Stellenbosch University Language Policy

Stellenbosch University Language Policy, Between 2000 and 2015 the Faculty of Theology conducted all of its undergraduate classes in both Afrikaans and English due to the multilingual composition of its students from different denominations.

During the last quarter of 2015 the transformation debate within the faculty led to Parallel Medium Tuition (PMT) for first to third year modules, with bilingual classes for fourth and fifth year modules. A few modules presented by newly appointed lecturers not proficient in Afrikaans, were presented in English with translation.

Although the combination of PMT (years 1-3) and Afrikaans and English in one class (years 4-5) satisfied most students, lecturers found it taxing, leaving them with little time for research. Where limited staff resources might impact on PMT, students can be supported in alternative ways in Afrikaans and English by means of a combination of appropriate, facilitated learning opportunities (additional consultations, tutorials, podcasts etc).

Institutional funding is provided to make interpreting services available for the language arrangements as specified in the language policy

Therefore, the Faculty of Theology set out to formulate a language implementation plan that resonates with the aims and principles of SU’s language policy, while also responding to the pedagogical needs of our students.

2.      AIMS AND PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION

The language implementation plan (LIP) of the Faculty of Theology wants to:

• Comply with the University’s Vision 2030 by means of a multilingual offering to enable inclusivity and equitable access to higher education.
• Facilitate effective learning and teaching and research as well as service delivery at SU.
• Promote multilingualism as an important characteristic of the faculty and its graduates.

The Faculty of Theology concurs with the essence of the new SU Language Policy:

“Stellenbosch University (SU) is committed to engagement with knowledge in a diverse society. The Language Policy aims to give effect to section 29(2) of the Constitution in relation to language usage in its academic, administrative, professional and social contexts. The policy aims to increase equitable access to SU for all students and staff to facilitate pedagogically sound teaching and learning. Since our campuses are situated in the Western Cape, we commit ourselves to multilingualism by using the province’s three official languages, namely Afrikaans. English and isiXhosa.”

3.      LANGUAGE PRACTICE IN ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Communication in general will be conducted in both Afrikaans and English, in a manner that will enhance comprehension and inclusivity for all parties concerned.

The language of written communication within the faculty and meetings depends on the language needs of the readers or participants (staff, students and other stakeholders), provided that no one is excluded by the language of communication.

Communication with postgraduate students will be predominantly in English. Supervisors and promotors, and their students can make individual arrangements regarding language of communication based on the linguistic ability and preferences of those involved as well as academic rationale.

4.      LANGUAGE IN TUITION

The SU Language Policy allows the following three options for utilising language in teaching:

Using Afrikaans and English in separate class groups where this is reasonably practicable and pedagogically sound;

Using Afrikaans and English in a single class group, where all information in each lecture is conveyed at least in English, accompanied by summaries or emphasis on content in Afrikaans;

Using one language where the assigned lecturer is proficient to teach only in Afrikaans or English. Simultaneous interpreting and ICT (eg podcasts and vodcasts) can also be employed to support students’ understanding of module content.  

4.1 PARALLEL MEDIUM TUITION: SEPARATE AFRIKAANS AND ENGLISH CLASSES (7.1.3 of SU Language Policy)

Modules in the first and second year (BTh and BDiv) will, where reasonably practicable, offer lectures and tutorials in both Afrikaans and English – with the exception of electives.

Module descriptions and assessment instructions (assignments, tests and examinations) will be made available in both Afrikaans and English.

Students are allowed to write assignments, tests and examinations in either Afrikaans or English.

The same lecturer must be responsible for all lectures in a module as well as the setting of test and examination papers.

Tutorials will be utilised in such a manner as to serve the on-going commitment of the faculty to an inclusive culture in our university and country.

All hand-outs and PP-presentations must be tailored to the language used in a specific class presentation.

The following table provides a survey of undergraduate parallel medium tuition modules in the Faculty of Theology

PMO-MODULES: SEPARATE AFRIKAANS & ENGLISH CLASSES

Module 2017 (Afr)	Module 2017 (Eng)	Module kode Module code	Module krediete Module credits	Aanbiedingstaal Presentation language 2017
Kerk- en Teologiegeskiedenis: Vroeë Kerk en Middeleeue	Church History and the History of Theology: Early Church and Middle Ages	EKKL 143	16	7.1.3
Inleiding tot die Ou en Nuwe Testament	Introduction to the Old and New Testament	ONT 114	16	7.1.3
Verhalende Literatuur in die Bybel	Narrative Literature in the Bible	ONT 144 (Lessons presented by M Nel)	16	7.1.3
Teologiese Begronding vir Jeugwerk	Theological Foundations for Youth Work	PT 112	8	7.1.3
Middelafhanklikheid en Groepwerk	Substance Dependency and Group Work	PT 144	16	7.1.3
Inleiding tot Praktiese Teologie en Missiologie	Introduction to Practical Theology and Missiology	PTM 112	8	7.1.3
Filosofie vir Teoloë	Philosophy for Theologians	ST 144	8	7.1.3
Inleiding tot Sistematiese Teologie en Ekklesiologie	Introduction to Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology	STE 114	16	7.1.3
15e-18e-eeuse Kerkgeskiedenis	15th-18th-century Church History	EKKL 213	8	7.1.3
Afrikagodsdienste en Ekumene	African Religions and Ecumenics	MISS 244 (from week five)	16	7.1.3
Sinoptiese Evangelies	Synoptic Gospels	NT 213	8	7.1.3
Die Briewe van Paulus	The Epistles of Paul	NT 262	8	7.1.3
Pentateug	Pentateuch	OT 213	8	7.1.3
Profetiese Literatuur	Prophetic Literature	OT 252	8	7.1.3
Inleiding tot Pastorale Berading	Introduction to Pastoral Counselling	PT 222	8	7.1.3
Godsleer	Doctrine of God	ST 212	8	7.1.3
Christologie	Christology	ST 245	8	7.1.3
Menswaardigheid	Human Dignity	ST 253	8	7.1.3

4.2 AFRIKAANS AND ENGLISH IN THE SAME CLASS (7.1.4 of SU Language Policy)

Lectures will be conducted in English with summaries and clarification of key concepts in Afrikaans. For first year modules SU makes simultaneous interpreting available during each lecture, and during the second and subsequent years of study, simultaneous interpreting may be requested by lecturers – in all instances, depending on the needs of students and the availability of resources. If two weeks have passed with no students making use of the interpreting service, it may be discontinued for the particular semester.

Module descriptions and assessment instructions (assignments, tests and examinations) will be made available in both Afrikaans and English.

Students are allowed to write assignments, tests and examinations in either Afrikaans or English.

Tutorials will be utilised in such a manner as to serve the on-going commitment of the faculty to an inclusive culture in our university. If possible, separate tutorials will be conducted in Afrikaans and English. Tutorials in isiXhosa can also be considered where reasonably practicable.

All hand-outs and PP-presentations must be in Afrikaans and English.

Questions can be posed by students in class in both Afrikaans and English; answers (where possible) will be given in the language of preference.

The following table provides a survey of undergraduate modules in the Faculty of Theology where Afrikaans and English are used in the same class.

MODULES WITH AFRIKAANS & ENGLISH IN SAME CLASS

	Module 2017 (Eng)	Module kode Module code	Module krediete Module credits	Aanbiedingstaal Presentation language 2017
Anglikaanse Kerkgeskiedenis en Kerkreg	Anglican Church History and Church Polity	EKKL 243	8	7.1.4
Gender en die Bybel	Gender and the Bible	ONT 234	16	7.1.4
Bedieningspraktyk	Ministry Practice	PT 262	8	7.1.4
Moderne Kerkgeskiedenis	Modern Church History	EKKL 342	8	7.1.4
Johannese literatuur	Johannine Literature	NT 312	8	7.1.4
Algemene Briewe en Hebreërs	General Epistles and Hebrews	NT 342	8	7.1.4
Argeologie van die Antieke Wêreld	Archaeology of the Ancient World	ONT 324	16	7.1.4
Liriese Literatuur	Lyrical Literature	OT 312	8	7.1.4
Homiletiek en Liturgie	Homiletics and Liturgy	PT 314	16	7.1.4
Geloofsvorming	Faith Formation	PT 353	16	7.1.4
MIV en VIGS Pastoraat	HIV and AIDS Pastorate	PT 362	8	7.1.4
Diensleer	Service Learning	PT 378	24	7.1.4
Publieke Teologie	Public Theology	ST 312	8	7.1.4
Pneumatologie en Ekklesiologie	Pneumatology and Eschatology	ST 322	8	7.1.4
Kerkleer en Sakramente	Doctrine of the Church and Sacraments	ST 342	8	7.1.4
Suid-Afrikaanse Kerkgeskiedenis	South African Church History	EKKL 414	8	7.1.4
Kerkreg	Church Polity	EKKL 443	8	7.1.4
Navorsingsmedodologie en –werkstuk Ekklesiologie	Research Methodology and Research Assignment Ecclesiology	EKKL 478	48	7.1.4
Tendensie in Missiologie en Godsdienswetenskap	Trends in Missiology and Science of Religion	MISS 442	16	7.1.4
Navorsingsmedodologie en –werkstuk Missiologie	Research Methodology and Research Assignment Missiology	MISS 478	48	7.1.4
Teks en Konteks van die Nuwe Testament	Text and Context of the New Testament	NT 422	8	7.1.4
Kritiek en Resepsie van die Nuwe Testament	Criticism and Reception of the New Testament	NT 442	8	7.1.4
Navorsingsmedodologie en –werkstuk Nuwe Testament	Research Methodology and Research Assignment New Testament	NT 478	48	7.1.4
Teks en Konteks van die Ou Testament	Text and Context of the Old Testament	OT 412	8	7.1.4
Kritiek en Resepsie van die Ou Testament	Criticism and Reception of the Old Testament	OT 452	8	7.1.4
Navorsingsmedodologie en –werkstuk Ou Testament	Research Methodology and Research Assignment Old Testament	OT 478	48	7.1.4
Hedendaagse Tendense in Praktiese Teologie	Current Trends in Practical Theology	PT 413 (for all lessons not taught by dr Bowers-du Toit)	16	7.1.4
Navorsingsmedodologie en –werkstuk Praktiese Teologie	Research Methodology and Research Assignment Practical Theology	PT 478	48	7.1.4
Moderne en Kontemporêre Teolgoe: Agtergrond en Tendense	Modern and Contemporary Theology: Background and Trends	ST 421	8	7.1.4
Moderne en Kontemporêre Teologie: Figure en Temas	Modern and Contemporary Theology: Thinkers and Themes	ST 444	8	7.1.4
Navorsingsmedodologie en –werkstuk Sistematiese Teologie	Research Methodology and Research Assignment Systematic Theology	ST 478	48	7.1.4

Where the assigned lecturer is proficient to teach only in Afrikaans or English, lectures will be offered in one language only.

For these modules additional support will be provided:

1. If the lectures are in Afrikaans, SU makes simultaneous interpreting available in English. If the lectures of the first year modules are in English, SU makes simultaneous interpreting available in Afrikaans; and during the second and subsequent years of study, simultaneous interpreting is made available by SU upon the request of staff, if the needs of students warrant the service and SU has the resources to provide it. If two weeks have passed with no students making use of the interpreting service, it may be discontinued.
2. In addition to lectures, there are appropriate, facilitated learning opportunities (additional consultations, tutorials, podcasts etc) in Afrikaans and English.

Students will be given an indication as to which modules will be offered in only Afrikaans or only in English.

MODULES USING ONLY ONE LANGUAGE IN A CLASS

Module 2017 (Afr)	Module 2017 (Eng)	​	Module kode Module code	Module krediete Module credits	Aanbiedingstaal Presentation language 2017
Inleiding tot die Teorie en Geskiedenis van Sending	Introduction to the Theory and History of Mission	​	MISS 142	8	7.1.5
Afrikagodsdienste en Ekumene	African Religions and Ecumenics	​	MISS 244 (first four weeks)	16	7.1.5
Benaderings tot Jeugwerk	Approaches to Youth Work	​	PT 212	8	7.1.5
Kinderbediening	Children’s Ministry	​	PT 234	16	7.1.5
Organisasie en Beplanning van Jeugwerk	Planning and Organising within Youth Work	​	PT 244	16	7.1.5
Jeugpastoraat	Youth Related Pastoral Care	​	PT 254	16	7.1.5
Verhalende Literatuur in die Bybel	Narrative Literature in the Bible	​	ONT 144 (Lessons presented by N Cezula)	16	7.1.5
Wysheidsliteratuur	Wisdom Literature	​	OT 342	8	7.1.5
Jeugkultuur	​	Youth Culture	PT 322	8	7.1.5
Jeug- en Familiepastoraat	Youth and Family Pastorate	​	PT 332	8	7.1.5
Teologie en Ontwikkeling	Theology and Development	​	PT 344	16	7.1.5
Hedendaagse Tendense in Praktiese Teologie	Current Trends in Practical Theology	​	PT 413 (Only when dr Bowers-du Toit is teaching)	16	7.1.5
​	​	​	​	​	​

4.4 STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (7.1.10 of SU Language Policy)

Students with special learning needs and disabilities will be assisted in accordance with the appropriate SU Policy.

Students with special visual needs can be provided with Braille or enlarged texts, in liaison with SU’s Braille Office.

Students with special hearing needs can be supported with sign-language interpretation and real-time captioning during lectures and tutorials, where it is reasonably practicable to do so.

4.5 POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

Communication with postgraduate students will be predominantly in English.

Students will still have the opportunity to write their theses and dissertations in either Afrikaans or English.

5.      FUNDING

Funding will be required for PMT modules as well as the translation of study material in the other two categories (see options above 4.2 and 4.3).

6.      REVISION

The language implementation plan of the Faculty of Theology will be considered for revision annually (until 2017; thereafter, every three years) in view of the availability of staff, personnel feedback, student feedback and changes made to the SU Language Policy.