Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Studies

Purpose

The Bachelor of Arts: International Studies aims to assist Postgraduate learners who are interested in specialising in the further study of international relations to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of, and analytical insight into, the major theoretical paradigms, explanatory frameworks and associated underlying values related to the study of international relations and international political economies. It is also of relevance for those who wish to work, among others, in Government, inter-governmental organisations and diplomatic missions.

Qualifying learners will

• Have a practical understanding of analysing local and regional problems within the systemic contexts of the contemporary world order.
• Have the ability to differentiate, move between and link various levels of analysis in a holistic framework of understanding, namely local, state-society and international systems.
• Have mastered comparative approaches to the study and analysis of the political economy of developing states.
• Have acquired a critical understanding of the regional integration process in Southern Africa.
• Be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the political economy of South Africa, focusing on inequality, poverty and development within the contexts of the contemporary world order structures of security, production, trade, finance and technology.
• Have completed a focused study on approaches and problems related to the role of gender in the issue-areas pertaining to international studies.

Rationale

There is an enormous need in the world of work for people who have knowledge of the changing dynamics related to the political economy of the contemporary world order, which is characterised by interdependence, globalisation and diversity. Such a person is indispensable, not only for outward-orientated entities (such as trans-national companies, state departments, trans-national NGOs and global governance institutions), but also for more locally based role-players (trade unions and domestic market companies, for example) where understanding of how external forces impact on their operating environment is imperative.

In line with the above, this qualification seeks to attempt to

• Position learners who are able to identify and critically analyse the challenges, opportunities and problems which South Africa, Southern Africa and Africa face within the contemporary global political economy.
• Focus directly on issues of inequality and poverty within the contemporary world order; peace and security; the political economy of emerging powers; gender issues, international relations and global governance.
• Ensure a creative, stimulating environment where a tolerance of cultural diversity is not only encouraged, but is used through a process of learning and an appreciation of how different perceptions feed into analysis.
• Prepare learners who wish to continue with their Master's studies.
• Strike a balance between the interests of learners and the public interest in delivering people who are sensitised to the developmental needs of South Africa, Southern Africa and the rest of the African continent.

• Competence in the knowledge, skills and values associated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree at NQF Level 7.
• Competence in critical reading and writing required for an Honours Degree.

Access to the Qualification

The admission requirements for this qualification are

• A Bachelor of Arts Degree at NQF Level 7 or equivalent with Political Science or International Relations as a major subject.
• Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to broaden access beyond these requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University has a policy in place for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which spells out the processes, guidelines, potential costs, feedback time-lines and rights of appeal, as well as alternative learning options related to Recognition of Prior Learning at the University. The process facilitates a variety of assessment techniques, such as access and placement evaluation, examinations and/or tests, submission of learning portfolios to qualified members of staff for evaluation, conditional admission with identified learning goals which are discussed with applicants, assessment of prescribed additional work, recognition of formal learning at other institutions, and recognition of informal learning resulting from work experience.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may

• Grant access to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
• Grant learners credits towards the achievement of the qualification.

Learners must obtain a minimum of 120 Credits at NQF Level 8 to be awarded the qualification. The Credits are made up from two compulsory modules which together total 45 Credits, and elective or optional modules which together must total a minimum of 75 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
• Research Assignment, 30 Credits.

Total Credits: 45.

Optional Modules (Choose a combination to give minimum of 75 Credits)

• International Relations Theory, 15 Credits.
• Southern African Political Economy, 15 Credits.
• Political Economy of Development, 15 Credits.
• Global Political Economy, 15 Credits.
• Gender and International Relations, 15 Credits.
• International Exchange Module, 45 Credits.

Total Credits: 120.

1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and practical understanding of the methodology of social sciences research.

• Range of Methodology may include, but is not limited to: Problem identification and description, conceptualisation, literature review, operationalisation, research design and research proposal writing.

1. Undertake and complete an independent research project on a problem within the field of international studies.
2. Produce and present research findings effectively using a range of presentation mediums.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification aims to address all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to all the Exit Level Outcomes to determine competence therein:

• The research problem is formulated in accordance with recognised requirements.
• Suitable investigations are developed and used to source and gather research information.
• The major theoretical paradigms, explanatory frameworks and the associated underlying values related to the study of international relations and international political economy are explained and analysed.
• An independent and critical understanding of contemporary international issues, actors, institutions and the rules of global governance is demonstrated.
• Practical strategies are developed for collecting and assessing relevant research information.
• Issues related to the research project and research information are engaged with to clear-up misunderstandings.
• Comparative approaches are used for the collecting and assessment of primary and secondary information necessary in the research assignment.
• Lateral and critical thinking techniques are employed to generate the research findings.
• The research proposal is prepared and produced according to requirements of the research assignment.
• Written and oral presentations are made to communicate arguments in an efficient, effective and logical manner.
• The report is motivated to support and endorse the research findings.
• Feedback from research findings is processed and the report is revised in line with requirements.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes.

Formative assessment will be applied continually throughout the learning period.

Summative assessment will be applied to ensure the achievement of each learning outcome and/or module.