| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 01240405 | Faculty of Humanities | Department: Political Sciences |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 120 | NQF level: 08 |
General Admission Regulations:
Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to https://www.up.ac.za/
Minimum admissions requirements:
In certain cases additional modules may be required.
In collaboration with the programme manager and with the approval of the head of department, students can select one elective module from another discipline.
Only certain modules are presented annually. Please consult the department in this regard.
Minimum credits: 120
Elective modules*
Select 3 modules of which 2 must be IPL modules from:**
Note:
*In collaboration with the programme manager and with the approval of the head of department, students can select one elective module from another discipline.
**Only certain modules are presented annually. Please consult the department in this regard.
Module content:
The study of empirical and normative theories of international relations, with specific reference to the contemporary development and state of the art thereof. The emphasis is on the extent to which it represents mainstream or non-mainstream thought and it moves away from the contending paradigms and perspectives that presently characterise the discipline. In-depth analyses are also made of specific partial theories, and of the contribution of selected theorists and their works.
Module content:
The student in a specialised field of international relations, is written under the guidance of a supervisor. This is preceded by an introduction to advanced political research in the discipline with the inclusion of appropriate research methodology, research ethics, and the planning and documentation of research.
Module content:
Contemporary political and economic trends that impact on the political economy of the developing world are studied. The focus is in particular on the influence of international financial institutions and regimes on the political economy of the developing world, and on the responses of developing countries.
Module content:
This advanced module makes an in-depth study of the most important theoretical issues in the analysis of foreign policy. It deals with the development of foreign policy theory, the concept “foreign policy” and the related issues of the role of the state and the agency-structure debate. It also makes an in-depth study of a variety of approaches to the study of foreign policy and in so doing attempts to prepare the student for a possible master’s dissertation on a topic related to the study of foreign policy.
Module content:
An advanced study is made of the theory and practice of critical security studies, with the inclusion of emerging and new security issues. This also involves a comparative analysis of the security policy, strategy and doctrine of selected states; the approaches to and institutionalisation of multilateral security cooperation in the major regions of the world; as well as peace support operations initiated by international organisations. At the strategic level, attention is given to contemporary strategy of military action and deterrence strategy.
Module content:
The module focuses on African political systems, the position and role of Africa in the international system and aspects of regionalism and regionalisation. An analysis and evaluation is made of the major issues, challenges, trends and transformations concerning the domestic politics and the regional and international relations of African states, including pan-Africanism.
Module content:
The theory and practice of peace missions and political conflict with specific reference to the classification, causes, development, conduct, management and outcomes of political conflict. Particular emphasis is placed on the different facets of peace missions and political conflict management such as conflict avoidance, prevention, settlement and resolution, as well as the process of bargaining, negotiation and (third party) mediation. An analysis will be made of selected case studies with specific reference to mediation in violent conflicts in Africa.
Module content:
The systematic comparative study of political phenomena on a regional, continental or global basis using comparative methodologies. This will enable the analysis of political practice and the considerable variations across regions, continents and in the world. The growing importance of global influences and interdependence between regions and local politics require the development of specific knowledge and skills by students to explore the reasons for the variations and to develop possible responses to these.
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