Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies
Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose
The purpose of the qualification is to provide theoretical knowledge, appropriate research methods and analytical skills to learners to engage in practical work such as policy analysis, diplomacy, international mediation and conflict management, journalistic analytical quests, research, activism and lobbying, and to analyze socio-political and socio-economic development to inform policy directives and future planning in the public or private sector. This qualification facilitates scholarly development with a focus on a body of knowledge in the areas of Politics and Conflict. The qualification seeks to create a sound foundation for critical academic citizenship through offering different modules that promote the holistic development of future scholars by focusing on key knowledge areas, applied knowledge and skills transfer to allow learners to think about real-world problems in an abstract way. This qualification creates a distinctive knowledge paradigm needed to grow future scholars that transcend traditional specialism with the more holistic focus needed to deal with the political challenges of the 21st century.
Rationale
The rationale for developing the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies is to bring the qualification in line with new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) regulations to include a research component. The qualification will facilitate a vertical articulation path into Masters' Degrees by research. By allowing specialization in subject-fields related to politics and conflict a balance will be struck between maintaining a subject identity and developing an innovative and interdisciplinary qualification. The qualification will provide the learner with a deepened interdisciplinary knowledge base, who is academically well-rounded, and able to enter the job market. The qualification provides a deeper theoretical and research base within Political Science and Conflict Studies. This combination enables the learner to apply theoretical knowledge to relevant research questions and practical research in a local, African, and global context.
Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
The following associated assessment criteria will be used to assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated way:
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Developing Relevant Research Questions:
- Students should demonstrate the ability to formulate research questions that are meaningful and relevant to the chosen topic or field of study.
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Consulting Academic Resources:
- Students are expected to select and utilize a variety of academic resources such as books, journal articles, and online databases to support their research and arguments.
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Reconstructing Theoretical Arguments:
- Accurate reconstruction of theoretical arguments is essential. Students should be able to articulate and explain key theories and concepts related to their research topic.
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Comparing, Contrasting, Selecting, Applying, and Critically Evaluating Theoretical Frameworks:
- Students are required to compare and contrast different theoretical frameworks, select the most appropriate ones for their research, apply them effectively, and critically evaluate their strengths and limitations.
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Demonstrating Coherence and Relevance of Arguments:
- The arguments presented in the research should be coherent, logical, and relevant to the research questions. Students need to ensure that there is a clear connection between the theoretical framework, research questions, and findings.
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Applying General Criteria for Academic Writing:
- Students should demonstrate academic writing skills by presenting a coherent, concise account of the main points, engaging in critical debate, and adhering to academic writing conventions such as proper citation and referencing.
The integrated assessment for all modules includes both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments consist of one extended essay of 6000 words per relevant module, guided and assessed by academic staff, as well as an oral presentation where students present and debate ideas related to the essay. These assessments provide ongoing feedback to prepare students for the summative assessment, which includes a formal written exam per module.
The 30-credit Research Report will also undergo formative assessments, including feedback on the research report proposal and the first draft. The final research report will be externally examined by experts from other universities, with the final mark based on a proportional ratio of class marks (Proposal 20%, First Draft 30%) to the final research report mark (50%).
By adhering to these assessment criteria and engaging in the various formative and summative assessments, students will have the opportunity to showcase their research skills, critical thinking abilities, and academic writing proficiency throughout the qualification.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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