Master of Philosophy in Africa Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the MPhil (Africa Studies) by coursework and mini-dissertation is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge regarding Africa and theory in Africa Studies at an advanced level. In addition, learners will have advanced insight into the pertinent theories of Africa Studies and substantive bodies of knowledge regarding Africa in order to put in place the necessary assumed learning expected for conducting independent and innovative Master's level research, but also to articulate to the cognate PhD. This qualification therefore offers learners the opportunity of acquiring the knowledge, capabilities and capacities expected in Master's research, but to succeed in doctoral studies also.

Through its curriculum learners will be able to acquire an advanced foundational knowledge base of Africa spanning political, historical, natural and environmental, cultural, developmental and economic aspects, as well as the theoretical foundations of Africa Studies and advanced research methodology.

Rationale

The rationale for the Master of Philosophy in Africa Studies [MPhil (Africa Studies)] prepares learners in terms of theory, substantive knowledge and research expertise to produce original and high quality research at Master's level by producing a mini-dissertation, but also to enable those learners interested in doctoral study, to access the cognate Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Africa Studies. This will allow learners who may show enormous potential for advanced theoretical and empirical engagement during their coursework and mini-dissertation the opportunity to proceed to doctoral studies. The ultimate aim is to develop emerging scholars who are able to conduct innovative and original research regarding Africa and the emergent interdisciplinary field of Africa Studies. The coursework MPhil (Africa Studies) is specifically constructed to develop academic capabilities that will guide learners to theoretically engage with the deep issues and concepts related to Africa and the theory of Africa Studies within a more formalised framework.

African Studies is emerging into a distinct field of study, with intellectual enrichment from various disciplines ranging from the social sciences and the humanities to the natural sciences (Olukoshi, 2006: 536). Africa Studies is conceptualised as a branch of African Studies, along with Africana Studies (African Diaspora). Although the African content and debates have been part of existing academic, an in-depth and systematic research on African dynamics with a strong theoretical base is scarce. Any form of contextualisation needs to be cognisant of both temporal and spatial dynamics. Translated into our engagement with postcolonial Africa and Africa Studies this means that any Master's research project must consider and reconcile history and the present within the spatial dimensions of societies for an assessment of the complexity of daily life and the reproduction as well as future of these societies.

In the coursework MPhil (Africa Studies), learners will be exposed to an advanced foundational knowledge base of Africa spanning political, historical, natural and environmental, cultural, developmental and economic aspects, as well as the theoretical foundations of Africa Studies and advanced research methodology. There are four elective specialist fields: Development Dynamics of Africa, Heritage Studies and Africa, Global Political Dynamics and Africa and Peace and Conflict in Context. The specialist fields were specifically chosen to serve as interdisciplinary prisms that cannot really be separated but are pragmatically teased apart for the sake of critique and analysis. By selecting a specific specialist field from the four options, whether Development Dynamics of Africa, Heritage Studies and Africa, Global Political Dynamics and Africa or Conflict and Peace in Context, learners will be in a position to contribute to the understanding of, and interdisciplinary analysis and description of the major phenomena and issues facing Africa within the context of a specific specialist field.

In Africa (n) Studies, positions and responses are highly diversified within different intellectual spaces across the continent and the North-South divide. It calls for a prolonged and committed deep engagement in the African continent. Africa Studies is aimed at contributing to the development of Africa (n) Studies "as a top field in knowledge production, one that is outstanding on account of the quality of its output and the social responsibility shared by its animators" (Olukoshi, 2006: 536). The continent and the study thereof is internally diverse allowing for the space to forge intra- and cross-national knowledge amongst Africans towards innovative knowledge production.

The challenge for Africa Studies will be to facilitate the tying together of empirical data across countries to produce general propositions about the direction of societal development to explore new theoretical possibilities (Olukoshi, 2006: 542). Africa Studies intends to deliberately include the whole of Africa by integrating the following: decolonisation, conflict and peace, development, democratization, nation-building, regional integration, uneven relations between state and universities, civil society, industry, the pan-African project from a pluralistic scholarly position, as well as historic and contemporary cultures and societies. In this way, Africa Studies intends on contributing towards epistemic and institutional decolonisation.

Against this exposition, there exists a need to study Africa through an independent programme at an African university. The MPhil (Africa Studies) by coursework and mini-dissertation will be founded on more than the mere inclusion of a so-called 'Africa' focus. Since African experiences and expertise have not traditionally played a role in the development of mainstream disciplines, the MPhil coursework in Africa Studies will therefore prioritise interdisciplinary knowledge production and academic contestation in multiple disciplines pertaining to Africa through the critical lens of postcolonial theory.

Productive engagement with African institutions and principled commitment to critical and empowering scholarship can provide a useful antidote and help to advance the long-standing agendas of African universities for their own epistemic and institutional decolonisation, along with those of African Studies everywhere (Zeleza, 2009: 134).

African Studies is necessary to help balance and determine the research agenda taking into account perspectives from within the continent. There is also the need to retrieve and carefully consider the history of the continent for the benefit of the present and succeeding generation of Africans. African Studies qualification will help "contribute to Africa's much needed capacity to come to terms with its own history and to engage the world on terms that are favourable to its advancement".

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In exceptional cases where learners do not meet the minimum entry requirements, the MPhil in Africa Studies by coursework and mini-dissertation will follow the accepted RPL process in line with the policies, rules and regulations of the institution. For example, where the prerequisite NQF Level 8 qualifications had no research essay, or additional modules are required, RPL may be considered.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the Master of Philosophy in Africa Studies by coursework and mini-dissertation are

• Postgraduate Diploma.

Or

• Bachelor Honours Degrees.

Or

• An equivalent qualification at NQF Level 8 in Africa (n) Studies or relevant cognate discipline.

The qualifications comprise compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 224 Credits.

Compulsory Modules (208 Credits)

• Advanced research methology,16 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation, 112 Credits.
• Urban-rural and regional development and extension in Africa, 16 Credits.
• Heritage studies: theory and systems, 16 Credits.
• Global political economy, international relations and the African paradox, 16 Credits.
• Theory of peace and security in Africa, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 16 credits each, (select one)

• Dynamics of nature and environment in Africa.
• Development communication in an African context.
• Health and health care in Africa.
• Land issues and Africa.
• Political economy perspectives on aid, trade, poverty and wealth in Africa.
• Africa and the oral tradition.
• The political economy of heritage.
• Religion-spiritual heritage of Africa.
• Heritage, nature and environment in Africa.
• Cultural heritage of Africa.
• State, democracy and governance in Africa.
• Electoral politics and democratisation in Africa.
• Citizenship debates, gender and social movements.
• Media and democracy in Africa.
• Partnerships and the politics of dependency.
• Terrorism: critical debates.
• Gender, security and conflict.
• Peace building and development.
• Religion, violence and the politics of pacifism.
• Conflict resolution: theory and practice.

1. Engage with the pertinent scholarship and literature of Africa Studies, its related disciplines and theoretical bases.
2. Apply and manage advanced and innovative research methodologies appropriate to the study of Africa to be able to identify, contextualise and unpack complex theory, scholarship, problems, conflict areas, phenomena and dynamics related to Africa.
3. Effectively interpret and communicate research findings to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge and expertise.
4. Learn to approach problem solving using a wide range of specialised skills to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of inquiry to address complex and challenging problems.
5. Develop and control an advanced and comprehensive specialist knowledge base relative to a particular thematic area of Africa Studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge of substantive issues, theories and concepts related to Africa (including African and/or African Studies) are articulated, analysed and critiqued in depth and in detail in a structured programme.
• Advanced and specialist knowledge of the theory, problems and complex social, human and contextual phenomena and dynamics of Africa and the study thereof is acquired.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A feasible topic is selected for research in the light of the theories related to Africa Studies, substantive issues related to Africa and current scholarship.
• Seminal literature and scholarship pertaining to Africa Studies and cognate disciplines are accessed, analysed, critiqued and structured systematically by applying an appropriate theoretical framework appropriate to Africa Studies and the study of Africa.
• Clear evidence is provided of the autonomous and effective application and management of advanced and innovative research methodologies appropriate to Africa Studies and the study of Africa.
• Data interpretation, conclusions and recommendations are justified by the development of sophisticated and nuanced arguments based on appropriate evidence.
• Research is conducted in an ethically responsible manner.
• Ethical clearance is acquired through the relevant institutional channels where appropriate.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Written and oral assignments, including the mini-dissertation, are logically presented and follow an appropriate thematic structure.
• An advanced level of skill and engagement in the application of theory and the generation of empirical evidence is displayed in the written and oral assignments, including the mini-dissertation.
• Key findings are formulated to justify conclusions and to make insightful recommendations.
• Appropriate research methodologies are applied to Africa Studies and the study of Africa and evidence of a clear understanding of advanced, interdisciplinary and autonomous research is demonstrated and communicated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Problems, contexts, phenomena and dynamics related to Africa are clearly identified, analysed and evaluated by applying a theoretical lens appropriate to Africa Studies as philosophy and the study of Africa.
• Concepts, theories and substantive knowledge are integrated into cogent arguments in coherent written and/or oral explanations (seminars, academic assignments and essays) are conducted.
• Challenges in the African context are clearly identified, analysed and evaluated by applying research methodology appropriate to Africa Studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• A comprehensive, diverse and advanced body of literature on Africa Studies theory and substantive issues is consulted during the coursework and the research component as is evident from the bibliographies of academic essays and the research report.
• A pertinent phenomenon of human, social and contextual dynamics specific to Africa and its position in the world is outlined.
• The ability to design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

The MPhil (Africa Studies) by dissertation will utilise both formative and summative assessment. Written assignments and the practical/seminar/simulation exercise will comprise 50% of the final mark, with the examination the remaining 50%.

Formative assessment in every coursework module (mini-dissertation excluded), will consist of two written assignments, a practical/seminar and or simulation exercise. The written assignments will test learners' mastery of literature and ability to integrate the pertinent theories and concepts into a coherent argument. The format of the written assignments will be academic essays based on the synthesis of a set of coherent and original academic arguments substantiated by an extensive literature study including seminal authors, theories and texts. The practical/seminar/simulation exercise will require learners to apply their theoretical knowledge foundation to specific real-world case studies.

Summative assessment will take the form of (i) an examination per coursework module and (ii) a mini-dissertation. Basic information retention will not be the goal of the examination but rather the integration of theory and substantive knowledge into coherent, original arguments. The examination will be done through a question paper of 3 hour duration and of a hundred marks.