PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme seeks among other things to:  

• To stimulate interest in and promote the study of history and International Studies through an

acquaintance with the variety of theoretical and applied approaches to aspects and periods of history and a familiarity with differing interpretations of particular historical problems.

•       Provide a supportive environment towards promoting the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of cause and consequence, continuity and change in human activity in Zimbabwe and beyond.
•       develop essential study skills as a sound base for further study and the pursuit of personal interest in selected themes in international affairs.
•       build on the strengths of a range of disciplines and programmes available to students through the University’s concept of “Flexible Packaging”.
•       engage students intellectually and professionally in the critical analysis of international issues pertinent to the needs of the 21st Century.

3. CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates of History and International Studies will be able to pursue a variety of career options in administration, public leadership, research and consultancy, teaching and the international civil service with regional and international organizations such as Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and varied United Nations Organization (UNO) agencies.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

For entry into the Honours in History and International Studies, candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements 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 and History.  Must have obtained a pass in History at ‘A’ Level and at least ONE of the following subjects or their equivalent:

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

Special Entry

  Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Degree                  Programmes.

Mature Entry

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

                     Programmes.

3.     PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of study

Modules discuss the history of Zimbabwe, Africa and the world from antiquity to the present. Students also choose electives, organised around different themes such as International Law, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa, international relations and global history.

Specialist Focus       Themes in African History, Research Methods, Demography, Land and Agrarian Studies, Nationalism, Africa in the 21st century Religion, international law, international relations and peace.

Orientation

The programme takes a multi-dimensional approach where field work, critical thinking and innovative research is emphasised.

Distinctive Features –       Interaction with seasoned scholars (Sabbatical Fellows) and community experts.

–       Grooming of versatile academics who can be problem solvers to contemporary challenges.

–       A strong and active tradition of historical expertise

–       Regular research seminars with visiting speakers

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

 

Code      Module Description                                             Credits

Level 1 Semester 1

HISH 130     Research Methods                                                                12

HISH 133     Themes in African History                                                    12

HISH 134     Economy and Society in Zimbabwe to 1890                           12

HISH 137     Introduction to International Studies                                      12

HISH 139     Women in African History                                                    12

CS 131         Basic Communication Skills                                                 12

HCS 135      Introduction to Information Technology                             12

Level 1 Semester 2

 

HISH141      Introduction to International Relations and Diplomacy            12

HISH142      History of International Law                                             12

HISH144      Pre-Colonial Southern Africa                                                12

HISH230      History of Zimbabwe 1890-1980                                           12

CS 132         Extended Communication Skills                                        12

Electives                 

HISH 143     Regional Co-operation in Africa                                            12

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

HISH 233     Europe between 1789 and 1918                                             12

HISH 234     History of East Africa                                                       12

HISH 236     International Organisations since 1919                                   12

HISH 238     Growth and Development of East Asian Economies               12

ENT 131      Entrepreneurship 1                                                              12

 

Electives

HISH235      Developments in Southern Africa since 1870                         12

HISH237      United States of America since 1860                                 12

Level 2 Semester 2

HISH 240     North Africa and the Middle East                                          12

HISH 241     China since the Communist Revolution                                  12

HISH 242     Labour and Capital in Africa                                                 12

HISH 243     Demography, Land and Agrarian Studies in Africa                 12

Electives

HISH 244     Western Europe since 1919                                               12

HISH 246     The Military and Governance in Africa                                  12           

HISH 247     Latin America and the Caribbean                                          12          

Level 3 Semester 1 Work- Related Learning

HISH300      Student’s Work- Related Learning Placement Report              15

 

Level 3 Semester 2: Work- Related Learning

HISH 304     Student’s Work-Related Learning Report                               45

HISH 305     Academic Supervisor’s Assessment Report                            45

HISH 306     Employer’s Assessment Report                                         30

Level 4

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

HISH 431     Race, Class and Ethnicity in Africa                                        12

HISH 432     History of African Liberation Movements                          12

HISH 433     African International Relations                                               12

HISH 434     Peacekeeping and Peace-building in Independent Africa         12

HISH 435     Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Africa                              12

Level 4 Semester 2

HISH 441     Religion and Society in Africa                                               12

HISH 442     Zimbabwean History since Independence                           12   

HISH 443     African Diaspora and International Migrations                       12

HISH 445     Research Project                                                           12

Electives  

 

HISH 444 Democracy and Human Rights in Africa                                        12

All electives will be on offer in any given semester. The Departmental Board decides on the modules to be taught in each semester.

MODULE SYNOPSIS

HISH 130 Research Methods

The module focuses on addressing the development of core research skills for advanced historical study. Through case studies analyses, the evaluation of different types of historical evidence, and the consideration of how valid research questions are formulated and applied, it is designed to refine the critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are fundamental to valid historical scholarship. This module is an introduction to research methods for students studying History and International Studies.  It is aimed at acquainting the student with some major aspects of the discipline and its practice.

HISH 134 Economy and Society in Zimbabwe to 1890

The module is a survey of Zimbabwe’s social and economic developments since the Early Iron Age, and then examines the origins and socio-economic structure of the early and later Shona states. Some of the states covered include Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa State, Torwa, Rozvi and Ndebele states.  It ends with a discussion of the Nguni conquests of the 19th Century and the period of Treaties and Concessions with different white settlers which culminated in the colonisation of Zimbabwe.

HISH 133 Themes in African History

The module provides students with a general survey of social and economic aspects of African society from the origins of agriculture to the present.  The aim of the module is to expose students to various interpretations of the past. Themes covered include state formation; long- distance trade; mercantile capital; slave trade; European imperialism, colonial administrative systems, colonial development policies and African reactions; the impact of Christianity and Western education; the growth of African nationalism and the struggles for independence.

HISH 137 Introduction to International Studies

The module provides a basis for students to deepen their understanding of an increasingly interdependent world and broaden their perspective on a variety of international topics.  It introduces key concepts and approaches in international studies, examining important problems in the contemporary world from the historical perspective and related social science disciplines. The module enables students to understand why international events occur the way they do, why certain wars break out, why certain agreements benefit one nation more than the other or others and why certain countries are more prosperous than others. It analyses concepts of power, sovereignty, diplomacy and global governance in the international system.

CS 131 Basic Communication Skills

This module introduces the learner to the fundamentals of communication skills in an academic setting – speaking, listening, reading and writing. These include style and appropriateness, formal and informal styles of writing, organisation of writing, paragraphing, developing an argument, referencing and editing.

HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology

The module is a course designed to familiarise students with the operation of computers and various application programmes and equip them to use computers in different areas of study as used in today’s global environment. It presents the following concepts: Basic computer concepts, data processing cycle, number system, computer Arithmetic, types of computers and computer applications. It also introduces topics such as computer hardware and software, file management, the internet, the social web, green computing, security and computer ethics.

HISH 139 Women in African History

The module explores the social, economic and political experiences of African women from pre-colonial times to the present. It examines African women’s overlooked pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial experiences, introducing students to theories of feminism and concepts such as gender and sex, gender sensitivity, gender equity and equality, affirmative action and gender mainstreaming. The module will consider women’s political and military involvement in early pacification wars of colonial encroachment. It also interrogates measures that have been put in place by various domestic and international institutions to promote gender equity and equality. It will also focus on the measures that women have taken to assert themselves in society and African Historiography.

HISH 141 Introduction to International Relations and Diplomacy

The module introduces students to the concepts, theory and practice of international relations and diplomacy. The motive is to capture relations and networking of nations in the form of the inception of the idea of diplomacy to the contemporary world. It also equips students with the skills necessary to understand the subject matter. The main focus will be Africa and particularly Zimbabwe, though outside nations are also discussed.

HISH 142 History of International Law

The module exposes students to the dynamics of international law. The importance of international law lies in that it seeks to regulate relations between and among states. Issues of state sovereignty, diplomatic law and immunity will be examined since the task of international tribunals is to interpret wording used in international agreements. The module examines the place of the developing world particularly Africa in relation to international law.

 

HISH 143 Regional Co-operation in Africa

The module examines the growth and development of African efforts at regional co-operation in the form of groupings such as the AU, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, EAC and AMU. It discusses the socio-economic and political impact of such integration on member countries and third parties in general. It explores the role of these organisations in promoting peace and stability, social integration and assesses challenges that the organisations have encountered in relation to seeking economic sovereignty.

HISH 144 Pre-colonial Southern Africa

The module focuses on the development of pre-colonial societies in the Southern African sub-region as well as the complex socio-economic relations between such groups as the San, the Khoi Khoi, the Bantu, and the European intruders. The module examines specific themes such as long- distance trade in Southern Africa, the European occupation of the Cape, the Great Trek, The Portuguese interaction with African communities in Southern Africa, Mfecane and its effects, mineral discoveries and the beginnings of the industrialisation of South Africa and its impact on the region, the Scramble for, and colonial conquest of the region and African responses as well.

HISH 230 History of Zimbabwe 1890-1980

The module covers the period from the establishment of colonial rule to the present.  It discusses, among other issues, the colonisation of Zimbabwe and early African resistance including the Anglo-Ndebele war of 1893-94 and the Chimurenga/Umvukela I, the establishment of the colonial economy under the B.S.A Company, the transition to settler rule,  capitalist development, land apportionment and African dispossession, urbanisation and the growth of the manufacturing sector, the rise of trade unions and the beginnings of nationalism; the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the ZAPU split and rise of ZANU, UDI and sanctions as well as the War of Liberation. It also looks at false starts to independence – the Internal Settlement and the creation of the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Government, and lastly the Lancaster House Agreement and the coming of Uhuru-independence

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. The module also covers the features of hagiographical writings, colonialist, Africanist and patriotic historiography. Students will also be exposed to historical data collection methods and various approaches to data presentation and analysis. The overall aim of the module is to develop the techniques of historical data collection, writing, formal appreciation and criticism of historical works.

HISH 233 Europe between 1789 and 1918

This module surveys the history of Europe from the French Revolution of 1789 to the end of World War 1. 1789 is critical in understanding issues of liberty, fraternity and human rights. These were subsequently improved and also challenged by the Napoleonic Wars, Concert of Europe, Congress system, revolutions and the Crimean War. Further, the unification of Italy and Germany occupies a special position. The module also looks at how European diplomacy played out resulting in the formation of two hostile camps, the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance. The module ends with an examination of the causes, course and results of the so-called World War I of 1914-1918.

HISH 234 History of East Africa

The module offers a broad exploration of major socio-political and economic developments in Eastern Africa from the time of the Khoi-San, Cushitic, Semitic and Bantu populations to the struggles for independence in the 20th century. The module unpacks and critiques the rise of agriculture and pastoralism in Eastern Africa. It further examines the development of trade in Eastern Africa and the interactions of East African communities with the Swahili-Arab traders during the trans–Saharan trade and their encounters with the maritime culture of the Indian Ocean and later European traders during the slave trade. The module further discusses the establishment of colonial rule and subsequent colonial socio-economic structures. It brings to the fore the fact that although colonialism was about the exploitation and control of the Africans and their natural resources by countries such as Britain, the Germans and the Portuguese, the Africans did not passively endure colonial restrictions and exactions. Africans devised several strategies ranging from resistance to subversion and negotiation to shape their lives. The module also reveals that although the colonial system sought to subject, control and transform Africans in many aspects, socially and economically, the process was not entirely transformative in that whilst East Africans appropriated and utilised Western technologies, adopted Christianity and Western education, in many respects, they maintained and retained some aspects of their pre-colonial traditions and cultures. The module ends with a discussion of the struggle for independence in Eastern Africa.

HISH 235 Developments in Southern Africa since 1870

The module is a survey of the history of Southern Africa starting from the early 1870s. It covers all countries in the Southern African region which include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The module examines the experiences of African and white societies in the region since the discovery and exploitation of minerals in South Africa towards the end of the 1860s. It grapples with issues of the subjugation and exploitation of African communities by whites, race relations and in general how the colonial policies led to the loss of African sovereignty. It goes further to explore the indigenous people’s resistance to colonial rule from the primary resistance movements to nationalist politics and liberation wars in the region. The post-colonial issues of governance, African politics, civil wars, human rights and democracy, economic instability, de-industrialisation, growing poverty, migration and xenophobia will also be covered. The emphasis of this course will be on understanding the roots of Southern African problems and encouraging students to find possible solutions to the challenges.

HISH 236 International Organisations since 1919

This module introduces students to a study of the role and significance of major international organisations in global politics. A number of major organisations, existing and defunct will be studied. For the defunct, the idea is to find out why they failed and learn from their mistakes s to strengthen the existing ones with noble objectives. For the existing ones, the idea is to learn their objectives, strengths and weaknesses and see how best they can be made to serve the interests of all. The International Organisations to be studied include (but are not limited to) the League of Nations, the United Nations Organisation; the European Economic Community/ European Union; the Organisation of African Unity/ the African Union, the Organisation of American States; the Arab League; the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; the Warsaw Pact; the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Non-Aligned Movement.

HISH 237 USA since 1860

The module is a survey of socio-economic developments in the USA since the end of Civil War (1861-65). Special attention will be on the impact of the Civil War; the ordeal of Reconstruction America’s role in World War 1; the Inter-War years and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal recovery programme; foreign affairs; World War II and its aftermath; and the Cold War era. Furthermore, it discusses how the USA became a superpower and how she has used her position of influence in the 21st century.

HISH 238 Growth and Development of East Asian Economies

East Asia refers to countries including mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. These are countries which as late as the mid-twentieth century remained non-industrial and poverty-stricken, but starting from the 1960s most of them defied an array of socio-political challenges and achieved a modern economic take-off which made East Asia one of the most important economic success stories now referred to as the “East Asian Economic miracle.” There is no doubt that East Asia is now one of the most economically prosperous and technologically advanced regions in the world. This module therefore grapples with conflicting perspectives and insights behind the East Asian economic miracle. It analyses the set of factors and strategies which made this rate of economic growth possible. This is therefore a study of how each of these nations including the Four Tigers, achieved this feat over such a short space of time. Over and above all, students will be expected to see what lessons African nations can draw from the experiences of the East Asian countries.

HISH 239 West Africa to Independence

The period covered by this module stretches from the origins of agriculture in West Africa to the attainment of independence in the 20th century.  Topics include state formation, the Islamisation of West Africa and Islamic Revolutions, the Trans-Saharan trade, slavery, the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and Abolition, colonial administrative practices and economies, the growth of African Nationalism, and the struggle for national self-determination.

 

HISH 240 North Africa and the Middle East

The module surveys historical developments in the area stretching from Morocco in the West to Iran in the East and from Turkey in the North to Yemen in the South.  It follows a broadly chronological and thematic approach to the period from the advent of Islam to independence.  Emphasis will be placed on the social and economic impact of the relations between Israel and her Arab neighbours.

 

HISH 241 China since the Communist Revolution

The module grapples with the political, economic and social developments that obtained in China in the aftermath of the Communist Revolution. It examines Mao’s attempts to fight capitalism and create a Communist state in China through revolutions such as the Agrarian Reform, Hundred Flowers Campaign, Great Leap Forward and the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution among many other campaigns. It also examines the dangers of being a pariah state like what China was in the early years of the Republic. The module also explores the policies and economic strategies used by the new dispensation of Deng Xiaoping to transform an underdeveloped and poverty-stricken China into one of the most economically prosperous and technologically advanced countries. To this end, China’s change of foreign policy from ‘isolationism’ towards ‘re-engagement’ with other great economies and Deng Xiaoping’s ‘Four Modernisations’ will be examined in greater detail. Issues relating to China’s relations with the Soviet Bloc and the Western World and the One China Policy will also be explored. The module also focuses on the Belt and Road Initiative aka One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR) and the growing ‘all-weather’ friendship between China and Africa since the days of the liberation struggle.

 

HISH 242 Labour and Capital in Africa

Labour is the key to production and without it no production is possible. The module focuses on the interaction between labour and capital from the establishment of colonial rule to post- independence era in Africa. It explores the processes of proletarianisation of the African labour force and how Africans either resisted or adapted to the new arrangements set by the colonial systems. Case studies will be drawn from countries across the continent to expose students to an in-depth appreciation of how labour and capital have interacted over the years. The module also interrogates the role of labour in the rise of African nationalism and how this shaped relations with Capital (foreign investment) and the post-colonial State. The relationship between labour and capital is also going to be understood in conjunction with their conflicting interests which have in many ways contributed to shaping the socio-economic and political trajectories of the continent. Thus, the role of the State as both a regulatory body and employer cannot be left out on issues of labour and capital. The module further provides broader discussion of the politicisation and militancy of labour and how this has (re)defined the role of State, labour and capital in Africa’s social, economic and political developments. The module will conclude by interrogating the plight of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

HISH 243 Demography, Land and Agrarian Studies in Africa

The module begins by examining pre-colonial and colonial agricultural systems in Africa, as well as colonial land policies and their impact. It outlines the agricultural techniques that pre-colonial societies in Africa employed to prevent crop failures and to minimise the risk of famine. It also examines the role of the colonial state in promoting settler agriculture through the promulgation of segregatory land and labour policies, and the resultant fate of peasant agriculture. To enhance the student’s understanding of Africa’s agrarian issues, Africa’s demographic history is also reviewed, with particular consideration being given to ecological factors affecting demographic trends in the past, and the economic and epidemiological impact of colonisation. Also Land conflicts between White settlers and African populations are analysed in East, Central and Southern Africa. A comparative assessment of the agricultural performance of the post-colonial state in Africa is provided. The module ends by looking at the question of drought and famine in Africa, with particular focus on the role of the state and International Aid, and a case study of the Sahel region is provided.

 

HISH 244 Western Europe since 1919

The module discusses the Western European events starting from the end of the First World War. It focuses on the Versailles Peace Settlement, failed attempts to prevent future world wars (League of Nations), the socio-economic upheavals of the inter-war period, the great depression, the rise of Fascist and Nazist dictatorships and how they reshaped European international relations up to the time of World War II. Special attention will also be paid to debates about the actual causes of WWII and its general conflagration. The module also looks at the political and economic re-organisation of European powers after World War 2, with a focus on the impact of war, economic recovery strategies, and Western Europe’s new alliances in response to the new Cold War politics.

 

HISH 245 African Heritage and Culture

This module explores African cultures and heritage with particular reference to Zimbabwe. It defines and contextualises the African people of Zimbabwe, their cultures, heritage and philosophies of life.  The module also aims to sensitise Africans and Zimbabweans in particular to appreciate their cultures as resources for development. The rich and sacred heritage of Africa is of particular interest to cultivate critical consciousness for the nation. The module emphasises understanding and appreciating different African cultures and heritage. It carries an agenda that is in sync with decolonisation and an African renaissance.

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 arecontagious in Africa.

HISH 247 Latin America and the Caribbean

This module offers a broad exploration of major political, economic and social developments in Latin America and the Caribbean. The module uncovers the agency of pre-conquest Latin American societies, the Inca Empire of Peru and the Aztecs of Mexico. The political, economic and social organisations of these pre-conquest Latin American societies will be analysed. In addition, the module will interrogate the agonising processes of the Spanish conquest of Latin America and the looting of natural resources. The module will develop and equip students with knowledge about under development of Latin America whilst foreign powers such as Europe and the United States of America benefitted. This has also created an endless chain of dependency. In Latin America colonial rule meant the oppression of small countries by the larger neighbors. Thus Latin America`s backwardness, dependency and poverty are an integral part of the history of world capitalism`s development.

 

LEVEL 3

Level 3 Semester 1

HISH300 Student’s Work- Related Learning Placement Report   

Level 3 Semester 2

HISH 304 Student’s Work-Related Learning Report                                                        

HISH 305 Academic Supervisor’s Assessment Report                                           

HISH 306 Employer’s Assessment Report                                 

LEVEL 4

HISH 431 Race, Class and Ethnicity in Africa

The module examines the complexities of classical and modern debates on race, class and ethnicity, and their critique.  It starts with definitions of these concepts and their contribution to social, economic and even political “crises” in Africa. It then looks at the intersection of race, class, and ethnicity with human social, political and economic interactions. It looks at various case studies of how these social relations influenced government or state policies at different historical phases in pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial Africa. Clear cases to be studied include the Apartheid Policy in South Africa and the rest of colonial Africa, Rwandan Massacres, general political instability, civil wars and cases of genocide associated with these forces.

 

HISH 432 History of African Liberation Movements

The module focuses on African struggles against colonialism. It explores the strategies employed by Africans in the decolonisation process such as constitutional settlements and liberation wars paying particular attention to their strengths and weaknesses. The module covers topics on decolonisation movements in different African countries, armed struggles for independence in various countries on the continent, ideological inclinations of the liberation movements, their transnational links and legacies of African liberation movements.

 

HISH 433 African International Relations

The module focuses on Africa’s relations with the international community since the colonial period. It traces how Africa’s integration into the world capitalist system in an unevenly balanced core-periphery relationship (where Europe was the core and Africa the periphery) continues to shape relations between Africa and the international community. As one of its key goals, the module emphasises the interrogation of factors sustaining Africa’s weaker status in global politics despite being globally the largest regional bloc. It further looks at the aspect of growing foreign intervention in African affairs from the time of independence. The module also explores Africa’s interaction with various international organisations and the efforts Africa is making to create a world order beneficial to its leaders and citizens.

 

HISH 434 Peacekeeping and Peace-building in Independent Africa  

The module dwells on and analyses the two broad concepts of peacekeeping and peacebuilding in Africa with much of the focus being on the post-independence period. It looks in general at the causes and recurrent nature of conflict situations in Africa. With the use of detailed case studies of countries/communities from across the sub-regions of the continent, the module then tackles the roles, operations, mechanisms and the effectiveness and limitations of local, sub-regional, continental and international organisations/actors in executing peacekeeping and peacebuilding initiatives. While ‘modern’ approaches and strategies in promoting and building peace constitute a crucial component of this study, students are equally expected to critique the utilisation of indigenous/ traditional approaches, institutions and mechanisms for peacebuilding in Africa and how these can be blended in some scenarios with the ‘modern-day, Eurocentric’ ones.

HISH 435 Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Africa

The module considers Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in African Development.  It examines the interaction of African IKS with the European systems and the effect on both cultures.  The module also examines the re-emergence of IKS in independent Africa and the different theories of development. The module aims to examine the knowledge systems, ways of knowing and worldviews indigenous people in Africa have constructed and drawn upon in relation to the context in which they are situated, explore ways in which IKSs have been adopted to meet the contemporary imperatives of African people,  review epistemological structures that distinguish IKSs from other knowledge systems, examine characteristics associated with IKSs of African people and analyse some of the cultural considerations that come into play as indigenous people become Westernised.

 

HISH 441 Religion and Society in Africa

Africa has seen major political and societal transformations from the age of colonial imperialism to the present diversity of post-colonial governance, economic development, and societal cohesion. Religions have been a vital and often under-studied factor in these transformations and are equally interwoven with present-day African politics and societies, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world. The module examines the relationship between religious and political/social developments in Africa by way of concrete regional examples from the pre-colonial era to present issues, thereby carving out historical continuities and contingencies as well as regional commonalities and differences. Special attention is given to African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam. With regard to Christianity students learn about the role of missions in colonialism, the appropriation of Christianity by Africans in independent movements, and the surge of Pentecostalism in recent post-colonial Africa. With regard to Islam, the module will demonstrate in particular the divergent colonial strategies in governing Muslim societies, the rise of Islamic reform movements, and the contested role of Islam in the political configuration of post-colonial African states. The module also takes a close look at the variability of interreligious relations in post-colonial African nation- states, and the interrelation of religious conflict with historical, ethnic, economic, and political factors. Following mainly a historical outline, the module introduces different disciplinary approaches in the study of religions by drawing from anthropological, sociological, political, historical, and theological sources. Students learn to critically discuss each approach and how they are connected to the formation of colonial and post-colonial knowledge about religion, power, and society in Africa.

 

HISH 442 Zimbabwean History since Independence

The module’s main focus is to assess the efforts of the black majority government to address the nation’s socio-economic and political challenges some of which are a legacy of colonialism. It also looks at how Zimbabwe has interacted with the international community. The module therefore covers areas that include: the fruits of independence in the political and socio-economic spheres, economic challenges and adoption of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP) and political developments resulting from the economic meltdown. It also focuses on Zimbabwe’s revolutions for total emancipation in the 21st century, where the focus will be on its indigenisation programmes with a greater focus on the land reform programme. Lastly, it focuses on the rise of the Second Republic (New Dispensation) and assesses its economic, social and political reforms.

 

HISH 443 African Diaspora and International Migrations

The module aims to help students explore, examine, and critically analyse the African presence in a global context, and to investigate the historical and cultural linkages between African and African Diaspora people. This presence stretches back to antiquity in Europe and Asia, and for centuries in the Americas, and seeks to make students understand the profoundly rich, dynamic, and complex contributions to the world’s civilisations that have been made by Africans. It therefore examines the different contextual frameworks within which people from different parts of the African continent have voluntarily and/or involuntarily migrated out of Africa at different periods throughout modern history, from ancient times, through the era of the international slave trade, to contemporary extra-continental migrations. The module further addresses the black experience in Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States and explores the historical experiences and contributions of the African Diaspora in the modern world. The second part of the module examines the primary reasons for intra-continental historic dispersals: the trading diasporas, the slave diasporas; the conquest diasporas; the refugee diasporas and the pastoral diasporas; and the new or contemporary ‘voluntary’ and involuntary African dispersals across national borders within the African continent. The module introduces students to a broad range of related scholarship.

HISH 444 Democracy and Human Rights in Africa

The module seeks to capture the study and developments associated with democracy and the rights of the African people. It traces the way democracy and human rights were conceptualised, promoted, protected and even violated during precolonial, colonial and post-colonial Africa. Narratives by cultural relativists, western scholars and those who regard human rights as by-products of people’s struggles will be analysed. The module will also focus on the successes and challenges of open the post-colonial pandora box in terms of promotion and protection of the rights of the African people.

HISH 445 Research Project

This is a paper of between 10 000-15 000 words, based on wide research with the assistance of a supervisor.  Its weight is equivalent to that of two core modules. The dissertation should be presented to a panel of the Departmental Board which determines its core.