Bachelor of Arts Honours in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies

Human and Social Studies - People/Human Centred Development

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification in Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies

Purpose:

Provide learners with disciplinary specific knowledge, and advanced learning in the area of conflict transformation, human rights, and development, especially with a focus on Africa.
Reduce the dearth of skilled personnel in Peace Studies and conflict transformation in Africa generally and South Africa in particular.
Allow learners to develop an understanding and apply key concepts of peace and conflict studies (such as peace, conflict, coercion, conflict resolution, ethics of war, nonviolent resistance).
Evaluate and solve conflicts in the real world.
Equip learners to analyse contemporary conflicts in a multidisciplinary (environmental, historical, political, socio-cultural, psychological, and economic) context.
Ensure that the learners possess research skills necessary to conduct a research project using qualitative or quantitative evidence to evaluate and contribute to the resolution of a problem, issue, or controversy in the area of peace and conflict studies.
Promote critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and communication skills necessary to conduct conflict resolution by peaceful means.
Provides route of access to Postgraduate study and further research in the field of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies.

Rationale:

The qualification is intended for learners with undergraduate qualifications in Social Sciences who intend to gain a high level of expertise and skills in conflict transformation at the learner's level for the purpose of working in international organisations and non-governmental organisations focusing on peace, human rights, conflict prevention and development or for using it as a stepping stone to a career in research in the aforementioned areas. Learners from the conflict-ridden countries of Africa will find the module highly relevant to their life situation. Learners completing this qualification will become competent in specific methods of conflict transformation such as negotiation, mediation, facilitated problem-solving as well as learn the dynamics of post-conflict reconstruction as it is applicable in the African context.

Outcomes

Handle conflict at all levels, including interpersonal ones, with increased sensitivity and resourcefulness and take the opportunities these present for positive change.
Assess the impact of specific actions on conflict and the extent to which these actions are contributing to desired change.
Work strategically in order to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of initiatives.
Draw critically on aspects of existing knowledge and theory in the field of conflict transformation.
Share own knowledge and skills appropriately with colleagues, partners and with others interested in this field.
Communicate effectively with a range of audiences at different levels.
Generate and test creative hypotheses and theories for action relating to issues confronting work for peace and justice.
Contribute to the growth of the overall field.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria:

Identify Threats to Peace and Human Security: Students will be able to identify and understand the various threats to peace and human security in the contemporary world and demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness among them.
Understand Causal Factors of Conflict: Students will show an enhanced understanding of the causal factors that lead to conflict and shape the path to war.
Difficulties of Ending Conflict: Students will demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the challenges involved in ending conflicts after the first casualties are recorded.
Issues of Peace and Security in Africa: Students will be able to identify and locate key issues related to peace and security that are of particular significance for Africa.
Theoretical Frameworks for Conflict and Peace: Students will identify relevant theoretical frameworks that can be applied to assess issues of conflict and peace effectively.
Contextualisation of Competing Ideas: Students will be able to contextualize and evaluate various perspectives and theories related to peace studies, conflict prevention, transformation, and sustainable peace.
Engagement in Research Work: Students will engage with issues of conflict and peace through research activities.
Research Skills Application: Students will apply research skills to gain an advanced understanding of conflict analysis, prevention, transformation, and sustainable peace.
Empirical Investigations: Students will develop appropriate empirical investigations to gather new information related to peace and conflict.
Communication of Research Findings: Students will be able to communicate their research findings in standard academic formats and settings effectively.

Integrated Assessment:

Advanced Research Project: Conceptualizing, designing, and executing an advanced research project in a major theme related to peace studies.
Empirical Investigation Methods: Demonstrating proficiency in methods of empirical investigation and analysis.
Research Project Presentation: Writing up and orally presenting the research project.

Additional Assessment Criteria:

Literature Review: Conducting reviews of recent literature on relevant topics within national and international contexts of policy and development studies.
Research Proposal Development: Developing a research proposal, collecting, analyzing, and critically evaluating information, implementing different research styles, presenting data, and referencing material correctly.
Engagement with Theoretical Debate: Accessing, outlining, evaluating, and synthesizing the current critical/theoretical debate, demonstrating personal engagement with the literature.
Research Problem Conceptualization: Conceptualizing a research problem and developing a coherent research proposal, designing and conducting applied quantitative or qualitative research (as required).
Data Analysis Skills: Acquiring basic skills to analyze, summarize, present, and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative data effectively.

Qualification Details

Type: Honours Degree
NQF Level: 08
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.

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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.