Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Relations

Purpose

Within the social sciences, the purpose of the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Relations is to deliver learners who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of politics that they can apply within a working environment, such as Non-governmental Organisations, state sector and research sector, to investigate, analyse and interpret political aspects and offer workable solutions to realistic problems. It further provides every learner 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 qualification.

Rationale

The rationale behind the Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Relations is to provide learners with advanced scientific knowledge, and to equip them with sound and in-depth analytical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Political Science/International Relations. They will thus be exposed to principles of political thoughts, ideas, and philosophies which provide platform for examining issues of human interaction within the polity. The qualification also aims to turn out academic researchers for engagement in South Africa in the discipline of Political Science, who will be able to contribute to advancement of knowledge for the use of policy makers in the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution 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 institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits for modules or the qualification. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge required, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master additionally 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 learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Social Sciences in a cognate field, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 126 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Theories and International Politics, 16 Credits.
• Foreign Policy Formulation and Negotiation, 16 Credits.
• International Political Economy, 16 Credits.
• Regional Studies, 16 Credits.
• Security and Global Transformation, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Foreign Policy Analysis, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced socio-analytical skills that would enable them to engage with advanced methodologies, including a basic knowledge of statistical methods,
2. Identify, formulate, investigate and offer a viable solutions to a current international relations problem in South Africa;
3. Demonstrate a well-rounded and systematic knowledge of International relations as field of study, as well as a detailed knowledge of specific specialisation fields;
4. Render a service with the acquired knowledge in order to analyse international relations questions in South Africa and to show a well-founded knowledge in this regard;
5. Write a research report in accordance with accepted academic standards and communicate the findings to an audience of academic peers with the aid of suitable IT.

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

• 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;
• 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;
• Function 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, portfolios, tests etc. are employed as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation/project report etc. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Learners are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place.