Midlands State university - English and Communications

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION

REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION HONOURS DEGREE (HENG)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 These regulations shall be read in conjunction with the University's General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree programmes, hereinafter referred to as the General Regulations.

1.2 The Department of English and Communication at the Midlands State University is guided by the philosophy that Literature and Communication are key factors in the promotion of political, socio- economic and cultural consciousness, and hence development. The thrust would be on the historical and cultural experiences of Africa and the Diaspora, as well as world literature, communication theory and practice.

1.3 The degree programme is organized around two areas of study namely:

1.3.1 Literature in English, with special emphasis on Literature in English of Africa and the African Diaspora and

1.3.2 Linguistics and Communication.

2. OBJECTIVES

The degree programme is designed to achieve the following objectives:

2.1 to teach literature in English, Linguistics and Communication, emphasizing their interdependence, theoretical and practical aspects,

2.1 to arm students with analytical tools to enable them to study any literary text or poem,

2.2 to enable students to see the link between literature and society,

2.3 to make students better communicators both orally and in writing, and

2.4 to prepare students for the real world of work by exposing them to different modules,

3. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Normal Entry

To qualify for normal entry into the Bachelor of Arts English and Communication, a candidate, in addition to satisfying the minimum conditions as prescribed under the General Regulations for English and Mathematics must have passed Literature in English at `A' level with at least grade `C'.

3.2 Special Entry

Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Regulations

3.3 Mature Entry

Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations

4. CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates of the programme are qualified to seek employment in areas including but not limited to: publishing, public services, non-governmental organisations and communication-oriented fields, such as public relations and teaching.

5. GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1 Bachelor of Arts English and Communication Honours Degree is a full time degree programme. Normally, the programme is completed over 8 semesters(4 years) comprising of three (3) levels of formal classroom work at Level 1, 2 and 4, and a Work Related Learning period of not less than ten (10) months during Level 3.

5.2 Each student is required to earn at least 32 credits at each of Levels 1, 2 and 4, and 40 credits at Level 3. At least 60% of the modules studied must be from the specific Honours programme pursued by the student. The awarding of degrees shall be in accordance with the provisions of the General Regulations.

5.3 In each semester of Level 1, 2 and 4, a student normally takes three core modules and two elective modules from any other department (s).

5.4 Not all modules listed in these Regulations are on offer every semester.

5.5 Modules studied at other universities are credited at the discretion of the Department and Academic Board.

5.6 Students are required for BAEH 470 to submit the Honours Dissertation by the date determined by the Department. The Dissertation is worth 8 credits.

5.7 Conditions governing carryover and repeating of modules are stipulated in the General Regulations

5.8 Supplementary examinations may be allowed in accordance with the provisions of the General Regulations.

6. ASSESSMENT

Overall assessment shall be based on continuous assessment and formal examinations.

6.1 Continuous Assessment

Assignments related to the objectives of the programme shall be set. These may include essays, problem sets, tests and reports. Candidates who fail to fulfill continuous assessment requirements may be barred from sitting for the examination.

6.2 Examinations

6.2.1 Examinations shall normally be written at the end of each semester.

6.2.2 Each module will be examined by a paper which is, at most 3 hours long.

6.2.3 In determining marks for modules, weighting is normally as follows:

Continuous Assessment 30%

Examinations 70%

7. WORK RELATED LEARNING GENERAL GUIDELINES

Refer to Section 10 of the General Regulations

8. FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS

Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations.

9. PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

Refer to Sections 6 of the Faculty of Arts Regulations.

10. GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

Refer to Section 9 of the Faculty Regulations.

11. DEGREE WEIGHTING

Refer to Section 11 of the Faculty Regulations

12. HONORARY DEGREES

The Department of English may award the following degrees honoris causa:

- Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A)

- Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D)

- Doctor of Letters (L.H.D)

13. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

NB* denotes core modules

Code	Module Title	Credits
Level 1 Semester 1
BAEH 102	Trends in Literature	4
BAEH 103	Introduction to Communication	4
BAEH 109	Introduction to Linguistics	4
HCS 115	Introduction to Information Systems	4
CS 101	Basic Communication Skills	4
Level 1 Semester 2
BAEH 104	Linguistics and Literature	4
BAEH 106	English for Specific Purpose	4
BAEH 110	Zimbabwean Literature	4
CS102	Extended Communication Skills	4
Level 1 Elective Modules (offered in either semester)
BAEH 101	Trends in Linguistics	4
BAEH 107	Computers in Language and Literature	4
BAEH 108	Gender Issues in Language and Literature	4
Level 2 Semester 1
BAEH 206	Discourse Analysis	4
BAEH 202	Introduction to African Literature	4
BAEH 204	Language Policy and Planning	4
GS 201	Introduction to Gender Studies	4
BAEH216	Research Methods in Literature Language and Communication	4
Level 2 Semester 2
BAEH 201	Second Language Acquisition	4
BAEH 212	Theories of Literature	4
BAEH 213	Caribbean Literature	4
Level 2 Elective Modules (offered in either semester)
BAEH 203	Speech and Drama	4
BAEH 205	Rhetoric	4
BAEH 208	Stylistic Variation and Register	4
BAEH 210	Literature, Language and Media	4
BAEH 211	Linguistic Theories	4
BAEH 214	Literature and Popular Culture	4
BAEH 215	Contrasting Images of Africa	4
BAEH 217	Introduction to Textbook Writing, Editing and Evaluation	4
BAEH 219	Advanced Textbook Writing, Editing and Evaluation	4
BAEH218	Public Relations Communication	4
Level 3 Semester 1 and 2: Work Related Learning
BAEH 301	Work Related Learning Report	15
BAEH 302	Academic Supervisor's Report	15
BAEH 303	Employers Assessment Report	10
Level 4 Semester 1
BAEH 412	American Literature	4
BAEH 418	Advanced English Literature	4
BAEH 100%	Occupational Discourses	4
Level 4 Semester 2
BAEH 402	Regional Literature	4
BAEH 417	Images of Women in Literature	4
BAEH 470	Dissertation	8
Level 4 Elective Modules (offered in either semester)
BAEH 403	Teaching English as a Second Languages	4
BAEH 404	Creative Writing	4
BAEH 406	Bilingualism	4
BAEH 407	Shakespeare and Chaucer	4
BAEH 408	Reading Competence	4
BAEH 409	Children's Literature	4
BAEH 411	Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics	4
BAEH 413	Language Across the Curriculum	4
BAEH 415	Course Design	4

14 MODULE SYNOPSIES

BAEH 101 Trends in Linguistics

The module gives an overview of the most prominent models for the analysis of the structure and use of language development during the 19th and 20th centuries.

BAEH 102 Trends in Literature

The module gives a historical development of literature and discusses different genres as they have developed in different regions.

BAEH 103 Introduction to Communication

The module discusses the nature of communication from the point of view of literature and linguistics through the study of theories of communication.

BAEH 104 Linguistics and Literature

The module explores how the ideas of linguistics may be applied to literary criticism.

BAEH 106 English for Specific Purposes

The module examines the use of English in such areas as academia, law, medicine and business.

BAEH 107 Computers in Language and Literature

The module examines how the use of computers enhances the study of linguistics and literature.

BAEH 108 Gender Issues in Language and Literature

The module examines how the use of computers enhances the study of linguistics and literature.

HCS 115 Introduction to Information Technology

Refer to Faculty of Science and Technology Regulations.

CS101 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to Faculty of Arts Regulations.

CS102 Extended Communication Skills

Refer to Faculty of Arts Regulations.

BAEH 109 Introduction to Linguistics

The module is an introduction to principal areas of modern linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and sociolinguistics.

BAEH 110 Zimbabwean Literature

The module is an introduction to leading works of Zimbabwean literature using relevant literary theories.

BAEH 201 Second Language Acquisition

The module is an introduction to leading ideas in the study of how second languages are acquired.

BAEH 202 Introduction to African Literature

The module is an introduction to leading works of literature produced throughout the African continent using relevant literary theories.

BAEH 203 Speech and Drama

The module is a practical introduction to the principles of acting.

BAEH 204 Language Policy and Planning

The module examines issues in the study of language policy and planning, including language choice and multilingualism.

GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies

Refer to the Department of Gender Studies.

BAEH 205 Rhetoric

The module examines the effective use of persuasive language using relevant linguistic theories.

BAEH 206 Discourse Analysis

The module examines the analysis of linguistic units larger than the sentence, including conversational structure, speech acts and the ethnography of speaking.

BAEH 208 Stylistic Variation and Register

The module examines variation in speaking styles and registers within individual languages using relevant linguistic theories.

BAEH 210 Literature, Language and Media

The module examines the effective use of language in visual, audio and written media.

BAEH 211 Linguistic Theories

The module is an introduction to current linguistic theories in the core linguistic areas of phonology, morphology and syntax.

BAEH 212 Theories of Literature

The module examines a variety of literary theories as applied to selected texts.

BAEH 213 Caribbean Literature

The module is an introduction to leading works of literature produced in the Caribbean region of the African Diaspora using relevant literary theories.

BAEH 214 Literature and Popular Culture

The module applies literary theories to works of popular culture.

BAEH 215 Contrasting Images of Africa

The module compares and contrasts how Africa is portrayed in selected works of literature and other media using relevant literary theories.

BAEH 217 Introduction to Textbook Writing, Editing and Evaluation

The module aims at equipping students with the essential theoretical skills in textbook production. Focus shall be on market research, commissioning, product development, project management, quality control and product promotion.

BAEH218 Public Relations Communication

This module focuses on the theoretical and practical elements of Public Relations Communication.

BAEH 219 Advanced Textbook Writing, Editing and Evaluation

This is a practical module meant to equip students with practical skills in the production of textbooks. Emphasis will be placed on practical skills that include : editing, type-setting, scanning and placement of illustrations or artwork and other desktop skills required for creating camera ready copy.

BAEH 402 Regional Literature

The module examines leading works of literature from a selected region using relevant literary theories.

BAEH 403 Teaching English as a Second Language

The module examines a variety of techniques for teaching English to second language learners.

BAEH 404 Creative Writing

The module is a practicum in skill required in creative writing.

BAEH 406 Bilingualism

The module surveys leading ideas in the study of bilingualism using relevant theories.

BAEH 407 Shakespeare and Chaucer

The module is an in-depth examination and comparison of the works of these two authors using relevant theories.

BAEH 408 Reading Competence

The module surveys techniques for developing reading competence using relevant theories.

BAEH 409 Children's Literature

The module surveys the genre of children's literature using relevant theories.

BAEH 411 Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics

The module examines issues in the study of sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics using relevant theories.

BAEH 412 American Literature

The module examines leading works of North and/or South American literature using relevant literary theories.

BAEH 413 Languages Across the Curriculum

The module surveys how English is used differently in a variety of academic disciplines using relevant theories.

BAEH 415 Course Design

The module examines course design from a linguistic point of view, with special emphasis on multilingual situations.

BAEH 417 Images of Women in Literature

The module examines how women are portrayed in selected works of literature using relevant theories.

BAEH 418 Advanced English Literature

The module examines leading works of authors from the British Isles using relevant literary theories.

BAEH 100% Occupational Discourses

This module continues the study of English for Specific Purposes begun in BAEH 106.

BAEH 470 Dissertation

The dissertation will be expected to be between 9 000 and 10 000 words, or 45 to 50 pages of font 12 with double line spacing and it should be in the area of English and Communication.

MASTER OF ARTS IN APPLIED ENGLISH LINGUISTICS DEGREE (MAAEL)

1. PREAMBLE

1.2 The MAAEL degree programme aims at equipping students with the skills needed to apply the insights of contemporary linguistic theories to problems encountered in the analysis and use of English.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 To equip students with research and analytical skills in the various fields of Applied English Linguistics, such as language teaching and language in the workplace.

2.2 To prepare students to solve problems related to the use of English in the current globalized world.

2.3 To conscientise students on the relationship between linguistic theory and linguistic practice.

3. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be admitted into the programme an applicant must normally have a good honours degree in English/Linguistics.

4. GENERAL PROVISIONS

4.1 The Master of Arts in Applied English Linguistics Degree (MAAEL) is studied through taught modules with continuous assessment and examinations will be offered at the end of each semester, and an examinable dissertation.

4.2 Normally, the programme is completed over a period of eighteen (18) months comprising of two semesters of taught modules and continuous assessment) spreading over twelve (12) months and six (6) months dedicated to research work (dissertation)

4.3 Each student is required to earn thirty six (36) credits in the taught component of the programme, and twelve (12) credits in the research component.

4.4 Students may select any combination of modules on offer to satisfy the requirements of the degree

4.5 Each module contains material equivalent to forty eight (48) hours contact time.

4.6 The Departmental Higher Degrees Committee shall assign dissertation/ thesis supervisors to students.

5. ASSESSMENT

5.1 Overall assessment shall be based on continuous assessment and formal examination.

5.2 Continuous Assessment

Assignments related to the objectives of the programme will be set. These may include, but not limited to, essays, group presentations tests and reports. A candidate who fails to fulfill continuous assessment requirements may be barred from sitting the examination.

5.3 Examinations Examinations shall normally be written at the end of each semester.

5.4 Each module will be examined by a paper which is at most, three (3) hours long.

5.5 In determining marks for modules, weighting will be as

follows:-

Continuous assessment 30%

Examination 70%

6. PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

Students will retain credits from modules passed. All module work must be completed before registering for the dissertation.

7. PUBLICATIION OF RESULTS

Refer to Section 42 of the General Regulations.

8. REMARKING OF EXAMINATIONS

8.1 No requests for remarks of examinations shall be entertained unless Senate directs such requests.

8.2 however, a student who has been given a withdraw decision may appeal against such a decision to the Registrar, in writing, within 21 days after publication of examination results

10. DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

80% -100% Pass with Distinction

70%-79% Pass with Merit

50%-69% Pass

0%-49% Fail

11. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Code	Module Description	Credits
Level 1 Semester 1
MAAEL701	Phonetics and Phonology of English	6
MAAEL702	Syntax and Semantics of English	6
MAAEL703	Theories of Second Language Acquisition	6
Level 1 Semester 2 Plus one elective
MAAEL704	Genre in English	6
MAAEL705	Discourse Analysis of English	6
MAAEL706	Teaching English as a Second Language	6
Level 2 Semester 1 Plus one elective
MAAEL870	Dissertation	12
Electives:
MAAEL707	Variation and Standardization in English	6
MAAEL708	Sociolinguistics of English	6
MAAEL709	Psycholinguistics of English	6
MAAEL710	Theories of Bilingualism	6

The remaining modules necessary to complete the credit requirements of the degree are drawn from the elective modules on offer in any particular semester.

12. MODULE SYNOPSES

MAAEL 701 Phonetics and Phonology of English

This module surveys the phonetics and phonology of English with reference to relevant morphology within the framework of current linguistic theories.

MAAEL 702 Syntax and Semantics of English

This module explores the syntax and semantics of English with reference to relevant morphology within the framework of current linguistic theories.

MAAEL 703 Theories of Second Language Acquisition

This module is an introduction to current theories of how second languages are acquired and learned and methods in second language acquisition research.

MAAEL 704 Genre in English

The module outlines and differentiates a wide range of genres in English, ranging from professional and occupational genre to literacy genres. Particular attention is paid to the formal and functional defining features of various genres and how linguistic form is used to encode linguistic function.

MAAEL 705 Discourse Analysis of English

The module examines current theories of discourse analysis and pragmatics with specific reference to how these theories may be applied to English.

MAAEL 706 Teaching English as a Second Language

This module surveys current theories and methodologies in the area of teaching English as a second language.

MAAEL 707 Variation and Standardization in English

This module examines variation in a selection of the varieties of English used worldwide in areas including, but not confined to, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Also considered is the relation of variation to standardization.

MAAEL708 Sociolinguistics of English

This module analyses current theories and research methodologies within the area of sociolinguistics. Topics include, but not confined to, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Also considered is the relation of variation to standardization.

MAAEL709 Psycholinguistics of English

This module explores current theories and research methodologies within the area of psycholinguistics. Topics include, but are not restricted to first language acquisition, language impairment, and aspects of neurolinguistics.

MAAEL710 Theories of Bilingualism

This module surveys aspects of bilingualism, including, but not restricted to, bilingual speech communities, code-switching, code-mixing, language maintenance and bilingual education.

MAAEL 870 Dissertation

The dissertation is be expected to be between 15 000 to 20 000 words, or 150 pages of font 12 with double line spacing and it should be in the area of Applied English Linguistics

MASTER OF ARTS IN AFRICAN AND DIASPORAN LITERAURE (MAADL)

1. PREAMBLE

1.2 The MAADL degree programme aims at produce postgraduate students with an informed historical and cultural consciousness for the development of the Arts.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 To teach African and Diasporan literature in English with emphasis on historical, cultural and ideological leanings.

2.2 To arm students with research and analytical skills in the field of literature and cultural studies.

2.3 To prepare students for higher intellectual pursuits by exposing them to various literary theories, critical theories discourses and paradigms.

3. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A good honours degree in the field of Literature.

4. GENERAL PROVISIONS

4.1 The Master of Arts in African and Diasporan Literature (MAADL) is studied through taught modules with continuous assessment and examinations will be offered at the end of each semester, and an examinable dissertation.

4.2 Normally, the programme is completed over a period of eighteen (18) months comprising of two semesters of taught modules and continuous assessment) spreading over twelve (12) months and six (6) months dedicated to research work (dissertation/ thesis writing).

4.3 Each student is required to earn thirty six (36) credits in the taught component of the programme, and twelve (12) credits in the research component.

4.4 Students may select any combination of modules on offer to satisfy the requirements of the degree

4.5 Each module contains material equivalent to forty eight (48) hours contact time.

4.6 The Departmental Higher Degrees Committee shall assign dissertation/ thesis supervisors to students.

5. ASSESSMENT

5.1 Overall assessment shall be based on continuous assessment and formal examination.

5.2 Continuous Assessment

Assignments related to the objectives of the programme will be set. These may include, but not limited to, essays, group presentations, tests and reports. A candidate who fails to fulfill continuous assessment requirements may be barred from sitting the examination.

5.3 Examinations

5.3.1 Examinations shall normally be written at the end of each semester.

5.3.2 Each module will be examined by a paper which is, at most, three (3) hours long.

5.3.3 In determining marks for modules, weighting will be as follows:

Continuous assessment 30%

Examination 70%

6. PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

Students will retain credits from modules passed. All module work must be completed before registering for the dissertation.

7. PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

Refer to Section 42 of the General Regulations.

8. REMARKING OF EXAMINATIONS

8.1 No requests for remarks of examinations shall be entertained unless Senate directs such requests.

8.2 however, a student who has been given a withdraw decision may appeal against such a decision to the Registrar, in writing, within 21 days after publication of examination results

9. DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

80% -100% Pass with Distinction

70%-79% Pass with Merit

50%-69% Pass

0%-49% Fail

10. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Code	Module Description	Credits
Level 1 Semester 1:
Core Modules for Semester 1
MAADL701	Post Colonial Cultures of Encounter and Settlement in Africa	6
MAADL702	Themes and Perspectives In American Literature	6
MAADL704	Critical Theory from Enlightenment to Modernity	6
Core modules for semester 2
Level 1 Semester 2
MAADL703	Language Ideology and Gender in Literature	6
MAADL709	Autobiography and Identity	6
Core module for Semester 3
Level 2 Semester 1
MAADL870	Dissertation	12
Electives
MAADL705	Development Theories, Strategies and Issues inTheatre	6
MAADL706	Literature in a Changing Society	6
MAADL707	Carribean Literature and Ideological Thought	6
MAADL708	Mediating Southern African Identities	6
MAADL710	Literature and Film	6

NB: The elective modules necessary to complete the credit requirements of the degree are drawn from elective modules on offer in any particular semester.

12. MODULE SYNOPSES

MAADL701 Post Colonial Cultures of Encounter and Settlement in Africa

The module examines a range of literary texts from Africa and its thrust will be to interrogate the often traumatic processes of post colonial encounter and settlement.

MAADL702 Themes and Perspectives In American Literature

The module examines African-American and white American literary texts. Its focus will be on the history, experiences and culture of the American people.

MAADL703 Language, Ideology and Gender in Literature.

The module focuses on how language and ideology are critical areas of contestation in gender discourse. Texts will be selected on how they represent the different cultural, historical and ideological perspectives on gender issues.

MAADL704 Critical Theory from Enlightenment to Modernity

The module aims to study and critically interrogate critical theory and modes of perception that constructed Africa as the "other" in relation to the west.

MAADL705 Development Theories, Strategies and Issues in Theatre

The module focuses on the role of theatre in social development. Areas to be examined in the main include development theories and critical strategies and issues in theatre.

MAADL706 Literature in a Changing Society

The module examines the critical role of literature as an agent of social change and barometer for developments in society. The thrust of the module will be on the revolutionary nature of literature.

MAADL707 Caribbean Literature and Ideological Thought

The module discusses the literal response of people in the Caribbean Diaspora. Focus will be on peculiar experiences in the Caribbean Islands which are engendered by geography, colonialism, indentureship as well as history and slavery.

MAADL708 Mediating Southern African Identities

The module investigates how Southern African identities have been shaped historically and in the present by claims of location, tradition, nationhood, literary imagination and culture.

MAADL709 Autobiography and Identity

The module traces shifts in self conception and self representation. It looks at a diverse range of texts from around the world and will consider key questions raised in the theories of autobiography and literary theories in general.

MAADL710 Literature and Film

The module focuses on literature, film and ideology as critical areas of contestation in cultural discourse.

MAADL870 Dissertation

The dissertation is be expected to be between 15 000 to 20 000 words, or 150 pages of font 12 with double line spacing and it should be in the area of African and Diasporan Literature

NB : NOT ALL MODULES WILL BE ON OFFER EVERY SEMESTER