Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Political Studies
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Summary
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification 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 Organisation (NGO), state sector, and research sector, to investigate, analyze, 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 this honours qualification is to be found in the empowerment of students with advanced scientific knowledge, and sound and in-depth analytical and conceptual skills within the discipline of Political Science/International Relations. Students are thus provided with a platform for examining issues of human interaction within the polity. The program 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 the advancement of knowledge for the use of policy makers in the country.
Outcomes
- 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's 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.
Assessment Criteria
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, portfolios, tests etc. are employed.
- Integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation/ project report etc. are conducted.
- 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 to ensure competence for the workplace.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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