Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Relations
Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification largely aims to provide:
- Advanced knowledge specific to the sub-discipline of International Relations.
- Preparation for work in governments, diplomatic missions, inter-governmental organisations, multinational companies, and International Non-Governmental Organisations.
- Specialised learning beyond general Political Science to enhance competence in International Relations.
- Addressing the scarcity of skilled International Relations professionals in South Africa.
- Offering a pathway to postgraduate study and further research in the field.
Rationale:
The rationale behind the qualification includes:
- Preparation of learners for roles in national diplomatic missions to alleviate shortages in diplomatic personnel.
- Equipping learners for research roles in academic institutions and research environments in South Africa and Africa.
- Meeting the growing demand for individuals who can work effectively in non-governmental organisations.
- Providing a foundational base for professional development in the field of International Relations.
- Creating opportunities for entry into various levels of professional work in government, NGOs, and the private sector.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the capacity to design, conduct and write up research.
- Demonstrate ability to master and articulate concepts and theories in the field of international relations.
- Demonstrate the ability to write a dissertation that is linguistically, technically and scientifically correct.
- Apply knowledge of Politics and International Relations to solve contending global challenges.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify a research problem in the discipline of International Relations and formulate a research proposal.
- Formulate a research assumption to be tested or examined.
- Select and utilise research instruments that are relevant to the research project.
- Report research findings of the investigation and formulate recommendations that emanate from the findings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different sources on the topic under research.
- Draw conclusions from different readings and indicate anomalies.
- Create a theoretical framework provided by the literature review.
- Compile a complete bibliography/list of references.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Write a dissertation that shows that the learner can express himself/herself clearly.
- Write a dissertation that is linguistically correct and of an acceptable standard.
- Write a dissertation that is technically and scientifically acceptable to the examiners.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Choose a contemporary theme dealing with world problem such as war, topic related to problem in the global scene and look at mechanism of solving or suggesting possible solutions to such problems.
Integrated Assessment:
- Integrated Assessment is appropriately incorporated to achieve the purpose of the qualification.
- Modules in the qualification are independently assessed in both formative ways (through class work, tests, essays, other written work and, where appropriate, practical exercises) and summative ways (written, oral and practical examinations).
- In some cases, journals, oral presentations and portfolios of work provide additional forms of assessment.
- In the case of this Bachelor Honours Degree qualification, the substantial research component constitutes a summative test of the learner's capabilities in international relations.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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