PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme seeks to promote high conceptual and inquisitive skills in literary and cultural studies as well as develop student’s competence within specialist literary studies areas. The degree also seeks to generate interest in research in literature and linguistics, widening the students’ knowledge base, competencies, skills and capabilities in the fields of literature and linguistics. To prepare students to adapt to any environment by promoting high conceptual and inquisitive, entrepreneurial skills in the fields of literature and linguistics.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the programme, an applicant must have a good first degree in any of the following:

(1)  African Languages and Culture

(2)       English and Communication

(2)   Linguistics or an approved equivalent from any recognised university.

 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of study:                African languages, African literature, Bantu linguistics and culture

Specialist focus:               research in  Bantu linguistics, literature and culture

Orientation:                     research and innovation-oriented. teaching and learning are practically oriented

Distinctive features:       The programme employs a student-centred approach and offers them an opportunity to participate in national development literature and linguistics programmes.

Employability: Master of Arts in African Languages and Culture degree programme is designed to enhance the competencies of graduates in the fields of African Languages, African Literature, Bantu Linguistics, Culture and University Lectureship.

Further studies:   Doctoral studies in Literature, Linguistics or in inter/multidisciplinary programmes related to the disciplines of Literature and Linguistics.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Core Modules                                                                                              Credits

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 1

MAAFL 701 Comparative Bantu Linguistics                                                          20

MAAFL 702 Zimbabwean Literature in Relation to African and Diasporan Literatures 20

MAAFL 703 Culture and Sustainable Development                                                20

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 2

MAAFL 708 Language Change                                                                             20

MAAFL 709 Multiculturalism, Intercultural Communication                                  20

MAAFL 710 Trends in Contemporary African and Diasporan Oral Literature          20

African Language Studies

LEVEL 2 SEMESTER 1

MAAFL750     Dissertation                                                                                      90

MODULE SYNOPSES

MAAFL 701 Comparative Bantu Linguistics

The module shall expose students to the phonology, morphology and syntax of African languages. Utilising linguistic theories the module shall be preoccupied with comparatively appreciating the phonology, and morphology of African languages. The module shall comparatively engage morphological and syntactic theories of linguistics which are applied to the study of a cohort of African languages to establish the phonological, morphological and syntactic differences and similarities among the languages. 

MAAFL 702 Zimbabwean Literature in Relation to African and Diasporan Literatures

The module shall provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge of literary theory and criticism to appreciate African languages, literature and Diasporan literature to establish the contemporary trends in literature. The links that bind Africa and its diaspora are also appreciated within the context of literary studies.

MAAFL 703 Culture and Sustainable Development

The module shall be dedicated to making a critical appraisal of the relationship between a people’s philosophy and social transformation. Furthermore, elements of culture are appreciated within the context of their role in driving development.

MAAFL 708 Language Change

The module shall dwell upon phonological, morphological and syntactic (among other) changes. The module shall explore factors that motivate language change as well as the different types of change that terms or concepts undergo over time.

MAAFL 709 Multiculturalism and Intercultural Communication

The module shall be dedicated to multiculturalism as well as theories and practices of communication across cultures. Intercultural communication has a long history in the world. For centuries, people, goods and ideas have crossed regions, nations and even continents as a result of the development of communication technologies. Interest revolves around institutions of the contemporary world as composed of varied sets of participants whose communication participation reflects cultural background, tradition, and philosophy of life. 

MAAFL 710 Trends in Contemporary African and Diasporan Oral Literature

The module shall examine the trends in African and Diasporan oral literature. It offers the opportunity to study the relationship between orality and religion, orality and gender, orality and music and even orality, history and politics.  In the process, students shall interrogate how oral literature, through its idiosyncratic formal features, both endorses and reflects the efforts of African people (wherever they may be) to negotiate the political, social, and cultural contexts in which they live.

MAAFL 800 Dissertation

The dissertation module is a substantial piece of postgraduate work (between 15000 and 20 000 words) that engages the student in independent and original work in the field of African cultural studies. The project shall be based on a topic agreed between the student and the department. It will draw on the research interests of the student in African Languages, literature and culture.