Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations
Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations aims to provide specialized knowledge in the sub-discipline of International Relations. The program targets individuals who aspire to work in governmental and international settings such as diplomatic missions, inter-governmental organizations, multinational companies, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). By offering advanced learning opportunities, the qualification enhances graduates' competence in the field of International Relations, specifically involving governments, Multinational Corporations (MNCs), Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs). This specialization distinguishes International Relations from the broader field of Political Science and seeks to address the current scarcity of skilled individuals in International Relations in South Africa.
Moreover, this qualification serves as a pathway to postgraduate studies and further research within the field of International Relations.
Rationale:
The increasing demand for individuals with expertise in International Relations is evident in South Africa and across Africa. The program recognizes the need for professionals who not only understand the general principles of International Relations but also grasp Africa's unique position in a rapidly globalizing world characterized by technological and economic disparities that often disadvantage the continent. The objectives of the program include:
- Equipping learners to serve in national diplomatic missions to address shortages in diplomatic personnel.
- Preparing students for further research opportunities in academic and research institutions in South Africa and throughout Africa.
- Developing individuals who can navigate the expanding landscape of non-governmental organizations.
The Bachelor of Arts Honours: International Relations serves as a crucial foundation for professional growth within the field. Graduates are equipped to pursue various roles in government, NGOs, or the private sector, at entry or low-management levels. Leveraging their knowledge in Political Science and related disciplines in Social Sciences and Humanities, graduates can make valuable contributions in their professional pursuits.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the range of issues and factors that affect and inform international relations and world politics.
- Contextualise, and develop a keen awareness of competing ideas or perspectives that seek to explain critical problems. Range of critical problems includes but is not limited to: Conflict prevention or resolution### Peace to issues of water scarcity: Regional economic integration### Environmental despoliation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of diplomacy and diplomats in shaping the global patterns of production, trade, prosperity, politics, order, stability and peace.
- Identify and locate some of the issues of International Relations that hold special significance for Africa.
- Apply research skills to advance understanding of conflict analysis, prevention of conflict, transformation and sustainable peace.
- Communicate research findings effectively using a range of skills and modes of argumentation.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- 1.1 Identify the problems and issues of the day in the interrelationships of states and other key players in the international system.
- 1.2 Demonstrate advanced understanding of causal factors that affect international relations and world politics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- 2.1 Identify relevant theoretical frameworks that can be used to make meaningful assessments of issues in international relations.
- 2.2 Demonstrate an appreciation for theory and its limits in practice.
- 2.3 Contextualize competing ideas or perspectives that seek to explain critical problems that impact on international relations and world politics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- 3.1 Explain the complexities and inherent difficulties of leadership, policy making, and governance at interstate level.
- 3.2 Explain why moral claims and imperatives are sometimes ignored by political leaders in favor of perceived pragmatic imperatives.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- 4.1 Explain the varied nature and importance of diplomacy and diplomatic institutions.
- 4.2 Examine and explain the role of diplomacy in shaping a wide range of issues that are central to everyday existence.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- 5.1 Develop appropriate empirical investigations to gather new information.
- 5.2 Develop strategies for gathering and assessing relevant information.
- 5.3 Engage with issues of conflict and peace through research work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- 6.1 Utilize creative and critical thinking techniques to generate the research report.
- 6.2 Utilize written and oral presentations to present arguments in a logical and effective manner.
- 6.3 Defend and support the findings of the research in the report.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 128
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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