Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations is largely to provide not only knowledge that is very specific to the sub-discipline of International Relations but also advanced learning to those learners who wish to work in governments and internationally, in diplomatic missions, inter-governmental organisations, multinational companies, and international non-governmental organisations.

Essentially, the qualification is more specialised than, for example, Political Science, and would serve to further enhance the graduate's competence in the area of International Relations (involving governments, Multinational Corporations (MNC), Intergovernmental Organisations (IGO) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGO). This is at the heart of the difference between International Relations as a field of study and Political Science as a more general and umbrella area of study. Thus, this qualification will contribute towards the reduction of the current scarcity in South Africa of learners skilled in the area of International Relations. The qualification also provides a route of access to postgraduate study and further research in the field of International Relations.

Rationale

A huge need exists at present in South Africa, as well as in much of the rest of Africa, to develop people who are knowledgeable, not only in the general field of International Relations, but who also understand Africa's tenuous position and needs within a world of rapid globalisation, with simultaneous technological and economical bifurcation that tends to leave Africa further behind.

Thus, the programme seeks to

• Prepare learners who can fit into national diplomatic missions and help meet significant shortages among diplomatic personnel.
• Prepare learners who can successfully take up further research in academic institutions and research environments in South Africa and across Africa.
• Prepare learners who can function in the evolving and growing world of non-governmental organisations.

The Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations is an important initial base for professional development in the field. Graduates would be able to enter at various levels of professional work and in different levels of government, NGOs, or the private sector. With backgrounds in the general field of Political Science and cognate disciplines in the Social Sciences and the Humanities, the average graduate would be able to make useful contributions at the entry or low-management levels of professional employment.

It is assumed that the learner is competent in

• The knowledge, skills and values associated with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science Degree at NQF Level 7.
• Critical reading and writing.

Recognition of Prior Learning

In cases where an equivalent qualification or experience (such as government service or field experience as a peace worker) exists, candidates who wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning will be required to provide pertinent supporting evidence in the form of a portfolio of evidence. This will be evaluated by a panel of experts from the faculty and a formal report, in line with the institutional policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning, will help to inform the decision to admit or reject a candidate.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may grant

• Access to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
• Learner credits towards modules contained in this qualification.
• Learner credits towards the achievement of the qualification.

Access to the Qualification

Access is through a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science Degree or equivalent in Political Science, International Studies, Peace Studies, International Relations, Law, History, Development Studies, Sociology or related areas.

The qualification comprises Compulsory and Elective modules - all at NQF Level 8. A minimum of 128 Credits are required for the qualification to be awarded.

Compulsory Modules - all at NQF Level 8

• International Relations and Global Politics, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Study in International Relations, 32 Credits.
• Foundations of Political Inquiry, 16 Credits.
• Research Project in International Relations, 32 Credits.

Total compulsory Credits: 112.

Electives Modules - a minimum of 16 Credits must be obtained

• Corruption, Sleaze and Politics, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology in a Political Context, 32 Credits.
• International Political Economy, 32 Credits.
• Political Change in Africa, 32 Credits.
• Ethics of Conflict, Diplomacy and Peace, 16 Credits.
• Political Economy of Competitiveness, 32 Credits.
• Political Economy of Southern Africa, 32 Credits.

Total Minimum Credits required: 16.

1. Demonstrate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the range of issues and factors that affect and inform international relations and world politics.
2. Contextualise, and develop a keen awareness of competing ideas or perspectives that seek to explain critical problems.

• Range of critical problems includes but is not limited to: Conflict prevention or resolution; Peace to issues of water scarcity: Regional economic integration; Environmental despoliation.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of diplomacy and diplomats in shaping the global patterns of production, trade, prosperity, politics, order, stability and peace.
2. Identify and locate some of the issues of International Relations that hold special significance for Africa.
3. Apply research skills to advance understanding of conflict analysis, prevention of conflict, transformation and sustainable peace.
4. Communicate research findings effectively using a range of skills and modes of argumentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 Identify the problems and issues of the day in the interrelationships of states and other key players in the international system.

1.2 Demonstrate advanced understanding of casual factors that affect international relations and world politics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Identify relevant theoretical frameworks that can be used to make meaningful assessments of issues in international relations.

2.2 Demonstrate an appreciation for theory and its limits in practice.

2.3 Contextualise competing ideas or perspectives that seek to explain critical problems that impact on international relations and world politics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 Explain the complexities and inherent difficulties of leadership, policy making and governance at interstate level.

3.2 Explain why moral claims and imperatives are sometimes ignored by political leaders in favour of perceived pragmatic imperatives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 Explain the varied nature and importance of diplomacy and diplomatic institutions.

4.2 Examine and explain the role of diplomacy in shaping a wide range of issues that are central to everyday existence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 Develop appropriate empirical investigations to gather new information.

5.2 Develop strategies for gathering and assessing relevant information.

5.3 Engage with issues of conflict and peace through research work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

6.1 Utilise creative and critical thinking techniques to generate the research report.

6.2 Utilise written and oral presentations to present arguments in a logical and effective manner.

6.3 Defend and support the findings of the research in the report.