Yearbooks

Programme: BIS Publishing

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
12131014 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 3 years Total credits: 408 NQF level:  07
Contact:
Prof EH le Roux
[email protected]
+27 (0)124202426

Programme information

This package contextualises the South African publishing industry, with specific application to book publishing and corporate publishing. The objectives are to equip students with background knowledge on the industry, role players and trends, as well as with specific skills linked to the publishing value chain. These skills include: the commissioning of manuscripts aimed at specific markets; the management of the design, reproduction and printing phase; copy-editing and proofreading; financial and marketing management. Students are empowered to act as responsible information intermediaries who can add value to publications during the various phases of the publishing process.

Admission requirements

  • The following persons will be considered for admission: candidates who are in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required Grade 12 certificate with university endorsement; candidates who are graduates from another tertiary institution or have been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; and candidates who are graduates of another faculty at the University of Pretoria. 
  • Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 
  • Grade 11 results are used in the conditional admission of prospective students. 
  • A valid qualification with admission to degree studies is required.
  • Minimum subject and achievement requirements, as set out below, are required. 
  • Tuition will be presented in English only.
  • Should a candidate obtain an APS of 25 to 27, consideration for admission will be based on the results of the NBT, provided the numbers of students in designated groups have not been reached. 

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

 

APS

NSC/IEB

AS Level

 

 

5

 

C

28

(25 - 27 admission based on the NBT)

* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.

Other programme-specific information

  • Select a language up to year-level 3, from one of the language module groups, e.g. Afrikaans, English, German, French or an African language in consultation with the package organiser. A language for beginners may not be selected.
  • Select modules to the level of 24 credits on year-level 1 of the selected language.
  • Continue with the same language as selected on year-level 1 up to year-level 3.
  • Select modules to the value of 40 credits on year-level 2 of the selected language.
  • Select modules to the value of 30 credits on year-level 3 of the selected language.
  • Students who wish to continue with language studies at postgraduate level should consult the specific department for the selection of their modules and may possibly have to select additional modules.

See Language groups for more information

LANGUAGE GROUPS FOR SELECTION IN PROGRAMMES

Note: Consult the yearbook for module-specific requirements/prerequisites by searching for the relevant language module.

Module group 1 – Afrikaans
Year level 1
• As a first language: AFR 110, 120
• For speakers of other languages (also for speakers of other languages who are registered for qualifications in education and law) AFR 114
• For law students (first language): AFR 110 Note: AFR 120 may be taken additionally.
• For students following a programme in education: AFR 110, 120; (first language); AFR 114 (speakers of other languages)

Year level 2
• As a first language: AFR 214, AFR 210 ,220
• For students following a programme in education: AFR 214, AFR 220

Year level 3
• As a first language: AFR 311, 321
• For students following a programme in education: Any modules with alpha codes AFR offered at year level 3.

Module group 2 – English
Year level 1
• For special purposes: ENG 118
• For academic purposes: ENG 110, 120

Year level 2
ENG 210, 220

Year level 3
• ENG 310, 320
• ENG 311, 322

Module group 3 – French
Year level 1
• For beginners: FRN 104, 181 (LLM students)
• Cultural-professional (for students who have passed French in Grade 12): FRN 113, 123

Year level 2
FRN 211, 221

Year level 3
Cultural-professional: FRN 361, 362, 363, 364

Module group 4 – German
Year level 1
• For beginners: DTS 104
• Cultural-professional (for students who have passed German in Grade 12): DTS 113, 123

Year level 2
DTS 211, 221

Year level 3
Cultural-professional: DTS 361, 362, 363, 364

Module group 5 – Greek
Year level 1
GRK 110, 120

Year level 2
GRK 210, 220

Module group 6 – Hebrew
Year level 1
HEB 110, 120

Year level 2
HEB 210, 220

Module group 7 – Latin
Year level 1
LAT 110, 120 (students who passed Latin in Grade 12 may start immediately with Latin at year level 2)

Year level 2
LAT 210, 220

Year level 3
LAT 310, 320

Module group 8 – IsiNdebele
Year level 1
For speakers of isiNdebele as home language or first or second additional language
NDE 110, AFT 121

Year level 2
NDE 210, AFT 220

Year level 3
NDE 310, AFT 320

Module group 9 – IsiZulu
Year level 1
• For beginners: ZUL 110, 120
• For speakers of isiZulu as home language or first or second additional language: ZUL 111, AFT 121

Year level 2
• For students who did ZUL 110, 120 at year level 1: ZUL 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121: ZUL 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, ZUL 211

Year level 3
ZUL 310, AFT 320

Module group 10 – Sepedi
Year level 1
• For beginners: SEP 110,120
• For speakers of Sepedi as home language or first or second additional language: SEP 111, AFT 121

Year level 2
• For students who did SEP 110, 120 at year level 1: SEP 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121, SEP 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, SEP 211

Year level 3
SEP 310, AFT 320

Module group 11 – Setswana
Year level 1
• For beginners: STW 110, 120
• For speakers of Setswana as home language or first or second additional language: STW 111, AFT 121

Year level 2
• For students who did STW 110, 120 at year level 1: STW 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121, STW 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, STW 211

Year level 3
STW 310, AFT 320

Module group 12 – Spanish
Year level 1
For beginners: SPN 101, 102

Year level 2
SPN 211, 221

Year level 3
SPN 311, 321

Module group 13 – Portuguese
Year level 1
• For beginners: PTG 101
• Portuguese language and culture (for students who have passed Portuguese in Gr 12): PTG 113, 123

Year level 2
PTG 211, 221

Year level 3
PTG 311, 321

Pass with distinction

A degree (undergraduate) in the School of IT is conferred with distinction on a student who did not repeat any module of his/her final year, obtained a weighted average of at least 75% in all the prescribed modules for the final year, provided that a subminimum of 65% is obtained in each of these modules and provided that the degree is completed in the prescribed minimum period of time. Ad hoc cases will be considered by the Dean, in consultation with the relevant head of department.

Minimum credits: 130

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module provides an overview of the fundamentals of marketing by considering the exchange process, customer value, marketing research and the development of a marketing plan. It also addresses the marketing mix elements with specific focus on the seven service marketing elements namely the service product, physical evidence, people, process, distribution, pricing and integrated marketing communication.

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  • Module content:

    This module is an introduction to the study field of information science and its various professions. Key concepts that will be discussed include the following: the human as information processor and user; the life-cycle of information in terms of processes, products and role-players; as well as the communication of information. The social-ethical impact of globalisation is included as a key concern, with reference to Africa.

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  • Module content:

    Personal information management. This module focuses on personal information management within an organisational context. It deals with managing information and knowledge that is peculiar to an individual and which enables him/her to perform his/her job.
    Topics include: creating an environment in which the individual can manage his/her information and knowledge; the skills needed to be able to manage personal information and knowledge; information overloading which gives rise to personal information and knowledge management, as well as the manner in which individuals can switch from personal information management to personal knowledge management; personal information and knowledge management as a career.

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  • Module content:

    Information and communication technology. This module offers a brief overview of hardware and software, telecommunications technology, LANs, WANs and intranets, the information highway, the internet and the World Wide Web, computer ethics, ICTs, e-commerce, mobile computing technology and the influence that new trends and developments have on the distribution of information.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection.
    Introduction to publishing. This module will focus on an introductory overview of publishing: the historical development of publishing; the publishing value chain; business and legal issues relating to the publishing industry; and the broader macro-context.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires departmental selection.
    The Book Publishing Environment. This module provides a basic introduction to the book publishing environment. The following aspects are highlighted: the concept "publishing"; different publishing industries and environments; contexts of book publishing; the publishing value chain; processes, tasks and role-players involved in book publishing; different sectors of the book publishing industry; different types of publishing houses; external role-players; initiatives; strategies; current trends and issues.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde met klem op lees-en skryfvaardigheid. Letterkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse en Nederlandse letterkunde aan die hand van kortverhale en gedigte.

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  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse sintaksis, fonetiek en taalgeskiedenis. Letterkundekomponent:Inleiding tot die Romankuns Inleiding tot die Drama

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as an introduction to literary concepts such as literary text(s), topic, characters, events, time and place; the analysis of selected short stories.

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  • Module content:

    Comprehensive review of German grammar; development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of tests.

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  • Module content:

    Continuation of comprehensive review of German; further development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.

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  • Module content:

    *Alternative evening classes - 2 discussion classes per week Introduction to Literature in English (1) This module introduces the study of literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, prose, drama). The texts studied here will be mainly from the pre-twentieth century era and may include texts written in English from both Africa and other parts of the world. The aim of this module is to equip students with the critical and analytical skills required for a perceptive reading of poetry, novels and plays.

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  • Module content:

    *Alternative evening classes: 2 discussion classes per week
    Introduction to Literature in English (2)
    This module introduces the study of post-nineteenth century literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, drama, prose). Texts will be from both Africa and other parts of the world. By the end of this module students should have the background and analytical skills to perceptively read modern and contemporary poetry, novels and plays.

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  • Module content:

    Comprehensive review of French grammar; development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.

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  • Module content:

    Comprehensive review of French grammar; further development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.

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  • Module content:

    For speakers of isiNdebele as home language or first or second additional language.
    Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.

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  • Module content:

    *For speakers of Sepedi as home language or first or second additional language.
    Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.

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  • Module content:

    *For speakers of isiZulu as home language or first or second additional language.
    Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.

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Minimum credits: 128

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    This project-orientated module is a form of applied learning which is directed at specific community needs and is integrated into all undergraduate academic programmes offered by the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. 
    The main objectives with the module are as follows:
    (1) The execution of a community-related project aimed at achieving a beneficial impact on a chosen section of society, preferably but not exclusively, by engagement with a section of society which is different from the student's own background.
    (2) The development of an awareness of personal, social and cultural values, an attitude to be of service, and an understanding of social issues, for the purpose of being a responsible professional.
    (3) The development of important multidisciplinary and life skills, such as communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
    Assessment in this module will include all or most of the following components: evaluation and approval of the project proposal, assessment of oral and/or written progress reports, peer assessment in the event of team projects, written report-back by those at which the project was aimed at, and final assessment on grounds of the submission of a portfolio and a written report.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    Social and ethical impact. This module examines moral and legal regulation practices related to information in print and digital environments. Different ethical theories are identified and applied to privacy, access to information, information poverty and censorship. The interpretation and enforcement of rules and regulations are discussed.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires departmental selection.
    Copy-editing. This module offers an introduction to copy-editing as a phase in the publishing process. Topics covered are the role of the copy-editor in the publishing value chain; the levels of editing; the responsibilities of the copy-editor towards the manuscript, the author and the publishing house; the responsibilities and skills of the proof-reader; typical problems in texts; proof-reading and copy-editing symbols and the mark-up of texts; as well as legal and ethical aspects of editing. Learners are also equipped with practical skills in proofreading and copy-editing both digital and print-based texts.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires departmental selection.
    The Visual and Production Dimensions of Publishing. This module offers a theoretical positioning of graphic design, reproduction and printing within the publishing process, as well as practical applications thereof. The following topics are addressed in the theoretical positioning: graphic design practice; the historical development of the relationship between reproduction and printing innovations and graphic design styles; the use of visual elements in publications; the management role of the editor in this phase.
    During the practical component learners are introduced to selected applications of DTP software and the practical aspects of the production phase.

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  • Module content:

    Gender, sexuality and visual representation
    Introduction to the representation of sex, gender and sexuality in visual culture.  Gender theory and terminology related to feminism, masculinity studies and lbgtq theory (lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgendered, queer) are unpacked. Themes and issues in gender and identity politics such as the male hero, the nude in late 19th century art, the femme fatale, hysteria, androgyny and transsexuality are dealt with. Sexuality and gender issues across a range of visual cultural such as soaps, sitcoms, artworks, advertisements, fashion, music videos and films are addressed.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent: Morfologie, sintaksis, leksikologie en semantiek. Letterkundekomponent: Afrikaanse poësie

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  • Module content:

    Afrikaanse prosa
    Literatuurteorie en -kritiek

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as the continuation of the study of concepts such as text, topic, characters, events, time and place; the study of plot and style; the critical analysis of a novel/novelette.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the further development of communication skills with special emphasis on the receptive activities of the language, namely listening and reading. Careful attention is given to critical aspects of German grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the German-speaking countries.  This module complies with the requirements for level B1.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    This module continues with the development of communicative skills of the language. Special attention is given to the comprehension of non-fictional and literary written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs, as well as the application of knowledge of German grammar in oral and written production. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    *Alternative evening classes - 3 discussion classes per week
    Modern English literature and English language studies
    This module focuses on post-nineteenth century literature in English as well as on historical and theoretical aspects of the English language.

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  • Module content:

    *Alternative evening classes - 3 discussion classes per week
    Twentieth-century, postcolonial and contemporary literature
    This module focuses on post-nineteenth century literature in English. Various genres are covered and particular attention is given to postcolonial writing.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on the further development of communication skills with special emphasis on the receptive activities of the language, namely listening and reading. Careful attention is given to critical aspects of French grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the French-speaking countries.  This module complies with the requirements for level B1.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    This module continues with the development of communicative skills of the language. Special attention is given to the comprehension of non-fictional and literary written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs, as well as the application of knowledge of French grammar in oral and written production. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to isiNdebele speech sounds/phonetics.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to Sepedi speech sounds/phonetics.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to isiZulu speech sounds/phonetics.

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Minimum credits: 150

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires departmental selection.
    Publishing in the Digital Environment. The first part of this module focuses on the study of publications in the digital environment. Differences between paper-based and digital texts are studied. Publication formats in the digital arena are discussed by focusing on topics such as multimedia, hyper fiction, e-books, etc., as well as distribution channels such as intranets and portals. The influence of the digital environment on publications and publication processes is the main focus of the second part, focusing on understanding the nature and management of the e-publishing environment and digital publishing technologies such as HTML, SGML, XML and PDF.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires department selection.
    Commissioning. This module offers an introduction to the commissioning phase of the book publishing process. The process of manuscript commissioning is studied within the dual contexts of the South African publishing environment and the internal environment of the publishing house.
    Topics covered include: market research; list building; the management of both the manuscript development and production phases; costing a project; scheduling and contracts. Learners demonstrate their understanding of commissioning through case studies, role-plays and the creation of a manuscript proposal.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection.
    Management in the Publishing Environment. This module offers an introduction to publishing as a business. Topics covered include business models in the publishing industry, the organisational structures of publishing houses, and the application of marketing in a publishing context.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires department selection.
    Publishing in the Magazine and Corporate Environment. This module offers an introduction to the publishing value chain as applied to magazines and corporate publications; the magazine and corporate publishing environment (including kinds of magazines and corporate publications, readership, market segmentation); commissioning writing for magazines and corporate publications; production processes; sales and marketing; and distribution.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    Taalkundekomponent
    Capita selecta uit die Afrikaanse taalkunde
    Letterkundekomponent
    Afrikaanse prosa

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  • Module content:

    Afrikaanse poësie
    'n Keuse uit eietydse Nederlandstalige literatuur; analitiese teksondersoeke met aandag aan agtergrond- en resepsieaangeleenthede.
    Die Afrikaanse drama word binne die breër konteks van die Afrikaanse letterkunde geplaas.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as the critical analysis of a dramatic work and poetry (selected poems).

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to German linguistics. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of relevant texts from different disciplines. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of textual grammar of the German language.  This module complies with the requirements for level B2.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of literary texts in cultural-historical perspective.  This module complies with the requirements for level B2.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Reading Medieval and Early Modern literature
    In this module students study the works of  writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton and Pope. The general characteristics and techniques of these authors are discussed in relation to developments in aesthetic theory, generic conventions and socio-historical change.

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  • Module content:

    Reading the Nineteenth Century
    In this module students read a  selection of 19th-century texts in English. The general characteristics and techniques of these texts are discussed in relation to developments in aesthetic theory, generic conventions and socio-historical change.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of textual grammar of the French language. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of relevant audio-visual material and texts from non-fictional and fictional sources.
    This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of grammar of the French language. Introduction to professional translation and interpreting for the purpose of learning French as a foreign language.

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  • Module content:

    Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of literary texts in cultural-historical perspective.

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  • Module content:

    Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes/phonology of isiNdebele.

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  • Module content:

    Sepedi grammar - Capita selecta
    Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes / phonology of Sepedi.
    The acquisition and inculcation of advanced communicative skills within a larger number of social, occupational and educational situations. Awareness of the nature and function of language structures is heightened further. Attention is also paid to cultural phenomena.

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  • Module content:

    isiZulu grammar -  Capita selecta
    Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes/phonology of isiZulu.  The acquisition and inculcation of advanced communicative skills within a larger number of social, occupational and educational situations. Awareness of the nature and function of language structures is heightened further. Attention is also paid to cultural phenomena.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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