief therapy.
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.
It is a practical course in Afrikaans that covers aspects of the study of language, comprehension, and written and spoken communication in an education context.
It is a practical course in Afrikaans that covers aspects of the study of language, comprehension, and written and spoken communication in an education context.
Year Three
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. which 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 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 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.
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.
The capstone Research Project takes the form of a small-scale qualitative study which is integrated with the student’s work integrated learning module (WIL). Students are encouraged to write an empirical research paper based on their WIL using action research methodologies but may choose to write a more theoretical paper. As they work through each aspect of a research project and in submitting their final research report, students will demonstrate their ability to: compile a literature review informed by their empirical research; clearly and coherently describe the research plan, methodological choices, methods and ethical considerations; collect and analyse data; and offer reflections on their findings.
This module explores inclusivity in teaching and learning as an approach which 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.
Organisational Development explores the theory and practice of management in the context of business and community-based organisations. The management component of the module will examine practical issues such as managing change, strategic planning and human resource management issues.
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