Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Studies

Purpose

Within the social sciences, the purpose of a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) (Political Studies) is to deliver graduates who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of politics that they can apply within a working environment, such as the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), state sector and research sector, to investigate, analyse and interpret political aspects and offer workable solutions to realistic problems. It further provides every graduate with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, for gainful economic activity in a range of related careers, for rewarding and constructive contributions to society and gives admission to more advanced studies, such as a cognate Master's Degree.

Rationale

The rationale behind the composition of the qualification is to enable the student to develop as a researcher and to prepare him/her for further study at Level 9. There is a need to produce competent qualitative social researchers able to function effectively in a number of specialized areas. Graduates that are well equipped with a broad range of fundamental research and writing skills are essential to meeting this need.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The North-West University (NWU) subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The NWU endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master prior to being accepted for the qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

Students have admission to the Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) qualification when they have been awarded a Bachelor's Degree, or a qualification designated by Senate as equivalent, with a major in Political Studies, of which the modules at the exit level have been passed with an average of at least 65%.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

Compulsory Modules

• Methodology (POLS611), 16 Credits.
• Political Philosophy (POLS613), 16 Credits.
• Policy Studies (POLS612), 16 Credits.
• Research Project (POLS673), 30 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Political Dynamics (POLS623), 16 Credits.
• Political Economy (POLS627), 16 Credits.
• Governance and Political Transformation (POLS626), 16 Credits.
• Comparative Politics (POLS621), 16 Credits.
• Issues in World Politics (POLS622), 16 Credits.
• Politics in Africa (POLS625), 16 Credits.
• Politica in the Developing World (POLS624), 16 Credits.

• Motivate and use relevant research literature and applicable research methods and techniques to examine, analyse and evaluate typical issues in the field of political science and international politics.
• Identify, explain, critically evaluate and judge the most important political ideas over time from a personal ethical view point.
• Describe, critically evaluate and judge important current issues in world politics.
• Explain analytical approaches to the study of politics, apply them within the global context of a developing world, and critically explain and evaluate them.
• Explain and apply methods of political comparisons and compare and evaluate political systems in the world.
• Analyse formulated policy (in general but also specific policy outputs in South Africa) and evaluate it according to specific criteria in order to determine the potential of success.
• Evaluate South Africa political system and compare it with other democracies in the rest of the world, in order to point out the differences and similarities.
• Perform basic research on a contemporary political issue, and communicate the findings in written format and orally, with the aid of Information Technology (IT), to an academic audience of peers.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments and tests are employed as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal Examinations and a research report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place. Assignments and tests 33%; Examination 33%; The research report 33%. The research report is assessed internally by experts in the field of specialisation.