International Studies Program, University of Stellenbosch

I am a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Stellenbosch. My fields of interest are International Political Economy and International Relations. I completed an M.A. on South Africa's relations with Latin America in 1991, and have subsequently published a number of articles on this topic - focusing on the economic, political, and strategic links. I am currently working on the politics of economic restructuring in South Africa and have published a co-authored article on the political implications of export-led growth for South Africa. I am specifically interested in the political causes and consequences of economic reforms in the rest of Africa and South East Asia for comparative purposes. My most recent project was the organisation of a conference on the IMF and South Africa, and the consequences of IMF involvement for the democratisation process in this country. A volume on the conference proceedings has been edited by myself, and will be published shortly (more about this later).

I am also the co-ordinator of a new International Studies Program which will commence in 1995. Our department, in conjunction with other relevant departments at the university and abroad, is launching a dynamic and innovative lectured MA course which will enable students to specialise in either International Diplomacy or International Business Practices. The curriculum has been designed to equip young black South African graduates with the knowledge and skills which they need to face the challenges of a rapidly changing global system. Among others, subjects such as international management, training in political risk analysis, the politics and business practices of four major trade regions, international finance and trade, familiarisation with the latest information technology and resources, communication skills and language training are included in the curriculum.

The program is specifically aimed at addressing the enormous backlogs we experience in the management echelons of our economy, with regard to the disadvantaged black community, while at the same time taking into account the challenges South Africa faces in repositioning itself in the global economy., Last, but not least, this program is an affirmation of the university and this department's commitment to social reconciliation and the restructuring of our own institution. Students with a Bachelors degree in a related field (economics, managements sciences, law, development studies) qualify for admission to this course. While we will initially be focusing on South African students we would want this program to become widely known throughout the rest of Africa, so that eventually we can draw students from the continent and also specifically the southern African region.

If you are interested in obtaining more information on the program I could send you a brochure and background information. Alternatively, a summary of the subjects offered can be mailed.

Peace and greetings. May the force be with you.

Anthony Leysens
Department of Political Science
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X5018
Stellenbosch
7599
South Africa

Telephone: 027-21-8082115 (work)
           027-21-8838425 (home)
Fax:       027-21-8084336
E-Mail:    AJL2@MATIES.SUN.AC.ZA


Date:         Mon, 5 Sep 1994 11:58:00 GMT+200
From: Anthony Leysens 
Subject:      INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM
To: Multiple recipients of list AFRICA-L