ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.1      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 or Theology from a recognised theological institution acquired normally in not less than 18 months and at least 5 subjects including English Language 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.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

   3.1 EMPLOYABILITY: 

Religious and Family Studies graduates can find employment; in high schools offering lessons on all issues covered under the new curriculum: Family and Religious Studies (Form 1-4 & 5-6); in colleges and universities as lecturers, work in religious institutions as counsellors, lecturers, administrators or pastors; in NGOs as gender activists, counsellors; those who are pastors already can be employed as Chaplains for the uniformed forces like the Prisons, Police, Army; in welfare institutions as gender activists, HIV and AIDS counsellors and advisors; and any other religious oriented fields.

3.2 FURTHER STUDIES

Master’s 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
*HRFS 101	Introduction to the New Testament	12
*HRFS 102	Introduction to the Old Testament	12
*HRFS 103	Introduction to the Study of Religion	12
*HRFS 104	Introduction to African Indigenous Religions	12
HRFS 106	Introduction to Ethics	12
HCS 115	Introduction to Computers	12
CS 131	Communication Skills	12

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Level 1 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Credits
HRFS 107	Introduction to Religions of the World	12
*HRFS 108	Themes in Christian History and Thought	12
HRFS 109	Sociology of Religion	12
*HRFS 110	History of Christianity in Africa	12
*HRFS 113	Life and Ministry of Jesus and Palestinian Christianity	12
CS 132	Extended Communication Skills	12

Electives

Code	Module Description	Credits
HRFS 105	Introduction to Christian Theology	12
DSH 222	Project Planning and Development	12
HRFS 111	Logic	12

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Level 2 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Credits
*HRFS 202	Islam: Africa	12
*HRFS 208	Religion and Ethics	12
*HRFS 218	Selected Themes in African Indigenous Religions	12
HRFS 215	Introduction to Gender Studies	12
ENT 131	Entrepreneurship	12

Electives

Code	Module Description	Credits
HRFS 213	Elementary Biblical Greek	12
HRFS 217	Administration and Finance	12
HRFS 207	Old Testament Ethics	12
HRFS 221	Pastoral Counseling	12

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Level 2 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Credits
*HRFS 201	The New Testament (Gospels, Acts, Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Literature, Johannine Literature, Pastoral Letters)	12
HRFS 204	Religion and Development	12
*HRFS 205	Philosophy of Religion	12
*HRFS 206	Religion and Gender	12
*HRFS 210	Research Methods in Religious Studies	12
*HRFS 216	The Old Testament (Pentateuch, Prophecy and Contemporary Issues, Writings, Wisdom Literature)	12

Electives

Code	Module Description	Credits
HRFS 211	Religious Education	12
HRFS 214	Elementary Biblical Hebrew	12

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Level 3 Semesters 1 & 2

Code	Module Description	Credits
HRFS 301	Student Work-Related Learning Report	45
HRFS 302	Academic Supervisor’s Assessment Report	45
HRFS 303	Employers Assessment Report	30

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Level 4 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Credits
*HRFS 401	African Christian Theology	12
*HRFS 402	Religion and Health	12
HRFS 403	Religion and Media	12
*HRFS 404	The Bible in an African Context	12
*HRFS 405	African Indigenous Religions and Contemporary Issues	12
*HRFS 406	Psychology of Religion	12

Electives

Code	Module Description	Credits
HRFS 412	New Testament Ethics	12
HRFS 419	Clinical Pastoral Education	12

---

Level 4 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Credits
*HRFS 407	Religion, Peace and Security	12
*HRFS 409	Religion and Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Sports	12
HRFS 410	Ethics and Disability	12
HRFS 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

HRFS 101 Introduction to the New Testament                                                                     

The module introduces students to the study of the New Testament, its social, religious and literary settings including the canonisation of the New Testament. The module focuses also on critical approaches to the New Testament.

HRFS 102 Introduction to the Old Testament       

The module introduces students to the study of the Old Testament; its social, religious and literary settings, including the canon of the Bible. The module focuses on equipping students with tools for biblical interpretation and the ability to analyse relevant texts in light of contemporary religious development in Africa.

HRFS 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, the 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 shall examine the various theories and underlying concepts in the study of the beliefs and practices of various religions of the world. This will help the students to appreciate and understand other religions while getting to know their religion better.

HRFS 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 attempts to encourage an understanding of the contribution of African Indigenous Religions to religious syncretism amongst African Muslims and Christians.

HRFS 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 115 Introduction to Computers                                                                       

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 will be taught the basics of working with a computer as well as the use of common software packages. At the end of the course, students should be able to use the internet and process language documents using a computer.

CS131 Communication Skills

Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for the Undergraduate degree programmes.

HRFS 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, locally and globally. 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.

HRFS 108 Themes in Christian History and Thought                                        

The module attempts to give 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

HRFS 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.

HRFS 110 History of Christianity in Africa

The module makes a survey of the History of Christianity in Africa from the Church of Alexandria to the rapid growth of African Christians in the 19th century with the advent of colonialism and the Independence of most African states.

HRFS 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. The module examines Jesus’ teachings in the context of contemporary times with a view to finding out how the teachings could be harnessed to speak to Africa’s contemporary lived experiences.

CS 132 Extended Communication Skills

Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for the Undergraduate Degree Programmes.

HRFS 105 Introduction to Christian Theology                                                     

The module introduces students to fundamental doctrines in theology like; revelation, faith, scripture, tradition, the Triune God, 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.

HRFS 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 are 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.

HRFS 202 Islam: Africa                                                                                          

The study of Religions in Africa is 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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 r to graduate.

 ENT 131 Entrepreneurship 1

Refer to the Faculty of Commerce Regulations.

HRFS 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 will also be looking at some of the historical and linguistic background of the Koine Greek

HRFS 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.

HRFS 207 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.

HRFS 221 Pastoral Counselling                                                                

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.

HRFS 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 apply to the Zimbabwean context.

HRFS 204 Religion and Development                                                                     

The module focuses on the relationship between religion and development. It begins with classical theories that sidelined religion examining the inevitable contribution of religion to development discourse. In the process, it discusses theories that recognise the invaluable contribution of religion in development. The module also addresses the religious aspect in major themes in development discourses such as the global millennium goals, globalisation and its impact on the 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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 to be 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 211 Religious Education

The module equips students in acquiring and developing strategies for teaching religious education in various settings.  The module examines theories of religious and moral development and the underlying theological concepts of teaching religious education.

RFS 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 course provides a firm basis for further study in the language.

HRFS 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. Focus is 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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.   

HRFS 403 Religion and 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.

HRFS 404The Bible in an African Context                                            

The module discusses the reception and influence of the Bible within an African context, and related issues on language, interpretation, translations and the impact of the Bible on African institutions such as marriage, polygamy, faith healing, rites of passage and other contemporary issues. 

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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 looks 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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.

HRFS 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 from various religious perspectives. The interest is in finding out how religion can meet multiple challenges of African conflict situations. 

HRFS 409 Religion and Entrepreneurship, Tourism and Sports

The module examines the relationship between religion and entrepreneurship. It examines whether religion has any impact on decision-making that promotes economic growth, i.e. the decision to become an entrepreneur. It aims to shed light on two questions: (1) What are the channels by which religion influences economics and (2) Are the impacts on economic activity the same across all religions? The module also explores the contribution of spiritual/religious tourism, anchored on faith-based travel, as one of the segments of cultural tourism that has resulted in the growth of many economies. The need to balance between religion, ‘tourismification’ of cultural heritage assets and the law occupies a central place in the module where they are assessed as collaborators and competitors.

HRFS 410 Ethics and Disability

The aim of the module is 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.

HRFS 408 Research Project

Research Project enables students to conceive and execute a major research project in an area of their choice. With 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