Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics and International Relations

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with

• Research skills
• Theoretical and intellectual knowledge
• Problem solving
• Critical reasoning
• Analysis
• Interpretation
• Evaluation
• Communication, both written and oral
• Understanding the normative dimensions of national and international politics.

Potential learners need to demonstrate the following competences

• The ability to write academin texts;
• The ability to write a research proposal report;
• The ability to orally present and defend an argument that is supported by evidence;
• The ability to engage with and critique the ideas of his/her peers in a constructive manner.

A potential learner should be in possession of a BA degree with a major in Political Science/ International Relations/ African Politics. In addition, a potential learner must meet the outcomes set for RAU's BA in Politics.

Recognition of prior learning

Current competence in the field of politics that has been acquired by prior learning through applicable and relevant qualifications and experience will be assessed according to the regulations of the Faculty of Arts. Such competence may provide access to an Honours programme in Politics. Status recognition on the basis of relevant prior learning will not entitle the learner to receive a formal qualification without following the required programme in Politics Honours at RAU. Access, advanced placement or recognition of status will be given on condition that the learner continues his/her studies at this institution.

The learner should be able to

a) To evaluate and, where relevant, apply advance theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations.

b) To demonstrate an advance ability at problem identification and problem-solving by using and applying relevant theories in the field of local, national and/or international politics.

c) To analyse the various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply advanced theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and other case studies and policy contexts.

d) To identify relevant means of action in the field of politics.

e) To plan and execute advanced research in the political field

f) To use information technology effectively.

g) To collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information with regard to ethical problems in politics based on a relevant theoretical framework.

h) To reflect on the governance of polities and explain what types of political and administrative transformation are possible

i) To communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the political field with all role players.

j) To demonstrate an advanced analytical approach towards political communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within the communities.

k) To assess the implications of specific government interventions in the political environment

l) To apply different learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political context.

a) Can the learner evaluate and, where relevant apply advanced theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations?

b) Does the learner demonstrate a advanced ability at problem identification and problem-solving in the field of local, national and/or international politics? Can theories be applied at the relevant level?

c) Is the learner able to analyse various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply specialized the theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and other case studies and policy contexts?

d) Is the learner able to identify relevant means of action in the field of politics?

e) Can the learner do advanced research in the political field?

f) Can the learner use information technology effectively?

g) Is the learner able to collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information with regard to ethical problems in politics based on a relevant theoretical framework?

h) Can the learner reflect on the governance of polities and explain what types of political and administrative transformation are responsible?

i) Can the learner communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the political field with all role players?

j) Does the learner demonstrate an advanced analytical approach towards political communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and acultural differences within these communities?

k) Is the learner able to assess the implications of specific government interventions in the political environment?

l) Is the learner capable of applying different learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political context?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are continuously assessed via class assignments and may also be required to do practical work (independent and in groups) that is evaluated by assessors.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are subjected to a 3-hour written examination towards the end of each semester in each taught paper.