Shaping Tomorrow: Revolutionizing Our International Studies Program

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In the ever-evolving field of international studies, staying ahead of global trends and ensuring academic excellence requires adaptability, critical reflection, and the willingness to embrace change. Our program at Divine Word University has undergone a transformative redesign, incorporating valuable feedback from external experts in 2022 and benchmarking against leading international universities. The result is a more robust, contextual, and forward-looking program, aligned with global standards and tailored to the unique needs of PNG and the Pacific region.

Listening to Expert Voices: External Review and Feedback

Two external overseas experts conducted an in-depth review of our program in 2022, offering insights that have profoundly shaped its evolution. Their critiques centered on three key areas: decolonization, staff development, and program structure.

The first reviewer highlighted the importance of decolonizing the program—moving away from a Western-centric academic framework to an authentic, indigenous perspective. This involved recontextualizing unit descriptions, learning outcomes, content, and references to include the works of Papua New Guinean and Pacific scholars. By adopting this approach, our program now resonates more deeply with the realities of the region, providing students with a more relevant and meaningful learning experience.

The second reviewer emphasized the need for clearer differentiation and alignment of units across the four years of study. The feedback revealed inconsistencies in learner progression and assessment tasks, which we have addressed to ensure a structured learner trajectory. Additionally, the reviewer suggested bolstering the academic credentials of our faculty and introducing external disciplinary mentors. Collaborating with senior academics from institutions such as the Australian National University (ANU) and Griffith University will not only enhance our teaching but also foster research and publication opportunities for our staff.

A New Identity: Renaming and Redefining the Program

Reflecting on the original intent of our program and drawing comparisons with similar offerings at international universities, we have decided to rename our program to align with global standards. The name "International Studies" more accurately captures the interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum and positions us alongside programs at the University of New South Wales and the University of Sunshine Coast. This shift also responds to feedback from graduates and external reviewers, ensuring our program remains relevant and competitive.

Graduates from 2023 and 2024 received a Bachelor of Arts (PNG and International Studies), marking the transition to the program's new identity. This change differentiates them from previous cohorts who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (PNG Studies and International Relations), reflecting the program’s redefined focus and alignment with global trends.

A Comparative Benchmarking Exercise

Our benchmarking exercise compared our program with renowned offerings at ANU, University of Queensland (UQ), and others. Key takeaways included:

  • Unit Structure: ANU’s Bachelor of Pacific Studies includes diverse units such as International Relations in the Asia-Pacific and Australia’s Security in the Pacific. Similarly, UQ offers a comprehensive suite of international relations units, ensuring a well-rounded education.

  • Learner Trajectory: Unlike some international programs, our previous structure lacked a clear progression in skill development across years. By aligning assessment tasks and unit content with defined learner outcomes, we now ensure that students build on their knowledge systematically.

  • Curriculum Gaps: We identified gaps in key subfields, such as international political economy and research methodology, which are integral to a robust international relations education. Addressing these gaps will require adding new units and refining existing ones.

Building the Future: Next Steps

The feedback and benchmarking exercise have set a clear path for the future:

  1. Decolonizing the Curriculum: Continuing to prioritize the inclusion of Pacific scholarship and indigenous perspectives.

  2. Enhancing Faculty Expertise: Developing a strategic plan to increase the number of doctoral-qualified staff and foster mentorships with international academics.

  3. Expanding Curriculum: Introducing new units to fill gaps in key areas and offering a more comprehensive international studies program.

  4. Strengthening Learner Trajectories: Ensuring that each year of study offers progressively advanced skills and knowledge.

A Program Designed for the Pacific and Beyond

The redesign of our program is more than a structural update; it is a commitment to excellence, relevance, and authenticity. By addressing the critiques of external experts, benchmarking against global standards, and embracing a decolonized perspective, we are preparing our graduates to navigate the complexities of a globalized world with confidence and competence. Whether in academia, public service, or the private sector, our graduates will be equipped to make meaningful contributions, shaping a better future for PNG and the Pacific region.

Comments

  1. Hanscar SakundimiJanuary 5, 2025 at 12:51 PM

    Mr., that's a great move the Department has taken. As per the 4 recommendations above, can the Department help some of us (Graduates anticipating or preparing to take on masters studies) from the PGIS department by highlighting us some courses that we should take for our masters programs in international relations/studies? So that we will be well equipped to come back and teach in the department.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bernard Singu YegioraJanuary 6, 2025 at 7:56 AM

      We are working on a homegrown postgraduate program which might be offered in the Port Moresby soon. We need to do a market survey first early this year to determine the need or demand for the program. Priority will be given to our alumni.

      Delete
  2. Joelson Maodina AnereJanuary 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM

    Mr. Yegiora, I believe that this undertaking to address the critical infrastructural gaps in the PNG and International Studies Course is a positive step in the right direction. Making the course more relevant to the changing realities and geopolitical as well as security dynamics of the Oceania region is to ensure that the International Relations stream within the DWU Department of PNG &International Studies produces graduates with the necessary skills set that enables our graduates to be marketable overseas. Thank You.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bernard Singu YegioraJanuary 6, 2025 at 7:53 AM

    Thank you Joelson. Our next program review is in 2026. We will make sure we consult you and others for your input.

    ReplyDelete

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