Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Political Science and Governance
Duration: 4 years
Minimum Credit Load: 384
Maximum Credit Load: 540
Total MBKS Credit Load 384
ZNQF Level: 8
- PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme aims to develop knowledge, skills and competences in the broad areas of politics and government studies relevant to various employment capabilities and careers in the world of work and societal development. These will be achieved through:
- The provision of opportunities to study both aspects of politics and government studies and related international and governmental phenomena.
- A balanced curriculum that enables the acquisition of a range of practical, computational, research and problem-solving skills as well as the development of factual and conceptual knowledge of politics and governmental issues.
- The provision of related and relevant communication and presentation capabilities that enhance the students’ effectiveness in a wide range of career opportunities.
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language with grade C or better.
Normal Entry: 5 ‘O’ level passes including English language and any two relevant ‘A’ level passes.
Special Entry: Candidates who have attained Level 5 and 6 of the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF), awarded by a recognised university, college or institute.
Mature Entry: 5 ‘O’ level passes including English language and at least three years’ experience in Non -Governmental Organisations, International organisations and Government or related disciplines.
- PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
Areas of Study: Political Science, Diplomacy, International Relations, International Law, Electoral Processes, and Governmental Studies
Specialist Focus: Politics and Government Studies with special emphasis on application of political theories, processes and systems geared towards national governance and development.
Orientation: Research, creativity and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on empirical aspects.
Distinctive Features: The programme seeks to produce creative, innovative, pro-active, highly
competent development oriented professionals, problem solvers and decision makers who are able to operate in complex and dynamic modern environments. The programme also focuses on building the research-innovation-management gamut that is hinged on knowledge production and development using a student-centred approach.
- CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Employability: Careers: Graduates have career opportunities in the public sector, private sector, international agencies and the non-governmental organisations. The graduates will serve as political consultants, political analysts, career diplomats, political officers and researchers.
Further Studies: Masters and Doctoral studies in International Relations, Politics, Political Science, global studies, International Law, Strategic and Security Studies.
- PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, work related Learning, dissertation, individual independent study.
On-line teaching: The department employs the google classroom strategy where lecturers administer zoom like video lectures-google meet or record video and audio lectures and send to students.
Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, in-class tests, written assignments,
seminar presentations, work related learning reports, dissertation, and continuous assessment.
- LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the programme a graduate will be able to:
- Use critical skills that are transferable to a wide range of careers, written and oral communication, critical thinking, information analysis, interpretation and application and ability to solve politics related problems in the dynamic and complex world of work and societal development.
- Apply a range of practical, computational, research and problem-solving skills as well as the development of factual and conceptual knowledge of politics and governmental issues.
- Carryout research and field based political and governmental activities ethically and following best practices of integrity.
- Work with peers, subordinates and superiors in line with values and rules of professional conduct for political scientists.
- Participate and work effectively individually and collaboratively in political discourses as well as in multidisciplinary environments.
- GENERAL PROVISIONS
Refer to the University’s General Regulations.
- PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
- Continuous Assessment work: Constitutes 40% of the final mark and it consists of written assignments, write-ups, group and individual presentations, in-class tests and any other relevant assessments.
- Written Examinations: End of semester examinations constitute 60% of the final mark.
- Other: -Dissertation is assessed on the basis of a research project (75%) and
an oral presentation (25%).
–Work Related Learning is assessed based on a student’s industrial placement report (30%), assessment by work place supervisor (40%) and assessment by academic supervisor (30%).
- PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION
Refer to section 6 of the Faculty Regulations.
- FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS
Refer to section 9 of the University’s General Regulations.
- GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
Refer to section 10 of the Faculty Regulations.
- DEGREE WEIGHTING
Refer to section 11 of the Faculty Regulations.
- PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
HPSG 101 Introduction to Political Science 12
HPSG 102 Introduction to Public Management 12
HPSG 103 Introduction to Political Theory 12
Level 1 Semester 2
HPSG 104 Theories of International Relations 12
HPSG 105 Political Economy of Zimbabwe 12
HPSG 106 Constitutional Law 12
HPSG 107 Electoral Politics and Processes 12
HPSG 108 Comparative Politics 12
Level 2 Semester 1
HPSG 201 International Relations 12
HPSG 202 African Political Ideas 12
HPSG 203 Politics and Governance in Zimbabwe 12
Level 2 Semester 2
HPSG 204 Principles of International Law 12
HPSG 205 Foreign Policy 12
HPSG 206 International Organisations 12
HPSG 207 Democracy and Human Rights 12
HPSG 208 Research Methods 12
Level 3 Semester 1
HPSG 300 Work Integrated Placement Report 36
Level 3 Semester 2
HPSG 301 Work Integrated Learning Report 36
HPSG 302 Work Integrated Learning Academic Supervisor Assessment 36
HPSG 302 Work Integrated Learning Work Supervisor’s Assessment 48
Level 4 Semester 1
HPSG 401 Modern Political Theory 12
HPSG 402 International Politics 12
HPSG 403 Intelligence Strategy 12
HPSG 404 Diplomacy 12
HPSG 405 Regional Integration 12
Level 4 Semester 2
HPSG 406 Peace and Security Studies 12
HPSG 407 Fundamentals of Geopolitics 12
HPSG 410 Dissertation 24
Total Credit Load 384
MODULE SYNOPSES
HPSG 101 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
The module explores the discipline of Political Science as a “science” in the Social Studies with a focus on the study of processes, principles and structures of governments and political institutions. The module includes a discussion and comparison of political ideas, processes, theories, systems and policies. It also focuses on the analysis of political problems on a national and global level, as well as a definition of central concepts.
HPSG 102 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
Basic theories and concepts of public management will be examined including issues of public and private goods and their implication on the general populace. The applicability of theories of management will also be explored for example, the scientific theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The module will also explore the old and new paradigms in public management. More emphasis will be on the new public management approach and its practical application.
HPSG 103 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
The module examines the main theoretical perspectives and ancient political thoughts that inform political processes and how countries have reacted to the internal social, economic and political realities of the times as well as to the external variables such as imperialism and globalisation. Political theory also focuses on empirical research into the way political institutions function in practice.
HPSG 104 THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The module addresses the theories of international relations and how they have informed the conduct of international relations between and among nations-states. It will also address how relations across the globe are addressed in areas of political, economic and cultural cooperation with emphasis on North-South and South-South relations.
HPSG 105 POLITICAL ECONOMY OF ZIMBABWE
The module will explore the colonial history of the country and its correlation with the economic, social and political circumstances currently facing the country. Issues to do with politics of imperialism, corruption, political instability, inclusive development, debt trap, agrarian reforms and economic empowerment, structural and political reforms, globalisation and regional integration will be analysed with a view to fostering ways of overcoming the country’s economic challenges.
HPSG 106 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
The objective of the module is to enable students to acquire thorough knowledge of constitutional law and constitution making processes and how constitutional law regulate relations between government and citizens. Emphasis will be placed on the Supreme law of the land and how it informs peace, tranquillity and development between the government and the general populace.
HPSG 107 ELECTORAL POLITICS AND PROCESSES
The module is hinged on examining the politics that surrounds the electoral processes. The thrust of the module is to equip students with the skills and knowledge on the political processes that surround elections. Comparisons of the different electoral systems and processes across the globe will be made.
HPSG 108 COMPARATIVE POLITICS
The module involves the comparison of domestic politics. Different political systems, actors, processes and models will be examined. Students are introduced to concepts, approaches and themes of enquiry and these are related to empirical evidence.
HPSG 201 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The module addresses the theories of international relations and how they have informed the conduct of international relations between and among nations-states. It will also address how relations across the globe are addressed in areas of political, economic and cultural cooperation with emphasis on North-South and South-South relations.
HPSG 202 AFRICAN POLITICAL IDEAS
Political Thought is an essential ingredient of all politics. This module explores the African political ideas and philosophies with the thrust to equip students with the skills and knowledge to analyse political systems and processes. In this module, the principal themes of African Political ideas are studied and analysed in the light of their social, economic and political contexts as well as their intellectual origin.
HPSG 203 POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE IN ZIMBABWE
The module seeks to examine how public decisions are made and implemented. Special emphasis will be on issues such as elections, governance and political systems in Zimbabwe from independence to the present.
HPSG 204 PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
The module seeks to expose students to the dynamics of international law, Principles of international law, as well as their application in specific cases. International law determines the rights and obligations of states. In addition, issues of state succession, state sovereignty, diplomatic law, and the role of international tribunals will be examined.
HPSG 205 FOREIGN POLICY
The module unpacks the strategies used by different government in dealing with other nations. The module examines a variety of alternative theoretical models of how states formulate, implement and evaluate their foreign policies.
HPSG 206 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
The module examines the role and activities of leading international organisations (political and economic) in the development of nations of the world for example the United Nations, World Bank among others. The module further investigates the implications of economic and political regional blocs on relations between developed nations of the North and poor countries of the South for example South-South cooperation among others.
HPSG 207 DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The module explores the concepts of democracy and human rights which are distinct but interrelated. The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and credible, democratic elections which expresses the will of the people will be analysed in the context of general elections held in developed and developing countries. Human rights law and how they promote development will also be explored.
HPSG 208 RESEARCH METHODS
The module is designed to assist students to develop a deep understanding of methodological approaches which are relevant when conducting social science research. The module will examine these tools with an emphasis on their practical and potential contribution to the development of social science research projects. Emphasis will be on establishing clear, high standards for qualitative and quantitative research.
HPSG 300 WORK INTEGRATED PLACEMENT REPORT
HPSG 301 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING REPORT
HPSG 302 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING ACADEMIC SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
HPSG 303 WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a purposeful, organised, administered, supervised and assessed educational activity that is required for the completion of the programme as it ensures the application of theoretical learning in the workplace. Students are expected to undergo WIL in the third year of the programme (two semesters) and produce a report at the end of the period. They are supposed to be assessed by the field (workplace) supervisor and academic supervisor.
HPSG 401 MODERN POLITICAL THEORY
The objective of the module is to familiarize students with the emergence of political thought since the medieval ages and views of the different political theorists: Western, African and Islamic and to link the teachings with the political systems prevalent today. The module will analyse the contemporary political ideas of the African, European, Asian and American political theorists.
HPSG 402 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
The module will explore theories of international politics, how state and non-state actors cooperate and compete on political issues for example human rights, trade, peace and security, environmental protection. It will also explore transnational issues and global problems. A comparative perspective of how countries approach the issues above within the context of their political systems will be examined.
HPSG 403 INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY
The module explores the dynamics surrounding the collection of information of military or political value. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills pertaining to the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence that is required for forming policy and military plans at the national and international level.
HPSG 404 DIPLOMACY
The module explores bilateral, regional and multilateral diplomacy and its practical application in the international system. Aspects covered include the legal framework of diplomacy, methods of conducting diplomacy, diplomatic privileges and immunities, diplomatic negotiation and mediation, trade diplomacy, environmental diplomacy, diplomatic communication and international agreements.
HPSG 405 REGIONAL INTEGRATION
The module studies regional integration initiatives in Africa, Europe and elsewhere and their practical implications on nation-states. The module will examine the effects of national policies and international collaboration of regional players in promoting sustainable development in those regional blocs.
HPSG 406 PEACE AND SECURITY STUDIES
The module seeks to broaden the student’s understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of ‘peace’ and ’security’ as well as to deal with the security to peace and security at nation-state, regional and international levels. It also seeks to analyse the extent to which states, as major actors in the international system have attempted to promote and safeguard international peace and security.
HPSG 407 FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOPOLITICS
The module provides a comprehensive overview of the major issues, ideas, institutions and interests that make up global politics. The module specifically dwells on explaining and predicting the international political behaviour of actors in international politics primarily in terms of geographical variables.
HPSG 410 DISSERTATION
This module provides an opportunity for students to identify political science and public management problems and conduct research to address them. It provides students with an opportunity to apply research methodology concepts and statistical skills previously taught in other modules. Students will carry out research on a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in politics and public management. The length of the dissertation should be 20 000 words.