REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS DEGREE IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (AH11)
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The Honours Degree in Religious Studies and Human Development programme seeks to produce graduates who are able to:
(1) provide leadership in different religious & developmental institutions nationally, regionally and even internationally either through teaching, consultancy, counselling, pastoring or any support service to communities in need;
(2) facilitate research and publication on religious and ethical issues as well as on human development;
(3) promote African values and initiatives;
(4) Initiate ethical and developmental initiatives that address the many challenges of the world such as war, HIV/AIDS, famine and environmental change.
2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2.2 Normal Entry
To be eligible, candidates must have at least five ‘O’ Level passes or the assessed equivalent including English and at least two ‘A’ level passes in any of the following: Family and Religious Studies, History, Sociology, Shona, Ndebele, Economics, Accounts, Literature in English and any other relevant subject in the Humanities.
2.2 Special entry
- Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Regulations. Candidates must have acquired a Diploma in Religious Studies, Theology or Development Studies from a recognised institution acquired normally in not less than 18 months and at least 5 subjects at “O” level or its equivalent. Candidates with relevant work experience may also be admitted.
2.3 Mature entry
Persons who are 25 years of age for males and 23 years for females may apply for mature entry provided they passed at least 5 ‘O’ levels including English and must have demonstrated suitability for university studies by virtue of their attainments and/or relevant work experience. For more information refer to General Academic Regulations 3.3.
2.4 Visiting School:
This is a 3-year degree programme aimed at individuals already in employment. In addition to satisfying the general entry requirements, they should also either have a Diploma in the relevant field or any other tertiary qualification. Levels 2 and 3 run concurrently.
3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 AREAS OF STUDY
New Testament Studies, Old Testament Studies, World Religions, African Traditional Religions, Philosophy of Religion, Christian Theology, Christian History and Thought, HIV/AIDS ministry in Zimbabwe, History of Christianity, Islam, Social Ethics, Religious Perspectives on Sexuality, Marriage & Family, Theology and Development, The Bible in an African Context, Theology and Gender Studies, Research Methods in Religious Studies and Theology, Religion and the Media, Christian Leadership, Religion and Society in Africa, New Religious Movements, Counselling and Theology, Religion, Conflict, Peace and Development.
3.2 SPECIALIST FOCUS
Engagement of Religion in Contemporary Issues such as HIV/AIDS, Gender, Development, Ecology, and Social Transformation.
3.3 ORIENTATION
The programme takes a multi-cultural approach where diversity and tolerance of other religions are emphasised.
3.4 DISTINCTIVE FEATURES –
Interaction with seasoned scholars (Sabbatical Fellows).
-Grooming of versatile religious, ethics and human development graduates who can relate and be problem solvers to contemporary challenges.
-A strong and active tradition of language and textual expertise.
-Regular research seminars with visiting speakers.
4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
4.1 EMPLOYABILITY:
Religious, Ethics and Human Development graduates can work in religious and development institutions as counsellors, lecturers, administrators or pastors; in NGOs as gender activists, counsellors; in welfare institutions as gender activists, HIV/AIDS counsellors and advisors; in colleges and universities as lecturers and any other religious, ethical and development -oriented fields.
FURTHER STUDIES
Masters and Doctoral Studies.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
NB.
– *MBK Modules
– The electives can be chosen from within the Department or from other departments.
Level 1 Semester 1
Code Module Description Credits
HREDS 101 Introduction to Human Development 12
*HREDS 103 Introduction to the Study of Religion 12
*HREDS104 Introduction to African Indigenous Religions 12
HREDS 106 Introduction to Ethics 12
HCS 115 Introduction to Computers 12
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills 12
Level 1 Semester 2
HREDS 107 Introduction to Religions of the World 12
*HREDS 108 Themes in Christian History and Thought 12
HREDS 109 Sociology of Religion 12
HREDS 110 Governance and Institutions for Human Development 12
HREDS 112 Old Testament Ethics 12
*HREDS 113 Life and Ministry of Jesus and Palestinian Christianity 12
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills 12
Electives
HREDS 105 Introduction to Christian Theology 12
DSH 222 Project Planning and Development 12
HREDS 111 Logic 12
Level 2 Semester 1
*HREDS 202 Islam: Africa 12
*HREDS 208 Religion and Ethics 12
*HREDS 218 Selected Themes in African Indigenous Religions 12
HREDS 215 Introduction to Gender Studies 12
ENT 131 Entrepreneurship 12
Electives
HREDS 213 Elementary Biblical Greek 12
HREDS 217 Administration and Finance 12
HREDS 221 Pastoral Counseling 12
Level 2 Semester 2
*HREDS 201 The New Testament (Gospels, Acts, Pauline and
Deutero-Pauline Literature, Johannine Literature, Pastoral
Letters, Apocalyptic Literature) 12
HREDS 204 Religion and Development 12
*HREDS 205 Philosophy of Religion 12
*HREDS 206 Religion and Gender 12
*HREDS 210 Research Methods in Religious Studies 12
*HREDS 216 The Old Testament (Pentateuch, Prophecy and Contemporary
Issues, Writings, Wisdom Literature) 12
Electives
HREDS 211 Religious Education 12
HREDS 214 Elementary Biblical Hebrew 12
Level 3 Semesters 1 & 2
HREDS 301 Student Work -Related Learning Report 45
HREDS 302 Academic Supervisor’s Assessment Report 45
HREDS 303 Employers Assessment Report 30
Level 4 Semester 1
*HREDS 401 African Christian Theology 12
*HREDS 402 Religion and Health 12
HREDS 403 Religion and Media 12
*HREDS 405 African Indigenous Religions and Contemporary Issues 12
*HREDS 406 Psychology of Religion 12
HREDS 412 New Testament Ethics 12
Electives
HREDS 419 Clinical Pastoral Education 12
Level 4 Semester 2 Credits
*HREDS 407 Religion, Peace and Security 12
HREDS 409 Selected Issues in Human Development 12
HREDS 410 Ethics and Disability 12
HREDS 408 Research Project 24
N.B.
– Not all electives will be on offer in any given year. Electives on offer will depend on the availability of teaching staff.
MODULE SYNOPSES
HREDS 101 Introduction to Human Development
The module introduces students to shifts in development thinking, ranging from economic growth, employment creation, redistribution with growth, basic needs, bottom-up development, and participatory development to human development. This module introduces the challenge of underdevelopment followed by theories of growth and development that emphasise the importance of growth as the principal performance yardstick. Against the above background, approaches like Basic Needs and Quality of Life, which are “people- centric” will be taught.
HREDS 103 Introduction to the Study of Religion
The module introduces students to the study of religion. It focuses on issues such as the definition of religion, theories of origin, history of religion, insider/outsider perspectives and research ethics. The module also examines the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of selected theories for the study of religion such as the anthropological, sociological, historical, phenomenological, psychological, psychological and feminist approaches. The module examines the various theories and underlying concepts in the study of the beliefs and practices of various religions of the world. This helps the students to appreciate and understand other religions while getting to know their religion better.
HREDS 104 Introduction to African Indigenous Religions
The module discusses the understanding and development of African Indigenous Religions. The module focuses on the religions of Africa, themes, rites of passage, beliefs and religious practices of selected African communities. It encourages an understanding of the contribution of African Indigenous Religions to religious syncretism amongst African Moslems and Christians.
HREDS 106 Introduction to Ethics
The module introduces students to the philosophical study of morality, including the theory of right and wrong behaviour, the theory of value (goodness and badness), and the theory of virtue and vice. Besides providing familiarity with the primary questions addressed within moral philosophy and the most influential answers given by well-known philosophers, this module is designed to help students develop their abilities to read, explicate, analyse, and evaluate philosophical literature, write and express themselves well about their ethical positions regarding contemporary moral problems, and think critically and analytically about ethical issues.
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology
This module is provided for all those who are not familiar with computers. It is an introductory course which aims to equip students with basic computer skills. Students are taught the basics of working with a computer as well as the use of common software packages. At the end of the course, students will be able to use the internet and process language documents using a computer.
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for the Undergraduate degree programmes.
HREDS 107 Introduction to Religions of the World
This module carries out an introductory survey of the religions of the world that are practised in the global village. It focuses on the basic histories and worldviews of these world religions. The necessity to know more about other religions, apart from our own, arises due to the fact of multiple influences of religion in various aspects of life today, globally and locally. The module surveys religions that originated in South Asia (Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism and Jainism), Southwest Asia (Baha’i Faith), East Asia (Taoism, Confucianism and Mahayana Buddhism) and the Caribbean Islands (Rastafarianism) but have permeated the other parts of the world. The module concludes by reflecting on how the religions of the world will relate in future. The study of these world’s religions is historical, comparative and, above all phenomenological.
HREDS 108 Themes in Christian History and Thought
The module gives a brief overview of some themes in Christian history and thought from the Early Church to contemporary issues in Christian thought and practice. The module covers themes that have particular reference to ministry in Africa; Early Church, Patristic Theology, Ecumenical Councils, Scholastic Theology, Reformation, Protestantism, Missionary Movement, Evangelical Movement, Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism
HREDS 109 Sociology of Religion
The module explores religion in its varied manifestations as a social institution, as a cultural practice, and as a pattern of beliefs and activities that are shaped by societal conditions and that, in turn, shape these conditions. Thus, the module explores the social dimension of religion through a consideration of the relationship of religion and society. It examines the social theories that have been propounded by social theorists and critics such as E. Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max Weber & others.
HREDS 110 Governance and institutions for human development
The module introduces students to basic concepts of governance. Students are familiarised with the elements of governance that include institutions, delivery mechanisms and legislations. The above information is vital for students to understand the links between governance and human development that are realised through the enabling conditions of political freedom, participation, decentralisation, empowerment, equity and accountability.
HREDS 112 Old Testament Ethics
This module examines the ethical position of the Old Testament. It focuses on what the Old Testament teaches on particular moral issues, the proof texts we can search out to support a moral perspective and the ethical themes that run through the Old Testament literature.
HREDS 113 Life and Ministry of Jesus and Palestinian Christianity
This module focuses on the historical, organisational and doctrinal development of the Christian community from its origin in Jesus’ ministry to the time of the Jerusalem council.
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for the Undergraduate degree programmes.
HREDS 105 Introduction to Christian Theology
The module introduces students to fundamental doctrines in theology like; Revelation, Faith, Scripture, Tradition, the Triune God, Revelation, Salvation, Eschatology, and to contemporary issues in theology like inculturation, peace building, gender and development in Africa.
DSH 222 Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation
The module provides a solid foundation in the concepts, tools and techniques of project management, monitoring and evaluation. Other critical aspects of the project cycle will be surveyed.
HREDS 111 Logic
This module investigates and classifies the structure of statements and arguments, both through the study of formal systems of inference and through the study of arguments in natural language. It deals with propositions or declarative sentences, used to make an assertion that is capable of being true and false. It covers core topics such as the study of fallacies and paradoxes, as well as specialised analysis of reasoning using probability and arguments involving causality and argumentation theory.
HREDS 202 Islam: Africa
The study of Religions in Africa will not be complete without an in-depth study of Islam’s, beliefs and doctrines, as one of the major religions in Africa. The module discusses the historical development of Islam and the challenges of contemporary Muslims in Africa.
HREDS 208 Religion and Ethics
This module focuses on the interface between religion and the concept of right and wrong in different contexts, especially in Zimbabwe. It explores ethical issues with special reference to African Indigenous Religion, Christianity, and Islam. Ethical theories, namely, Natural Law, Divine Command, Utilitarianism, the Golden Rule, the Categorical Imperative, and Unhu/Ubuntu, will be analysed in relation to their applicability to ethical problems in Zimbabwe. The module seeks to develop, in students, a reflective awareness of their morality and opinions in relation to some of the current issues in the Zimbabwean context.
HREDS 218 Selected Themes in African Indigenous Religions
The module discusses in an in-depth manner, issues such as the concept of God, rituals, symbolism, evil, indigenous medicine etc. among Africans. The module provides knowledge on selected topics which are relevant to the understanding of African Indigenous Religions.
HREDS 215 Introduction to Gender Studies
The module empowers the students with knowledge and skills that enable them to be gender sensitive in the university, workplace and their social interactions. Topics covered include Understanding Gender, Theories of Gender Inequalities, Historical Development of Gender, Gender Analysis, Gender Issues in Zimbabwe, Redressing Gender Imbalances, Empowerment and Strategies for creating a gender- responsive environment. Every student has to pass the course to graduate.
ENT 131 Entrepreneurship 1
Refer to the Faculty of Commerce Regulations
HREDS 213 Elementary Biblical Greek
This module provides an introduction to the language known as Koine Greek, in which the New Testament was written. It covers some of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language. By the end of the module, students should be able to read some select passages from John’s gospel. The module also addresses basic grammatical ideas and structures common to all Indo-European languages. The module also looks at some of the historical and linguistic background of the Koine Greek
HREDS 217 Administration and Finance
This module enables students to evaluate and question key financial structures, documents and figures. Sound financial management is essential to organisational success. Key figures in all types of organisations need to be able to understand the language of accounting and finance to take a considered role in corporate planning and dialogue.
HREDS 221 Pastoral Counseling
The module introduces students to pastoral counselling, while focusing on the care of the sick, marriage guidance, bereavement, grief and loss. The students are encouraged to draw from traditional forms of counsel and guidance and their applicability to Christian pastoral care.
HREDS 201 The New Testament (Acts, Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Literature, Johannine Literature, Pastoral Letters, Apocalyptic Literature)
This module focuses on selected major themes in the New Testament, with special reference to Acts, Pauline, Deutero-Pauline, non-Pauline letters and apocalyptic literature and how these themes are applicable to the Zimbabwean context.
HREDS 204 Religion and Development
The module introduces students to the discipline of development studies. It begins with classical theories, examining their contribution to the growth and development of economies. The module also addresses major themes in development discourses such as the global millennium goals, globalisation and its impact on development of poor societies of the world, gender equity; notions of democracy; good governance and human rights and others in the context of Christian teaching and social theology.
HREDS 205 Philosophy of Religion
This module discusses and reflects on the philosophical theories guiding the study of religious inquiry and the quest for meaning. People have died or have been killed in the name of religion. Religion is not a matter of intellectual persuasion or conviction, religion touches the very core of a person. It demands conviction, commitment and sacrifice.
HREDS 206 Religion and Gender
The module introduces students to gender concepts, the theology of feminism as well as various roles and status of women in the Bible and in our African context. Topics covered include the role of women in the Bible, the ordination of women, the impact of education and urbanisation, women’s struggle for emancipation and participation in Church life.
HREDS 210 Research Methods in Religious Studies
This module focuses on imparting basic research methodology and techniques such as conducting field investigation, social analysis, administering questionnaires and interpreting the findings in an academic manner.
HREDS 216 The Old Testament (Pentateuch, Prophecy and Contemporary Issues, Writings, Wisdom Literature)
The module exposes the student to a number of issues through the study of the Old Testament. Some of the issues are broken down into units to allow in-depth understanding. For instance, the module introduces students to the phenomenon of prophecy from the emergence of this movement in Israel in 1100 BCE until 800 BCE. Students study concepts of prophecy, activities of individual prophets and their message in the Pre-Canonical period. The module relates these to contemporary issues such as conflict resolution and development.
HREDS 211 Religious Education
The module equips students in acquiring and developing strategies for teaching religious education in various settings. The module will examine theories of religious and moral development and the underlying theological concepts of teaching religious education.
HREDS 214 Elementary Biblical Hebrew
This module provides the student with a basic understanding of the Ancient Hebrew language and to build a foundation for further study of the Hebrew Bible. Students learn the basics of Hebrew grammar and syntax and are able to read and appreciate short passages of Hebrew taken directly from the Old Testament. The module provides a firm basis for further study in the language.
HREDS 301, 302 & 303 Work- Related Learning (WRL)
This module enables students to develop the ability to translate theoretical knowledge to real-life experiences by applying practical skills in a proficient manner. The course also equips students with effective time management skills as well as work-related documentation process, the importance of evidence-based research and the ability to draw together knowledge and skills from different disciplinary. The module has the following breakdown. Employer’s Assessment. The host supervisor’s assessment looks at the student’s conduct and behaviour, interpersonal skills development, operational competencies and leadership qualities. Academic Supervisor’s Assessment. The Academic Supervisor’s assessment looks at the student’s conduct at the work place. The focus will be on the ability to link working and learning, being initiative, creativity, ingenuity and perseverance in identifying and addressing issues at the workplace as well as relating and communicating with colleagues. Work-Related Learning Report This is a report written by the student based on their activities and experiences during Work- Related Learning. The report format is provided by the Department.
HREDS 401 African Christian Theology
The module discusses the emerging theologies of Africa in relationship to the historical and contemporary issues in African Christian Theology such as African Christologies, inculturation, black theology, and ecumenism in Africa. The students are invited to study and reflect on the work of some African theologians such as Bujo, Nyamiti, Magesa, Mugambi, Moyo, Muzorewa, and Tutu.
HREDS 402 Religion and Health
The module examines the relationship between religion and health. It examines religious responses to disease outbreaks such as HIV and AIDS as well as the novel COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on the care and intervention programmes, development of life skills, support networks and behaviour change programmes that have been/are being instituted to combat the problems. The module also critically analyses the spiritual benefits of religion as well as the challenges thereof.
HREDS 403 Religion and the Media
This module discusses the interface between religion and the media. It seeks to expose students to the significance of various media such as the radio, television, mobile phone and internet and how these affect religious practice in society. The module also focuses on media ethics and how religion is reported in the media. Media reporting of religion will be discussed in conjunction with freedom of the media, freedom of the press, freedom of information and freedom of expression and association, in relation to how they are exercised and experienced when reporting religion.
HREDS 405 African Indigenous Religions and Contemporary Issues
The module discusses the interface AIRs and contemporary issues, homosexuality, disability, ecology, sustainable development, food security, tourism etc. The module provides in-depth knowledge of the selected issues.
HREDS 406 Psychology of Religion
The module traces the relationship between psychology and religion and explores some of the possible effects of religion on behaviour, thought and feelings. It seeks to look at how religion affects what people think and do. The module examines the psychological theories propounded by theorists and critics such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Carl Rodgers, and Rudolph Otto among others.
HREDS 412 New Testament Ethics
This module examines the ways in which New Testament texts construct patterns of morality and ethics; to consider whether a ‘moral vision’ can be synthesised from the varied New Testament writings; to appraise the hermeneutical issues involved in using the Bible in ethics today, and to examine some models for the application of New Testament ethics to contemporary morality.
HREDS 419 Clinical Pastoral Education
This module is an interfaith professional education for ministry. It brings students into supervised encounters with persons in crisis. Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback from peers and teachers, students develop new awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection on specific human situations, they gain a new understanding of ministry. They also develop skills in interpersonal and inter-professional relationships.
HREDS 407 Religion, Peace and Security
The module looks at aspects of peace- building, conflict transformation, post-war reconstruction, mediation, rehabilitation, reconciliation and healing and people -centered participatory development. While using biblical sources of sustainable peace- building and exploring the theological bases for a just war theory and pacifism and shows how effective Christian non-violence can meet the multiple challenges of African conflict situations.
HREDS 409 Selected Issues in Human Development
This module highlights the emerging issues in human development that are related to processes like globalisation, trade, technology, migration and the larger and fundamental issues of human rights. Students will explore the impact of these issues in light of increasing inequalities in growth and poverty across countries.
HREDS 410 Ethics and Disability
The module aims to introduce the study of Disability from an ethical perspective. The module investigates through skill-building independent research, writing and presentations, how disability is interconnected with issues such as stigma, gender, social exclusion, social movements, globalisation, war and conflict.
HREDS 408 Research Project
Research Project enables students to conceive and execute a major research project in an area of their choice. With the guidance from a member of the academic staff as supervisor, the learners plan and design an independent research project which relates to their overall programme of study. Candidates are expected to write a project of between 9000- 12000 words. The project counts as two (2) modules.