Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide theoretical knowledge, appropriate research methods and analytical skills to learners to engage in practical work such as policy analysis, diplomacy, international mediation and conflict management, journalistic analytical quests, research, activism and lobbying, and to analyse socio-political and socio-economic development to inform policy directives and future planning in the public or private sector. This qualification facilitates scholarly development with a focus on a body of knowledge in the areas of Politics and Conflict.

The qualification seeks to create a sound foundation for critical academic citizenship through offering different modules that promote the holistic development of future scholars by focusing on key knowledge areas, applied knowledge and skills transfer to allow learners to think about real-world problems in an abstract way. This qualification creates a distinctive knowledge paradigm needed to grow future scholars that transcend traditional specialism with the more holistic focus needed to deal with the political challenges of the 21st century.

Rationale

The rationale for developing the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies is to bring the qualification in line with new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) regulations to include a research component. The qualification will facilitate a vertical articulation path into Masters' Degrees by research. By allowing specialisation in subject-fields related to politics and conflict a balance will be struck between maintaining a subject identity and developing an innovative and interdisciplinary qualification. The qualification will provide the learner with a deepened interdisciplinary knowledge base, who is academically well-rounded, and able to enter the job market.

The qualification provides a deeper theoretical and research base within Political Science and Conflict Studies. This combination enables the learner to apply theoretical knowledge to relevant research questions and practical research in a local, African, and global context.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applies. Applicants must provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently. This material must meet the qualification outcomes. The applicant must:

• Have a basic, general knowledge base in the branches of Political Science and Conflict sufficient to enable them to raise pertinent epistemological, ethical, aesthetic and political questions about issues, artifacts, texts and events.
• Have developed a sufficient, preliminary level of research related skills, to provide a foundation for developing higher level skills in sourcing and critique of relevant information efficiently and independently.
• Have developed a sufficient level of analytical skill to provide a foundation for developing higher level skills in identifying, reconstructing and criticizing arguments in Political Science l texts through close reading and careful conceptual analysis, as well as selecting appropriate theoretical frameworks to interpret events.
• Have developed a sufficient level of skill in academic writing to provide a foundation for developing higher level skills in building extended arguments and communicating insights effectively through academic writing.
• Have developed a sufficient level of confidence to provide a foundation for developing higher level skills in presenting a philosophical position orally and engage in critical debate.

The final decision on whether or not the portfolio material meets with the above criteria will be determined by a committee of discipline-based experts. In addition, applicants are advised that they may be interviewed, where they will be required to present their work.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

A Bachelor Degree with

• Major in Political Science.
• A minimum average of 65 % for third year modules.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 130 Credits.

Compulsory Modules (110 Credits)

• Theories and Concepts in Political Science, 20 Credits.
• International Politics, 20 Credits.
• Conflict and World Politics, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Research Report, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules (choose one elective-20 Credits)

• Political Dynamics, 20 Credits.
• Conflict and Conflict Resolution, 20 Credits.
• International Political Economy, 20 Credits.

• Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge in political, conflict and international relations theory to empower students to conceptualise real-world problems in an abstract and interdisciplinary way.
• Use existing literature and theory to develop important research questions, as well as engage in primary research to answer these questions from a thoroughly interdisciplinary vantage point.
• Identify appropriate research evidence and apply relevant methods of analysis to Political, International Relations and Conflict issues in order to create a foundation from which students will be able to engage in relevant research and add to the body of knowledge through quality and interdisciplinary scholarship.
• Apply research and critical thinking skills, laying a foundation for research and/or practical application of knowledge as the student is provided with an interdisciplinary skillset to assess and analyse real-world problems.
• Critically assess real word problems building on a solid and holistic theoretical base of theory, for relevant analysis and application within research, policy and academic institutions.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used to assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated way.

• Demonstrate and ability to develop relevant research questions.
• Select, consult and use various academic resources.
• Accurately reconstruct theoretical arguments.
• Compare, contrast, select, apply, and critically evaluate theoretical frameworks.
• Demonstrate coherence and relevance of arguments.
• Apply general criteria pertaining to academic writing by presenting a coherent, concise account of main points and enter into critical debate.

Integrated Assessment

All modules in the qualification will be evaluated by formative and summative assessment. Formal examinations will take place at the end of each semester.

Two formative assessments will take place.

One extended essay (per relevant module) of 6000 words, guided and assessed by the responsible academic staff and awarded marks. The module lecturer may decide to divide this assessment into smaller units, or offer one assessment of the final product.

One oral presentation in which students present and debate in a seminar setting ideas developed in relation to the extended essay. These assessments are used to give on-going and formal feedback on performance to students. These formative assessments are intended to prepare students for the summative assessment.

The summative assessment consists of a formal written exam (per relevant module).

The 30-credit Research report will be evaluated through two formative assessments and a summative assessment. Formal assessment from the research report supervisor will be offered on the research report proposal.

The research report construction will be guided by the responsible academic staff. The first draft of the report will be awarded a mark. These assessments are used to give on-going and formal feedback on performance to students. The final research report will be externally examined by discipline experts based at universities elsewhere in the country.

Final mark assessment is based on a 60/40 proportional ratio of the class mark (Proposal 20% and first draft 30%) to the final research report mark (50%).