HRV1601/101/3/2012

Tutorial letter 101/3/2012

Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation

HRV1601 Semesters 1 & 2, 2012

Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology

This tutorial letter contains important information about your module.

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction and welcome ......................................................................................................................... 3

2. Purpose and outcomes of the module ...................................................................................................... 5

3. Lecturer and contact details ...................................................................................................................... 6

4. Module related resources ......................................................................................................................... 7

5. Student support services for the module .................................................................................................. 8

6. Module specific study plan ........................................................................................................................ 9

7. Assessments ........................................................................................................................................... 15

8. Frequently asked questions .................................................................................................................... 20

9. Appendix A: First Semester 2012 Compulsory Assignments… …………………………………………….21

10. Appendix B: Second Semester 2012 Compulsory Assignments………………………………… ………...23

11. Appendix C: Self Assessment………………………………………… ……………………………………….24

12. Appendix D: Questionnaire on HRV1601……………………………………………… …………….……….25

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1. Introduction and welcome

Thank you for a registering for this module HRV1601: Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation which is offered by the Discipline of Ethics in the Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology, College of Human Sciences at the University of South Africa. It is a fantastic module which helps you to discern ‘the signs of times’, to understand the roles of ethics, human values, social transformation and human rights. It is a course that is beneficial and which is fundamental for all scholars of human sciences, and of other colleges.

The main aim of the Tutorial letter 101 is to inform you about the module, the assignments, the times you are expected to submit your papers, the ways in which you can write an academic paper/ essay and other important information which is aimed at helping you in your studies here at UNISA. This tutorial letter sets out your programme of study for the semester (Semester 1 and Semester 2, 2012). It is a valuable document providing important information for planning your studies effectively. You should read through this tutorial letter before doing anything else, familiarising yourself with the module outline, the outcomes of the module, how the module is assessed, as well as other technical issues.

With this tutorial letter, you should receive the following additional tutorial matter: Tutorial Letter Only Study Guide for HRV1601: Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation

Some of this tutorial matter may not be available when you register. Tutorial matter that is not available when you register will be posted to you as soon as possible.

To adequately cope with the module content, proper planning is essential for successful completion of the module HRV1601: Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation. You will notice that the syllabus is divided into a number of topics, each with a central theme. While we do provide you with a study programme, you may find it more useful to create your own study programme better suited to your unique situation. Either way, the use of a study programme is essential and is to be encouraged. A gentle reminder, however: take heed to organise your study programme in such a way that you have enough time to prepare for the examination.

As with all modules offered by the Discipline of Theological Ethics at undergraduate level, this module: Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation has been semesterised, and so the following apply:

Registration for Semester 1 commences in December 2011 while that for Semester 2 begins in May 2012.

Study periods for Semester 1 2012 begin with reception of your study material following registration, and conclude with examinations in May/June 2012, while Semester 2 2012 is examined in October/November 2012.

For the successful completion of Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation, it would be helpful for you to keep this Tutorial Letter 101 by your side: it is your route map to the obtainment of credit for the module.

While you have the study guide additional reading will assist you in this module. The extra readings will assist you with the completion of the required assignments, as well as in preparation for the examination.

You should follow the structure and guidelines, as set out in this tutorial letter to cope with the workload.

Assessment for: Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation is done through both formative and summative assessment. You will be assessed formatively through two assignments: a compulsory assignment and a second assignment that you choose from among three.

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It is to your advantage to submit both assignments, as both assignments contribute towards the final mark you will obtain for the examination. Moreover, your assignment mark will determine examination entry.

By working through all the prescribed material, completing the activities, self-tests, as well as your assignments, you will ensure that the syllabus is covered.

During the course of the semester you will receive two follow-up tutorial letters: one after each assignment has been submitted. These are important, for they provide you with explanations of problems.

myUnisa is also used in this module and I encourage you to frequently visit the module site if you have access to the internet. There you will not only find the official study material (such as the study guide, tutorial letters, etc., in electronic format) but will be able to access many additional resources related to the content of the module. Most importantly, however, myUnisa provides students with the occasion to engage with me, your lecturer, and with other students on the discussion forums.

You will also be notified regarding times and dates of discussion classes. Where possible attend these as it is a forum where you can meet the lecturer and also interact with other students and obtain clarification regarding problems.

Do bear in mind that you are also encouraged to submit assignments via myUnisa, which will then be marked through the University’s online marking tool.

Note that before you can make use of myUnisa, you are required to register. To register, please visit: http://my.unisa.ac.za, and then click on “Join myUnisa” (which is to be found on the menu on the left hand side of the webpage).

I hope that you find the information contained in this Tutorial Letter 101 particularly useful.

With best wishes for your studies in: Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation

Sincerely

Dr Jennifer Slater

Lecturer of: Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation

Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology

Telephone: +27 12 429 8058, e-mail: slaterj@unisa.ac.za

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2. Purpose and outcomes of the module

Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation (HRV1601) is an interdisciplinary course that involves ethics, human rights, justice issues and histories of peoples in different parts of the world. It is grounded on the idea that all people, whether they are people of faith, or not, have the same values and principles which undergird how they relate to other human beings and creation. These values may sometimes be based on their faith perspectives, or on secular notions of what it means to be a good person. In this sense, the course on Human Rights, values and transformation, draws from the lived experiences of people, the human rights discourses and laws which shape how people relate, as well as the ideas and ideals of what it means to live a meaningful life.

Why would a Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology develop and offer such a module?

Knowledge, theology, Ethics and Philosophy cannot be meaningful or transformative if they are not attentive to the lived contexts of people and the ways in which people attempt to understand or make meaning in their daily lives. In order to discern what informs people’s relations, we also have to understand what values, principles and attitudes inform their choices. Human rights, values and transformation discourses are among others, a way in which we can attempt to understand society and also to advocate for a better life for humanity and creation.

The course is aimed at helping you to relate faith to normal activities, histories, political and economic relations that all people experience, and to evaluate, from the perspectives of human rights and Christian Ethics. The primary purpose is to enable you to reflect critically on the practice of Christian [and other faith communities / philosophies] communities in different contexts in relation to human rights. The basic aim of this module is therefore to enable you to understand the ways in which the human rights discourse, law and institutions evolved, what they are about, why they are relevant for the church and society, and why they are essential for a transformational society. It also seeks to introduce you to .some basic ideas, concepts, principles of human rights, their histories, and they way they are interpreted and applied.

The college of Human sciences, has therefore designed this course in order to help its students develop a human rights approach, not only to their own involvement in the church, but also to their daily lives as South African citizens. This is in line with requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), namely that every educational qualification offered in South Africa should (among other things) ensure that all learners are able to:

• identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made

• demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation

• participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.

Responsible citizenship in South Africa and in the world requires citizens to be fully acquainted with the human rights language and the practice of human rights. If you are a student who does not live in South Africa, some of the information included in this module will not apply directly to your situation. We encourage you to contextualise the material for your own country by comparing the constitutions of the two countries and thinking through the implications. At any rate, the basic human rights principles will apply in a similar way to your country. If you have any questions in this regard, as you work through the material, please do not hesitate to contact your professors/ lecturers.

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3. Lecturer and contact details

Your lecturer for this module in Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation (HRV1601)

Dr Jennifer Slater Please feel very welcome to contact me should you require any assistance or extra information pertaining to the content of the module, assignments, and so on. 3.1. Lecturer’s contact details

My contact details are: Office: Room 04-19, Samuel Pauw Building; Muckleneuk Campus, Preller Street,

Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA Postal address: PO Box 392, UNISA, 0003, SOUTH AFRICA Telephone: +27 12 429 8058 Fax: +27 86 429 -3332 e-mail: slaterj@unisa.ac.za

Communication can be both via e-mail or telephonically. 3.2. Contact details of the Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology

Should you be unable to reach me, or if you desire to contact the Department, you are welcome to contact our Departmental Secretary, at the following contact details: Office: Room 04-35 Samuel Pauw Building Building, Muckleneuk Campus, Preller Street,

Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA Postal address: PO Box 392, UNISA, 0003, SOUTH AFRICA Telephone: +27 12 429 4420 Fax: +27 12 429 3332 e-mail: Mmakokl@unisa.ac.za

3.3. Contact details of the University

Please be aware that you will find general Unisa contact details in the my Studies @ Unisa brochure, and that you should make use of your student number in all correspondence with the University.

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4. Module related resources

SStudy material

The study material for this module consists of oone study guide, one prescribed book and recommended books.

See the outline below for a complete overview of the contents of the study units: An Invitation to Human Rights, Ethics and Values

Study unit 1: Case Studies on Human Rights Violations and Advocacy Study unit 2: The History, Basis and Contexts of Human Rights Study unit 3: International, Regional and Local Legal Instruments of Human Rights Study unit 4: Culture and Human Rights Study unit 5: Women`s rights Study unit 6: Children`s rights Study unit 7 Justice and Human Rights A glossary of words in ethics and human Rights

Prescribed books

The prescribed book for this module is: The prescribed book is “The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Juta’s Statutes Editors. Cape Town: Juta Law 2006

It is also necessary to obtain the United Nations document on Human Rights as well as the Constitution of South Africa which includes the Document on Human Rights.

It is imperative for the successful completion of this module that you have access to the prescribed book, in addition to this Tutorial Letter 101 and the module’s Study Guide. Thus, you are encouraged to order your prescribed books as soon as you receive this Tutorial Letter.

A list of recommended books.

These books are all available in the UNISA library and you should try and consult a few of them.

• McQuoid-Mason, David Jan. 1991. Human Rights for All: education towards a rights culture. Cape Town: David Philip Publishers.

• Mamdani, Mahmood (Ed.). 2000. Beyond Rights Talk and Culture Talk: Comparative Essays on the Politics of Rights and Culture. Cape Town: David Philip Publishers.

• Beekhan, Anel & Naidoo, Kamban. 1994. Human Rights and Democracy. Durban: Independent Projects Trust.

• Starkey, Hugh (Ed.). 1991. The Challenge of Human Rights Education. London: Cassell Educational Limited.

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5. Student support services for the module

a) Effective Study

A study skills book entitled EFFECTIVE STUDY is published by the Bureau for Counselling, Career and Academic Development (BCCAD). It is available in English and can be obtained from Unisa Press. The publication deals with a variety of topics which are applicable to specific periods during the semester. It also contains a screening questionnaire, which will indicate to students in which areas they may expect problems and on which areas they should focus.

To gain maximum advantage from the guidelines given in the publication, it is suggested that you work through the book at the beginning of your studies. After this initial overview, you can consult the sections selectively as your needs emerge. The publication can be used repeatedly by both beginner and experienced students, as it was not only written for students with study problems. Successful students can also use the guidelines to improve their academic performance.

Title:

Van Schoor, WA, Mill, EM, & Potgieter, D. 2001. Effective study. Pretoria: Unisa Press.

b) Study Groups: contact with other students

It is advisable to have contact with fellow students. One way to do this is to form study groups. Study groups are an activity for which students take responsibility. The purpose of this initiative is specifically to assist students to get in touch with others registered for the same course, who live in the same area.

The addresses of students in your area may be obtained from the following department:

Directorate: Student Administration and Registration PO Box 392 UNISA 0003 SOUTH AFRICA

c) Tutorial services and work-integrated learning

The Directorate TSDL (Tutorial Services, Discussion Classes and Work Integrated Learning) is responsible for academic support services.

For more information on the Tutorial Support Programme and How to join the Tutorial Support Programme, please consult the brochure My studies @ Unisa.

d) myUnisa

If you have access to a computer that is linked to the internet, you can quickly access resources and information at the University. The myUnisa learning management system is Unisa's online campus that will help you to communicate with your lecturers, with other students and with the administrative departments of Unisa.

To go to the myUnisa website, start at the main Unisa website, http://www.unisa.ac.za, and then click on the ‘login to myUnisa’ link under the myUnisa heading on the screen. This should take you to the myUnisa website. You can also go there directly by typing in http://my.unisa.ac.za.

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Please consult the brochure My studies @ Unisa which you received with your study material for more information on myUnisa.

e) Additional information regarding student support services

For additional information with regard to student support services, please consult the my Studies @ Unisa brochure.

6. Module specific study plan

It is important to work out a study programme that suits your particular circumstances. Remember to organise your study programme in such a way that you have enough time to prepare for the examination.

To adopt a sensible and realistic study plan, we provide you with an explicit indication of the notional study hours you need to spend on each topic of the study material. The notional study hours attached to this module are 120. Please keep in mind that notional study hours refer to the actual time you actively spend on the study material.

You should spend at least 1½ hours per day to cover all the prescribed material in this module:

1.5 hours X 80 days = 120 notional hours.

You can, of course, work out your own study programme.

FOR ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO APPENDIX A (p. 21) AND APPENDIX B (p. 23) TOWARDS THE END OF THIS TUTORIAL LETTER.

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STUDY PROGRAMME FOR SEMESTER 1, 2012:

Suggested schedule:

Study Unit 1: Introduction Read the introduction of the Study Guide

Case Studies on Human Rights Violations and Advocacy

(1 week: 10 notional hours) Monday, 30th January – Friday, 3rd February 2012 Contents: Familiarize yourself with the concept Human

Rights and Values. What is transformation? Different types of human rights. A glossary of words in ethics and Human Rights

Outcomes: See page 1 in the Study Guide Readings:

It may be helpful to arrange your reading as follows: Read the prescribed literature from your Study

Guide. If you struggle with terminology, please refer to

the Glossary at the end of the Study Guide.

Self-test: This you can do by writing summaries of what you have read.

Study Unit 2: The History, Basis and Contexts of Human Rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday, 6th February – Friday, 17th February 2012

Contents: Read the entire unit and look up the references in its original context

Outcomes: The outcomes are spelled out on page 18 Readings: Try to obtain some of the books referred to in the

unity and expand your knowledge regarding the topic. Write your own notes,

Self-test: For self-testing” write summaries for your own understanding. Question yourself under the various headings. Make a historical chart with the major developments.

Study Unit 3: International, Regional and Local Legal Instruments of Human Rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday, 20th February – Friday, 2nd March 2012

Contents: Read the content of this unit on page 40 onwards. Do the activities that you find on page 41 and make personal notes. Familiarize yourself with the various instruments of human rights and read additional material to enrich you understanding.

Outcomes: See the outcomes at the beginning of the unit.

Readings: Do the additional research and make personal notes as indicated on page 41.

Self-test: Test yourself against the outcomes on page 40.

Study Unit 4: (2 weeks: 20

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CCulture and Human Rights

notional hours) Monday, 5th March – Friday 16th March 2012

Contents: See the content on page 57. Read the content of the Constitution of South Africa. See that you understand the Bill of Rights that accompany the constitution. Study the tenets of your own culture and see how the practices may not conform to the human rights as indicated in the constitution.

Outcomes: See the outcomes on page 57. Readings: The following readings are prescribed in the back of

the Study guide, the references that are applicable

Self-test: Test your understanding against the outcomes on page 57.

Study Unit 5: WWomen`s rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday, 19th March – Friday, 30th March 2012

Contents: The content of this unit starts on page 62. There are some spelling and grammar errors on this page, but I shall indicate it on a separate page.

Outcomes: See the outcomes as these are important to test your knowledge.

Readings: Do additional research and reading so that you can identify exactly what human rights are applicable to women and why.

Self-test: Test your understanding against the outcomes. List Women rights as human rights and familiarize yourself with these rights. It’s important

Study Unit 6: Children`s rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday, 2nd April – Friday, 13th April 2012

Contents: The content starts on page 78. Make sure that you do additional research and reading and make a list of children’s rights. Familiarize yourself with these rights and how they qualify as human rights.

Outcomes: These are listed on page 78 Readings: See your prescribe book and other independent

research on this topic. Self-test: Your self test would be in listing the Children’s rights

and compare them to other human rights.

Study Unit 7 Justice and Human Rights

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Contents: This can be found on page 89 of the study unit. Make sure you read the case studies and identify some of your own.

Outcomes: These are stipulated on page 89 Readings: Read carefully the different types of justice and how

these can be applied in various circumstances. Self-test: Evaluate yourself against the outcomes and ensure

you understand the concept justice in the various cultural contexts.

Examination revision (Notional hours student dependent) Monday, 16th April – Friday, 27th April 2012

While you are allotted 10 notional hours for the revision of the module content in preparation for the examination, depending on your own style of study and progress through the module contents, you may need to spend more time than this in preparation for the examination. It is important in your examination revision that you revise all module content, and that you familiarise yourself with the essential issues discussed in each study unit. Also familiar yourself with the assignment content and topics. Make sure that you understand and know what human rights are and the various human rights that can be identified. Make yourself familiar how human rights are violated and how certain cultures ignore human rights in their adherence to unfair practices.

STUDY PROGRAMME FOR SEMESTER 2, 2012:

Suggested schedule:

Study Unit 1: Case Studies CCase Studies on Human Rights Violations and Advocacy

(1 week: 10 notional hours) Monday, 2nd July – Friday, 6th July 2012

Contents: Familiarize yourself with the concept Human Rights and Values. What is transformation? Different types of human rights. A glossary of words in ethics and human Rights

Outcomes: See page 1 in the Study Guide Readings:

It may be helpful to arrange your reading as follows: Read the prescribed literature from your Study

Guide. If you struggle with terminology, please refer to

the Glossary at the end of the Study Guide.

Self-test: This you can do by writings summaries of what you have read.

Study Unit 2: The History, Basis and Contexts of Human Rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday,

Contents: Read the entire unit and look up the references in its original context

Outcomes: The outcomes are spelled out on page 18

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Readings: Try to obtain some of the books referred to in the unity and expand your knowledge regarding the topic. Write your own notes,

Self-test: For self-testing” write summaries for your own understanding. Question yourself under the various headings. Make a historical chart with the major developments.

9th July – Friday, 20th July 2012

Study Unit 3: IInternational, Regional and Local Legal Instruments of Human Rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday, 23rd July – Friday, 3rd August 2012

Contents: Read the content of this unit on page 40 onwards. Do the activities that you find on page 41 and make personal notes. Familiarize yourself with the various instruments of human rights and read additional material to enrich you understanding.

Outcomes: See the outcomes at the beginning of the unit.

Readings: Do the additional research and make personal notes as indicated on page 41.

Self-test: Test yourself against the outcomes on page 40.

Study Unit 4: CCulture and Human Rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday, 6th August – Friday, 17th August 2012

Contents: See the content on page 57. Read the content of the Constitution of South Africa. See that you understand the Bill of Rights that accompany the constitution. Study the tenets of your own culture and see how the practices may not conform to the human rights as indicated in the constitution.

Outcomes: See the outcomes on page 57. Readings: The following readings are prescribed in the back of

the Study guide, the references that are applicable

Self-test: Test your understanding against the outcomes on page 57.

Study Unit 5: WWomen`s rights

(2 weeks: 20 notional hours) Monday, 20th August – Friday, 31st August 2012

Contents: The content of this unit starts on page 62. There are some spelling and grammar errors on this page, but I shall indicate it on a separate page.

Outcomes: See the outcomes as these are important to test your knowledge.

Readings: Do additional research and reading so that you can identify exactly what human rights are applicable to women and why.

Self-test: Test your understanding against the outcomes. List Women rights as human rights and familiarize yourself with these rights. It’s important

Study Unit 6: (2 weeks:

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CChildren`s rights

20 notional hours) Monday, 3rd September – Friday, 14th September 2012

Contents: The content starts on page 78. Make sure that you do additional research and reading and make a list of children’s rights. Familiarize yourself with these rights and how they qualify as human rights.

Outcomes: These are listed on page 78 Readings: See your prescribe book and other independent

research on this topic. Self-test: Your self test would be in listing the Children’s rights

and compare them to other human rights.

Study Unit 7 Justice and Human Rights

(Notional hours student dependent) Monday, 17th September – Friday, 28th September 2012

Contents: This can be found on page 89 of the study unit. Make sure you read the case studies and identify some of your own.

Outcomes: These are stipulated on page 89 Readings: Read carefully the different types of justice and how

these can be applied in various circumstances. Self-test: Evaluate yourself against the outcomes and ensure

you understand the concept justice in the various cultural contexts.

Examination revision While you are allotted 10 notional hours for the revision of the module

content in preparation for the examination, depending on your own style of study and progress through the module contents, you may need to spend more time on this in preparation for the examination. It is important in your examination revision that you revise all module content, and that you familiarize yourself with the essential issues discussed in each study unit. Also familiarize yourself with the assignment content and topics. Make sure that you understand and know what human rights are and the various human rights that can be identified. Make yourself familiar with how human rights are violated and how certain cultures ignore human rights in their adherence to unfair practices.

For further information on general time management and planning skills, please consult the my Studies @ Unisa brochure.

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Activities

You will find many activities in the study units of this module. We suggest that you keep a journal or notebook in which you collect the work you do on the different activities.

The activities will provide you with an opportunity to practise the skills that you need for this module. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to do all the activities. The examination questions will be based, in part, on these activities and so you will be better prepared for the examination if you do them.

Academic skills The module includes elements to develop the following study skills for academic purposes:

• advanced reading, writing and summarising skills • the ability to gather and classify information • Ability to transfer knowledge from lived experience and history and relate it to human rights discourses • the ability to work independently

The module will also help to develop you as a person by promoting life skills such as: • becoming a reflective and critical thinker • having a spirit of openness • developing patience and tolerance of different views • Understanding and applying conflict resolution skills

• helping people by listening to people and making choices for a caring society.

7. Assessments

a) Assignments

1. General information:

Assignments are seen as part of the learning material for this module. As you do the assignment, study the readings, consult other resources, discuss the work with fellow students or do research, you are actively engaged in learning. Looking at the assessment criteria given for each assignment will help you to understand what is required of you more clearly. Please ensure that you follow instructions provided.

Some students do not read the assignment question. Indeed, many tend to submit essay assignments that are oftentimes summaries of the themes under discussion rather than a particular response to questions posed.

As a NQF 6 level module, students of Human Rights Values and social transformation, should not follow this trend. Instead, you should be able to interpret assignment questions against the background of study material, and then demonstrate, by reasoning and examples, that you have knowledge and understanding of the theories, practices and problems discussed.

Important: The first assignment is compulsory and there is no extension of the due date.

Because we would like to acknowledge the hard work you have put into your assignments during the year, your assignments will count 20% and your examination will count 80% towards your final mark. The two assignments with the highest marks will be taken into account when calculating the 20%.

Background to the assignments You will receive 50 credits for each assignment which you pass. You need a total of 100 credits to obtain admission to the examination. We strongly suggest that you complete all three assignments to ensure that you obtain the necessary 100 credits.

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We would encourage you to complete all three of the assignments as the more practice you have in working with the material, the better able you will be to respond to human rights issues in life.

As you will see, the assignments consist of a collection of the work you have done while working through the study guide.

In some of the activities you will be asked to write essays. If you use a quotation or idea from any other author or book, you must acknowledge this by providing a reference. Please familiarize with yourself with Harvard reference style when writing an academic essay. This is the style recommended by UNISA academic policy. It is also imperative to properly acknowledge the sources of your information or which you used in constructing your essays through references and a proper bibliography. References or bibliography form an integral part of the essay. Please do not merely copy from your sources, i.e. books, journals, et cetera. Merely copying from your sources is considered as plagiarism, which is an academic offense, and shows lack of intellectual creativity and commitment. Plagiarism is an intellectual offence that one can be penalised for. Please use inclusive, non-sexist, non-racist, and non-discriminatory language. We would also like you to be attentive to any language that is discriminatory against people living with disabilities and or against certain ethnic groups.

In preparing your assignments, we do not ask you to memorise our text and simply give it back to us. We want you to think and share your own opinions with us. We will use three criteria for assessing your work:

your ability to convey your ideas in a written form your ability to structure your work in a logical way your ability to apply the knowledge and skills in new situations

Showing that you can relate the module content to the question, that you can consider critiques provided, and that you can provide your own well-reasoned and researched arguments in response or in support is essential should you wish to obtain a mark above 50%.

Assignments are linked to examination admission for this module, so it is to your best interest that you timeously submit assignments.

There are two assignments for each semester in this module. The submission of the both assignments is COMPULSORY. Failure to submit the first timeously will automatically lead to exclusion from the examinations.

The sub-minimum required for examination entrance – based upon your results in both assignments – is 40%.

The percentage you obtain from the minimum 40% upwards shall be credited to your final examination.

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Plagiarism:

An assignment is designed to be a product of your own study and your own thought. It is not intended to be a piece of work which merely reproduces details, information or ideas from a study guide, from books or articles, or from the Internet.

If you do this, you commit plagiarism.

“Plagiarism” is: the act of copying word for word without acknowledgment from your tutorial letters and study guides, or from any other sources, such as extracts from books, articles, textbooks, previous tutorial letters, or from the Internet.

You also commit plagiarism if you copy the assignment of another student. We do encourage you to work together and form study groups, but you are expected to prepare and submit your own assignments.

Why is plagiarism not permitted? It is an immoral act, because you are stealing another person’s words and ideas. It is an act of

dishonesty. It is an illegal act, because theft of another person’s property (in this case, their ideas and their

writing) is against the law. The act can therefore be legally punished, and UNISA does so. It is a self-defeating act, because your lecturers cannot give you marks for work that is not your

own. You disadvantage yourself because your lecturer will not be able to judge whether you have understood the work, and so will be in no position to help you.

How do we avoid committing plagiarism?

All researchers adhere to systems and conventions in which they acknowledge the sources on which they base their ideas and their work. The same is expected of you in the preparation of your assignment work.

The way to avoid committing plagiarism is straightforward. You must acknowledge the information and the ideas you have used in the preparation of your written work. This rule applies both for direct quotations and for ideas used (i.e. those that are written in your own words but which come from someone else). When you acknowledge your sources properly and fully, you will not be guilty of plagiarism.

What is the University’s official policy on plagiarism?

The Disciplinary Code for Students is given to all students at registration. Students are advised to study the Code thoroughly. Kindly read the University’s Policy on Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism as well.

Assignment questions:

You will find your assignment questions under Appendix A (p. 27) and Appendix B (p. 28) of this Tutorial Letter 101 (towards the end of the Tutorial Letter).

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2. Submission of assignments:

2.1. Submission by post:

Assignments that are submitted to the University by post, should be sent to the following post address:

The Registrar PO Box 392 UNISA 0003

2.2. Electronic submission:

To submit an assignment electronically, you need to do so via the myUnisa portal. This can be done by:

Accessing the website: http://my.unisa.ac.za; Logging into myUnisa making use of your student number and password; Select the module for which you are seeking to submit an assignment; Click on “Assignments” (located on the left hand side menu bar); Select the assignment number that you wish to submit; Follow the instructions to upload your assignment.

Please note that assignments cannot be submitted by email or fax.

2.3. Onscreen marking:

Assignments that are submitted online through myUnisa will be assessed by the lecturer via UNISA’s onscreen marking facility. This means that as your assignment is assessed you will instantly receive it back via email with your result indicated.

If you wish for your assignment to be assessed through onscreen marking, please submit your assignment in PDF format as this is the format preferred by the system.

To convert your assignment into PDF format, download the free programme PrimoPDF which is available from the website: http://www.primopdf.com.

You are encouraged to make use of the online submission of assignments, so that you will be able to participate in onscreen marking.

3. Assessment of assignments:

In written assignments, markers will comment constructively on your work. Additionally, commentaries on compulsory assignments will be sent to all students in follow-up tutorial letters. You will receive two follow-up tutorial letters, one after each assignment has been submitted.

Please compare the work you have submitted to the commentaries provided in follow-up tutorial letters as this will give you some indication of where your assignment may need attention. Your lecturer’s feedback will help you in the completion of your next assignment and in examination revision.

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In assessing assignments, markers keep the following as their guidelines:

0-40% Unsatisfactory Your understanding of the question needs to be developed and contextualised. You need to study the prescribed material with greater attention. Your approach to the question was not sufficiently critical and analytical. You did not refer to relevant prescribed material. Your essay did not respond at all to the question/topic posed.

41-49% Barely satisfactory Although you showed an understanding of the question you did not explain the problem. You did not evaluate the various arguments. You did not refer to relevant prescribed material. You offered no arguments of your own.

50-59% Pass/Average You need to practice applying your reasoning skills to specific problems in order to improve your mark.

60-69% Above average You have the idea, i.e. you understand the work. You have to explore key points in more detail. You have to show the implications of key points within the context of the question. You should include practical examples to show your understanding of concepts. You should include citations which substantiate your ideas.

70-74% GOOD. You need to analyse arguments in more detail. You need to exploit the implications of these arguments further. You need to include more citations to expound your views.

75% + EXCELLENT.

Additionally, I observe the following rubric when marking, which can serve as a help to yourself in the development of your essay assignments. Ensure that all the components required are present in your essay assignment.

Assessment criteria Yes No Is there a table of contents? Is the assignment in essay format containing an introduction, body, conclusion, and appropriate sub-headings?

Is there a bibliography in which all sources consulted are listed, written in alphabetical order, and following the prescribed format of the Harvard Referencing System?

Are all ideas that are not the student’s own referenced in the assignment (following the Harvard Referencing System)?

Has the essay been written in the student’s own words, thus avoiding plagiarism? Do all the sentences follow in a logical sequence, enabling the essay to make sense to the lecturer?

Has the assignment been limited to the number of words required? Does the essay respond adequately to the topic posed (i.e. has the question been answered by the student)?

Have all the aspects of the topic been covered by the student’s essay? Does the essay meet the critical requirements needed in a Philosophical work?

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b) Examinations

1. Examination periods:

This module is completed in a single semester period.

If you are registered for the first semester, you will write the examination in May/June 2012 and the supplementary examination will be written in October/November 2012.

If you are registered for the second semester you will write the examination in October/ November 2012 and the supplementary examination will be written in May/June 2013.

During the semester, the Examination Section will provide you with information regarding the examination in general, examination venues, examination dates and times.

2. Format of the examination:

Your examination will be two hours in length. It will consist of four possible examination questions, of which you should answer any two.

The examination questions will be founded in the content of the module, however, they will require your own critical reflection.

Examination questions are to be written in essay format.

3. Comments on writing the examination:

During the examination, it is imperative that you take time to read through the entire examination paper before deciding which questions to answer. (It may help to jot down a few of the main points you think should appear in each answer.) You should also keep some time in reserve to read through your answers upon completion of writing the examination and prior to submitting.

The examination requires exposition of parts of the relevant study material. This exposition should be followed by a critical discussion of certain aspects or implications of the topics considered. Where possible, illustrate the point you are trying to make by means of examples or solid reasoning. Since examples occurring in tutorial letters and articles are helpful aids in coming to grips with and subsequently remembering key concepts, your use of them demonstrates your grasp of the point at issue.

Make absolutely sure that you are answering the question and are not merely summarising a part of the study material!

For some idea of the questions you may be asked, a good idea is to re-frame chapter or section headings from your Study Guide and even paragraph headings from your prescribed text in the form of questions. The range of questions will more or less cover all the study material for the paper.

You must obtain 50% in order to pass the examination.

8. Frequently asked questions

The my Studies @ Unisa brochure contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant study information. Please refer to this document for questions you may have.

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APPENDIX A: FIRST SEMESTER 2012 COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENTS

Very important information regarding the outline of the assignment. Please follow these instructions as your assignment will be evaluated accordingly:

Read the assignment requirements very carefully.

Underline for yourself what exactly the assignment asks you to do.

These underlined requirements will structure the assignment for you

Always structure the assignment by using this format:

• Title, • Table of contents • Introduction, • Headings and sub-headings. • Conclusion or summary remarks • Bibliography

Always number you headings and sub-headings accordingly.

Always include a bibliography that is compiled according to the Harvard method, for example:

Author, Initial(s). Year of publication. Title of book or article. Place of publication (City): House of publication.

BBosman, M. 2001. For the love of God. Pretoria: Unisa Press.

It is also very important to have iin-text referencing, as this will prevent you from being accused of plagiarism. In-text referencing is given either by quoting directly or by using the ideas from your study guide, reader or works that you have consulted, for example, (Slater 2010:23).

Always proofread or ask someone to read your assignment carefully before submitting it to the University. An assignment, which is well written and has no spelling or grammatical errors, will help the reader focus on the essentials of the assignment.

FIRST SEMESTER

Assignment 01 (Compulsory) Unique Number: 810004 DUE DATE MARCH 1ST 2012 Write an essay whereby you study the BILL OF RIGHTS. Identify the different types of human rights. Thereafter select the human rights that you perceive as important for South Africa in particular and for Africa in general. Focus in particular on those Human Rights that are blatantly violated on this continent. Refer to the introduction, study unit 1, 2 and 3 to help you construct your essay. Also consult the United Nations declaration of Human Rights as well as the local South African Constitution Make yourself familiar with these documents and then proceed in writing the assignment. Your essay should not exceed 4 typed pages 12. Font size, New Times Roman /or 5 handwritten pages.

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Assignment 02 Unique Number: 740842 DUE DATE APRIL 2nd 2012 Answer ONE of the following questions

2.1 Make a specific study/research on “Women’s rights”. Identify these specific rights applicable to women and show how these rights are indeed Human Rights. Once this is done critically discuss the implications of Women’s Rights in relation to your culture, society and religious institution (the church).

How are these rights upheld or not in your personal context. You may use case studies to illustrate your

analysis. 2.2 The Republic of South Africa prides itself on having one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.

In this regard the Bill of Rights is supposed to guarantee the basic political, cultural and socio- economic rights of all who are resident in the country. Yet there have been persistent reports that citizen intolerance of non-citizens, refugees and migrants has escalated dramatically since 1994.

Explore the concept of refugee rights and explain the presence of xenophobic attitudes and violence in South Africa. Provide solutions for the problems.

2.3 Children also have human rights. Identify the rights related to children. Discuss how these rights can be

considered human rights. Discuss fully how children’s rights differ from human rights for adults if they do Identify some of the human rights of children that are still not adhered to in your society with specific reference to Africa. .

All students must submit Assignment 1 on the due date. If you are not able to submit on the deadlines set, please contact the responsible lecturer/professor to make alternative arrangements.

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APPENDIX B: SECOND SEMESTER 2012 COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENTS Assignment 01 Unique Number: 208648 ASSIGNMENT AUGUST 10TH 2012 Write an essay whereby you study the BILL OF RIGHTS. Identify the different types of human rights. Thereafter select the human rights that you perceive as important for South Africa in particular and for Africa in general. Focus in particular on those Human Rights that are blatantly violated on this continent. Refer to the introduction, study unit 1, 2 and 3 to help you construct your essay. Also consult the United Nations declaration of Human Rights as well as the local South African Constitution Make yourself familiar with these documents and then proceed in writing the assignment. Assignment 02 Unique Number: 235707 ASSIGNMENT SEPTEMBER 1ST 2012

2.1 The Republic of South Africa prides itself on having one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. In this regard the Bill of Rights is supposed to guarantee the basic political, cultural and socio- economic rights of all who are resident in the country. Yet there have been persistent reports that citizen intolerance of non-citizens, refugees and migrants has escalated dramatically since 1994. Explore the concept of refugee rights and explain the presence of xenophobic attitudes and violence in South Africa

2.2 Make a specific study/research on “Women’s rights”. Identify these specific rights applicable to women

and show how these rights are indeed Human Rights. Once this is done critically discuss the implications of Women’s Rights in relation to your culture, society and religious institution (the church). How are these rights upheld or not in your personal context? You may use case studies to illustrate your analysis.

2.3 Children also have human rights. Identify the rights related to children. Discuss how these rights can be

considered human rights. Discuss fully how children’s rights differ from human rights for adults if they do identify some of the human rights of children that are still not adhered to in your society with specific reference to Africa.

All students must submit Assignment 1 on the due date and not later than the 15th March 2012. If you are not able to submit on the deadlines set, please contact the responsible lecturer/professor to make alternative arrangements.

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APPENDIX C: SELF ASSESSMENT

It may be of assistance to your study to work through the following self-assessments related to each study unit of the module: Self-test 1 (revision for Study Unit 1: To revise what has been read in Study Unit 1, refer to your Study Guide.

Self-test 2 (revision for Study Unit 2: To revise what has been read in Study Unit 2, refer to your Study Guide.

Self-test 3 (revision for Study Unit 3: To revise what has been read in Study Unit 3, refer to your Study Guide.

Self-test 4 (revision for Study Unit 4: To revise what has been read in Study Unit 4, refer to Study Guide.

Self-test 5 (revision for Study Unit 5: To revise what has been read in Study Unit 5, refer to your Study Guide.

Self-test 6 (revision for Study Unit 6: To revise what has been read in Study Unit 6, refer to f your Study Guide.

Self-test 7 (revision for Study Unit 7:

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APPENDIX D: QUESTIONNAIRE ON HRV1601 In this questionnaire we ask you to reflect on your experience of the HRV1601 module as a whole. Please post the questionnaire to: DR Jennifer Slater Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology PO Box 392 UNISA 0003 An electronic version of the questionnaire is available on myUnisa (under Additional Resources of HRV 1601. You are welcome to complete it and e-mail it to:slaterj@unisa.ac.za

Name and student number:

__________________________________________ Mother tongue:

__________________________________________ I am registered for the following degree/programme:

__________________________________________ My chosen major subjects are:

__________________________________________ Why did you choose to take this module?

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ Which study unit did you enjoy the most and why?

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ Which study unit did you enjoy the least and why?

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ Was the study material easy to understand or

difficult to understand? Tick the relevant box.

Too easy Fairly easy Partly easy, partly difficult

Fairly difficult

Too difficult

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Explain your answer above in more detail:

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ Does the module have any practical applications in the real world, e.g. for your studies, work, etc.?

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ What aspects of the module would you like to

know more about or to study further?

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ Which functions on myUnisa did you make use of? Tick the relevant box.

Schedule for planning and working toward assignment deadlines.

Discussion forum to make contact with fellow students and lecturer.

Access study material electronically.

Online submission of assignments.

Additional resources.

What other functions/resources would you like to see made available on myUnisa?

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ Please provide any other comments you would

like to on the module:

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________ Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire, and for returning it to us. � Your feedback is

invaluable for the further development of this module.