REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS DEGREE IN ARCHIVAL AND HISTORICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (AH03)     

1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM

1.1   Develop capabilities and competencies in the collection and preservation of historical  information in the new digital era and global village

1.2   Assist students in appreciate the application of Information Communication Technology to      disciplines in the broad field of Arts and Humanities in general and History in particular.

1.3   Shape and train a new generation of historians, archiving practitioners and curators with the     capacity and attendant critical skills to transcend from the old approaches of data and  information management and claim a niche in the digitalised world.

1.4   Engage students intellectually and professionally in the critical analysis of historical    information, knowledge systems and heritage to be able to provide sustainable solutions to  challenges of society and contribute to national development

1.5   Critique, complement and reinforce traditional approaches by the historian and students  

2. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Normal Entry

For admission into the Honours Degree in Archival and Historical Information Management, candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements as specified in the Faculty Regulations and the General Regulations. In so doing, they must satisfy the following requirements: Must have obtained at least five ‘O’ Level passes or the equivalent, including English Language, History and Heritage Studies. Must have obtained a pass in History or Heritage Studies at ‘A’ Level and at least ONE of the following subjects or their equivalent:

Economics, Geography, Political Economy, Law, Divinity, Sociology, Literature in English, Shona, Ndebele, or any other African Language

2.2 Special Entry

Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate degree programmes.

2.3 Mature Entry

Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate degree programmes.

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Areas of study

Modules revolve around the introductory phase followed by the core issues in Archival and Historical Information Management tackling the theoretical framework, aspects related to records, information generation and preservation in history such as archaeology, museums and oral sources. Students also register for electives, extracted from different themes such as History and International Studies, History and Heritage, Archaeology and Digital Archiving.

3.2 Specialist Focus

Selected critical and relevant aspects of Zimbabwean and African History, heritage and indigenous African knowledge systems, historiography and how these relate and interface with digital methods of preservation of historical information in the era of information communication. Standards, Policy and Legal framework for archives and recordkeeping are distinct features of the programme.

3.3 Orientation

The programme employs a variety of approaches inter-alia; individual research, investigative team tasks, training in information communication and useful applications to develop critical analytical skills

3.4 Distinctive Features

– Collaborative research and seminars with fellow tertiary institutions, renowned academics and archivists.

– A year-long Industrial attachment by participating students with relevant institutions for hands-on grooming.

–  Online and face-to-face public lectures with experts in the discipline and related fields.

–  Research project undertaken by each student to the satisfaction of the department and faculty standards

4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1 Employability: 

Graduates of Honours Degree in Archival and Historical Information Management will be able to

pursue an array of opportunities and options in public administration and organisational leadership,

research institutions and strategic business units and lecturing/teaching in educational institutions.

Digital archivists, museum curators & administrators, reporters, news correspondents,

documentary analysts & academic research assistants, librarians, and  information officers are

other opportunities available

FURTHER STUDIES

Master’s and Doctoral Studies

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

 

Level 1 Semester 1

Code Module Description                                                                                 Credits

AHIM 131    Introduction to Archiving & Historical Information Management          12

AHIM 132   Information Preservation, Cassification Systems and Archiving in Zimbabwe 12                           

AHIM 133    Introduction to the Study of History                                                       12                                                                                            

HISH 133     Themes in African History                                                                12

AHIM 135    Introduction to African Indigenous Knowledge Systems                         12

CS 131         Basic Communication Skills                                                         12

HCS 135      Introduction to Information Communication Technology                      12

Level 1 Semester 2

AHIM 141    Aspects of Digital Archiving and Historical Information Management         12                                   

AHIM 142    Theory and Practice of Records Management                                       12                                                                                      

HISH 134     Economy and Society in Zimbabwe to 1890                                       12                                                                                               

AHIM 143    Zimbabwe Cultures and Heritage                                                         12                                                                                                 

CS 132         Extended Communication Skills                                                                12                         

Electives

HISH 144     Pre-colonial History of Southern Africa                                                         12

**Note: At Level 2, students are expected to study at least five modules per semester

Level 2 Semester 1

HISH 232     Historiography and Historical Methods                                         12

H1SH 230    History of Zimbabwe 1890-1980                                                                    12

AHIM 231   Missionary Collections and Colonial Archives in Africa                    12                                                

AHIM 232    Heritage Inventorying and Archiving                                                  12                   

AHIM 233    Historical Information, Cultural Heritage and Intellectual Property Rights 12                   

ENT 131         Entrepreneurship                                                                                                    12                    

Level 2 Semester 2

AHIM 241    Digitalisation and African Indigenous Knowledge Systems                                  12

AHIM 242   Historical Monuments and Sites                                                                             12

AHIM 243   Archaeology and Historical Information Management                            12

AHIM 244    Oral Tradition, History and Memory                                                                     12              

AHIM 245    Audio-Visual Archiving                                                                                         12

Electives

HISH 243     Demography, Land and Agrarian Studies in Africa                               12

HISH 246     The Military and Governance in Africa                                                      12

 

Level 3 Semesters 1: Work- Related Learning

AHIM 300    Student’s Work- Related Learning Placement Report

 

Level 3 Semester 2: Work- Related Learning

AHIM 301    Student’s Work-Related Learning Report                                                 45

AHIM 302   Academic Supervisor’s Assessment Report                                              45

AHIM 303   Employer’s Assessment Report                                                           30

**Note: Students in the fourth level are expected to do at least five modules in the first semester and three modules plus a dissertation in the second semester.

 

Level 4 Semester 1

AHIM 431    Digital Media Content Production and Management                                         12

AHIM 432    Digital Methods in Archaeology                                                                  12

AHIM 433    Preservation, Conservation and Management of Museum Collections              12

AHIM 434   Appraisal and Disposal of Records                                                                         12

AHIM 435         Standards, Policy and Legal Frameworks of Archiving                                    12    

Level 4 Semester 2

AHIM 441    Management of Digital Libraries and Archives                               12

AHIM 442    Trends in Digital Archives Management                                         12                  

AHIM 443         Digital Archives, Historical Information and Development                  12      

AHIM 445         Research Project                                                                             24                                                                                                    

Electives:

HISH 444     Democracy and Human Rights in Africa                                            12                                                                                           

 

MODULE SYNOPSES

AHIM 131 Introduction to Archiving and Historical Information Management

The module serves as an introductory base for participating students to have initial foundational appreciation of archives, their primary purpose and the generation as well as preservation of historical information. Key concepts, terms and applicable frameworks are defined. It surveys how archives have developed over the years throughout the world, in the African continent and, briefly, in the Zimbabwean context. The module highlights the contribution of experts/scholars/researchers or notable personalities in the field of archiving and historical information. It captures different types or forms of archives as well as how historical information is managed. This introduction further dwells on the comparative advantages and limitations of archiving. It is meant to offer an understanding of how the discipline of archiving and records management has developed and its place/relevance in the very diverse field of information management. The module therefore aims to give participants a clear understanding of different concepts and or principles of archives and records management and for those students to be able to apply them.

 

AHIM 132 Information Preservation, Classification Systems and Archiving in Zimbabwe

The module focuses more on a variety of methods of preserving information and explains the equally varied classification systems employed. It further deals with the processes and systems of archiving with particular reference to Zimbabwe. Archiving and information preservation in Zimbabwe is centred on the National Archives of Zimbabwe and thus the module reviews its history and operations from 1934 as the nation’s central repository of official records. Apart from central government records, the National Archives has expanded its scope and now houses a rich collection. The purpose of the module extends further to analyse the organising of records, and identify the different types of records and record classification systems. As an outcome, students should be able to develop and apply some classifications for a variety of situational contexts and, for particular interest, be able to demonstrate compliance with Zimbabwean trends in managing and classifying records.

AHIM 133 Introduction to the Study of History

The main thrust is to examine the introductory facets of the study of History as a specific discipline with a view to enable participating students to grasp those major elements. Thus, main sources, their advantages and limitations, themes and concepts are defined and explored in detail. Special attention is accorded to introducing the study of African history as a distinct feature of the module.

HISH 133 Themes in African History

This module is focused on providing a survey of historical developments in African societies beginning with organised political formations and economies premised on agriculture and iron production. It further deals with the early contacts with external ‘forces’ in the form of traders and missionaries, navigating the process up to the onset and consolidation of colonial rule. It winds up with the variety of responses of Africans to European colonisation, culminating in nationalism and struggles for independence and an overview of the economic and political developments in the post-independence dispensation.

AHIM 135 Introduction to African Indigenous Knowledge Systems

This module serves as an introduction to IKS in general. It discusses the various definitions of IKS and makes a survey of a variety of knowledge forms of the indigenous people that range from the social to the scientific as well as from the religious to the political. In this module, indigenous education practices and the means through which education is imparted to the younger generations are explored, together with how oral art forms as education media can be tapped into for the financial benefit of the indigenous communities from which they come out. The module also examines the interface between IKS and Indigenous religion as well as the contribution of IKS in defining the African being. It also discusses how IKS can be managed and integrated into the education system. It briefly refers to the interface of IKS with Western systems of knowledge.

HCS 135 Information to Information Technology

Refer to Faculty of Science and Technology Regulations.

 

CS 131 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.

AHIM 141 Aspects of Digital Archiving and Historical Information Management

The various major aspects of Digital Archiving and Historical Information are identified and examined in detail. It explains the processes and contribution of digital platforms and attendant applications as far as this relates to historical information generation, preservation and access. The module is, in part, dedicated to the analysis of written records, their acquisition, strengths and weaknesses.

AHIM 142   Theory and Practice of Records Management

This aims to explain the concept of Recordkeeping across the continuum from the theoretical framework to the actual practice stages. Various forms of record keeping are identified and explored. It further explores the fundamental importance of records and archives and their contribution to our communities and nations, the place of record-keeping in the broader field of information management; defining concepts of records & archives as well as issues to do with regulatory framework, set standards, professional context and ethical considerations. It also focuses on the development of recordkeeping functions, associated theories and practices. Why do records matter in our lives as local societies, as individual organisations and as nations? What are the practical application aspects in these different scenarios? As part of the varied learning outcomes, students are expected to demonstrate an appreciation of the value of records, their management, the role of technology and the nexus between theory and practice.

AHIM 143 Zimbabwe Cultures and Heritage

This module is premised on introducing Zimbabwean culture and heritage and its various dimensions. It also locates Zimbabwe’s culture and heritage in the broader context of African cultures and heritage. It defines and explores the fundamental importance of culture, its diversity and heritage to national development goals and strategy as well as nation-building national pride and consciousness.

HISH 134 Economy and Society in Zimbabwe to 1890

The module is a survey of Zimbabwe’s social and economic developments since the emergence of complex societies to the eve of colonial rule. It interrogates the social, political and economic organisation of small acephalous communities and successive great states such as Mapungubwe, Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa, Torwa, and Rozvi. It ends with an examination of the implications of successive Nguni and European excursions and conquests of communities on the Zimbabwean plateau.

 

HISH 144 Pre-colonial Southern Africa

The module addresses pre-colonial societies, as well as the various socio-economic relations between such groups as the Khoi Khoi, the Bantu, white settlers and the slaves at the Cape. The discussion also includes long- distance trade in Southern Africa, occupation of the Cape, Great Trek, Mfecane and its effects, mineral discoveries, colonial conquests and African responses as well as the beginnings of the industrialisation of South Africa.

HISH 232 Historiography and Historical Methods

The module introduces students to philosophical ideas and theories which found expression in history. This is a survey of the critical method of studying and understanding history from Renaissance and Enlightenment historiography to the specific interpretative strategies for the study of historical texts.  The precursors of modern critical methods/theories such as Kant, Hegel, St Augustine and Descartes will form the background material.  Overall, the module aims to develop the techniques of formal appreciation and criticism of historical works. A slant of this towards African history is highlighted. The student will be equipped with the basics of the discipline through this module.

 

HISH 230 History of Zimbabwe 1890-1980

The module starts with the period from the nascent years of colonial domination to the attainment of independence.  It discusses, among other issues, the long-drawn processes of consolidating settler political domination and economic exploitation. It traces aspects such as African responses through trade unionism, and expressions of nationalism culminating in the liberation war, UDI and independence. Major focus in the post-independence era includes civil disturbances of the early 1980s, the Unity Accord, economic policy thrust, land reform, political contestations and governance and government of National Unity.

 

AHIM 231 Missionary Collections and Colonial Archives in Africa

The students are exposed to the integral role that missionary and colonial officials’ reports, accounts, memoirs, biographies, autobiographies, photographs, paintings, and other official records played in the history and development of archives in Africa as they formed part of the core of material. A critique of these collections as well as the policy framework constitute a significant feature of this study.

AHIM 232 Heritage Inventorying and Archiving

The purpose of this module is to enable students to demonstrate the relationship between documentation, monitoring and information management. The module aims to explore the difference between heritage inventory practices and data collection activities inventories. It will establish heritage record-keeping as an integral component of collections management and examine the various types of museum records and how they should be managed. It will also explore the role of heritage inventories in disaster preparedness and recovery. The module will also demonstrate how archive creation is a fundamental element at every stage of the archaeological and heritage management processes and discuss the socio-technical interactions that take place between people, information, and technology in heritage institutions

AHIM 233 Historical Information, Cultural Heritage and Intellectual Property Rights

The module primarily captures intellectual property rights pertaining to historical information and cultural heritage. This therefore looks partly at the applicable legislation and how these have developed across the world, within the African continent and Zimbabwe.

HISH 243 Demography, Land and Agrarian Studies in Africa

The module examines pre-colonial and colonial agricultural systems as well as colonial land policies.  It compares white settler agriculture with peasant demographic and land policies and famine in Africa.  It ends with a comparative assessment of the agricultural performance of the postcolonial state in Africa.

HISH 246 The Military and Governance in Africa

The module attempts to analyse the role of the military in governance in Africa. The military has been a significant player in post-colonial African politics and governance and its role deserves thorough analysis. The module seeks to acquaint students with reasons why military rule and authoritarianism are contagious in Africa.

AHIM 241 Digitilisation and African Indigenous Knowledge Systems

This module endeavours to assess how the process of digitalisation has interfaced with IKS and with what implications for those systems and historical information. It is anchored on how digitalisation has accorded the historian and the researcher with additional/complimentary tools for information preservation and management

 

AHIM 242 Historical Monuments and Sites

This examines the different types of Historical Monuments and Sites and how these serve as fountains of historical information and heritage. Examples of prominent sites worth mentioning include the Great Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins, Matopos shrine, and Egyptian tombs. The role and contribution of monuments and sites in a country will be tabled in this study. It further looks at how monuments are now packaged and marketed digitally.

AHIM 243 Archaeology and Historical Information Management

The module defines and explores archaeology as a concept, its role as a source of historical data and information as well as the challenges associated with those processes. It further deals with examples of archaeological sites, and how archaeology has developed in Zimbabwe and as a discipline in tertiary institutions of education. It illustrates the use of archaeology in complementarity with other sources of historical information.

AHIM 244 Oral Tradition, History and Memory

This focuses on the definition of what oral tradition, oral history and memory entail and their place as sources of information for the student, curator/archivist and researcher of history. It deals in great detail with the intricacies of oral tradition and how these can be navigated particularly in the digital era, including their usefulness. It argues for the justification of using oral histories in a multi-disciplinary approach with other disciplines for a clearer interpretation and understanding of historical information.

AHIM 245 Audio-Visual Archiving

Through this module, students are equipped with skills and appropriate knowledge crucial for the management of audio-visual materials in terms of creation, collection, development, access, and preservation. They are also exposed to the methodological and theoretical elements which are critical cornerstones of audio-visual archives: visual and sound recordings, cartographic, architectural and photographic archives.  The history and development of audio-visual archives as well as practical skills relevant thereto are explored.

AHIM 431 Digital Media Content Production and Management

This module is premised on detailing how content for the digital is generated, packaged and managed for the ‘consumers’ of that information. It highlights the challenges associated with the use of that content and shares Africa’s experiences in that regard. The module on digital knowledge production covers the fundamentals of making data accessible and usable online, and introduces a wide range of issues related to the use of the internet for the dissemination of heritage information.

AHIM 432 Digital Methods in Archaeology

This revisits the discipline of archaeology as a source of historical information with particular emphasis on digital methods. Digital technology has been employed in the initial study and the subsequent dissemination of archaeological data and thus the module will examine selected methodologies, their applications and basic practical skills in techniques in the probing of archaeological materials. Students will be equipped with an appreciation of the role of digital methods in the analysis of archaeological data and critical reflection skills

AHIM 433 Preservation, Conservation and Management of Museum Collections

Students are exposed to appreciate the art of conserving collections and the institutional/administrative arrangements of museums with the aid of particular case studies. It also emphasises the management of museums as institutions in the information communication technology era. They will be able to appreciate museums’ purpose as institutions through which society acquires, collects, conserves, investigates, interprets, communicates and exhibits information and artefacts collections for us to comprehend natural and human evolution. The different focus areas of museums such as natural history, human sciences, site museums, minerals, military museums etc will be highlighted.

AHIM 434 Appraisal and Disposal of Records

The major objective is to analyse the different techniques or methods of appraisal and disposal of records. It explains the benefits of appraisal and the justification of disposal processes. The students will be equipped with relevant basic knowledge base, skills and competencies to critically analyse the processes in appraisal, retention and disposal of records. They must learn the procedural and professional considerations of what is to be disposed of and what is to be permanently preserved and why for both scenarios.

AHIM 435 Standards, Policy and Legal Framework of Archiving and Historical Information Management

The module addresses general standards, policies and the laws guiding the operations of archives/digital archives and the handling of historical information. With respect to Africa, it traces the legal regime’s development from the colonial to the post-independence scenario. Probing questions are to be asked relating to how political leadership in independent Africa has handled historical information. The purpose of this module is also to identify, analyse and interpret the applicable legislation, policies and standards which govern archives, records management, preservation and public access to records.

AHIM 441 Management of Digital Libraries and Archives 

This defines digital libraries as critical resource centres for preserving information and reviews the main processes of managing Digital Libraries and Archives. Electronic management applications as aids that facilitate access to records are a critical part of this module. The module encompasses different definitions of what Digital Libraries are, and identify prominent examples of such libraries such as World Digital Library, Europeana Library, and California Digital Library. It explores digital libraries and archives collection development policy focusing on goals/purpose, scope, selection, responsibilities, unique content and the emergence of such libraries in the 1990s. The adoption of technologies such as CD-Roms, Digital Video Disk Read Only Memory (DVD-Roms), networking of computers, image/text compression, multimedia technology are examined.

AHIM 442 Trends in Digital Archives Management

This presents an overview of the trends that have been shaping the development and utilisation of digital archives. It highlights different country experiences and the reasons thereof and then explores identified international best practices. Students should be able to demonstrate appreciation of the ever-changing standards, legal and operating environment of archival and information management regimes. The module looks at digital archiving in the 21st century and strategies and opportunities for the future.

AHIM 443 Digital Archives, Historical Information and Development

The module is centred on the contribution of archiving and historical information plays in the national development matrix of a given society/country. Questions have to be interrogated as to what role archiving in general and digital archiving and historical information in particular play in the socio-economic and political well-being of the country. It also concentrates on the creation of digital collections.

HISH 444 Democracy and Human Rights in Africa

The module explores the evolution of constitutionalism, democracy and human rights issues in Africa from the pre-colonial to the post-independence period in Africa. It assesses the impact of constitutions on the democratic process and how African states have fostered adherence to constitutionalism, democracy and human rights. The relationship between constitutionalism, democracy and human rights is of fundamental importance in this module. Special attention shall be paid to the types of constitutions, the constitution making process and challenges associated with the constitution making process. This shall be linked to the notions of democracy and human rights as well as democratic dispensation in Africa. The module further explores issues of governance and the various benchmarks in African democracy such as rule of law, transparency, multi-partyism, as well as free and fair elections. Constitutionalism, democracy and human rights shall also be discussed in the face of the contemporary world where these are topical issues. The module also seeks to enlighten the students on a universal culture of good governance, democratic values, gender equality and respect for human rights and the rule of law.  This helps the students to understand how constitutionalism, democracy and human rights can be used in the promotion of sustainable growth and socio-economic and political cohesion in Africa.

AHIM 445   Research Project

This is a research paper of between 9 000-10 000 words, based on wide research with the assistance of a supervisor.  Its weight is equivalent to that of two core modules. The project should be presented to a panel of the Departmental Board which determines its score.