Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Studies
Human and Social Studies - Environmental Relations
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Arts: International Studies
Purpose
The Bachelor of Arts: International Studies aims to assist postgraduate learners in specializing in the further study of international relations. The program intends to provide a comprehensive understanding and analytical insight into major theoretical paradigms, explanatory frameworks, and underlying values related to international relations and international political economies.
The program is also relevant for individuals interested in working in government, inter-governmental organizations, and diplomatic missions. Upon completion, qualifying learners will:
- Have a practical understanding of analyzing local and regional problems within the systemic contexts of the contemporary world order.
- Have the ability to differentiate, move between, and link various levels of analysis in a holistic framework, including local, state-society, and international systems.
- Master comparative approaches to studying and analyzing the political economy of developing states.
- Acquire a critical understanding of the regional integration process in Southern Africa.
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the political economy of South Africa, focusing on inequality, poverty, and development within the global structures of security, production, trade, finance, and technology.
- Complete a focused study on the role of gender in issue areas related to international studies.
Rationale
In today's world, there is a growing need for individuals with knowledge of the changing dynamics related to the political economy of the global order, characterized by interdependence, globalization, and diversity. Such individuals are crucial for various sectors, including transnational companies, state departments, NGOs, global governance institutions, trade unions, and domestic market companies.
The qualification aims to:
- Position learners to identify and critically analyze challenges, opportunities, and problems faced by South Africa, Southern Africa, and Africa within the contemporary global political economy.
- Focus on issues of inequality, poverty, peace, security, emerging powers, gender, international relations, and global governance.
- Create a stimulating environment that encourages tolerance of cultural diversity and utilizes different perceptions in analysis.
- Prepare learners for further Master's studies.
- Strike a balance between learners' interests and the public interest by producing individuals sensitive to the developmental needs in South Africa, Southern Africa, and the African continent.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and practical understanding of the methodology of social sciences research. Range of Methodology may include, but is not limited to: Problem identification and description, conceptualisation, literature review, operationalisation, research design and research proposal writing.
- Undertake and complete an independent research project on a problem within the field of international studies.
- Produce and present research findings effectively using a range of presentation mediums. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: This qualification aims to address all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria
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Formulation of Research Problem
- The research problem is formulated in accordance with recognised requirements.
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Investigation Development
- Suitable investigations are developed and used to source and gather research information.
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Theoretical Understanding
- The major theoretical paradigms, explanatory frameworks, and associated underlying values related to international relations and international political economy are explained and analysed.
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Understanding of International Issues
- An independent and critical understanding of contemporary international issues, actors, institutions, and the rules of global governance is demonstrated.
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Research Strategies
- Practical strategies are developed for collecting and assessing relevant research information.
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Engagement with Research Issues
- Issues related to the research project and research information are engaged with to clear up misunderstandings.
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Comparative Approaches
- Comparative approaches are used for collecting and assessing primary and secondary information necessary for the research assignment.
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Critical Thinking
- Lateral and critical thinking techniques are employed to generate research findings.
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Research Proposal Preparation
- The research proposal is prepared and produced according to the requirements of the research assignment.
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Communication Skills
- Written and oral presentations are made to communicate arguments in an efficient, effective, and logical manner.
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Report Motivation
- The report is motivated to support and endorse the research findings.
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Feedback Processing
- Feedback from research findings is processed, and the report is revised in line with requirements.
Integrated Assessment
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Integrated Assessment Approach
- Integrated Assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes.
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Formative Assessment
- Formative assessment will be applied continually throughout the learning period.
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Summative Assessment
- Summative assessment will be applied to ensure the achievement of each learning outcome and/or module.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.