REGULATIONS FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (HPHS)

Duration                                              4 years

Actual Credit Load                      334

Minimum Credit Load               492

Maximum Credit Load         504

ZNQF Level                                9

 1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills in issues of peace, human rights and social justice. Peace is a component envisioned and a longing for everyone. Human rights violations are committed by others as they claim to be in pursuit of peace. The violation of human rights will result in social injustice and a lack of peace. All these point to the need to equip the student with conceptual, analytical and critical skills that are pertinent to the maintenance of peace, human rights and social justice. Practical peacebuilding examples will be studied to award students a real-life situation of working towards peace, human rights and justice. The programme also aims at guiding students through action-oriented research methods, which is very much in line with peace, human rights and social justice. This programme is demand-driven, especially from a peace, security and development studies perspective. In addition, given the socio-economic challenges that societies face, the importance of peace, human rights and social justice becomes a valuable component of the education system. The fact that we live in societies where people have different values, religions and principles makes it crucial that students perfect their skills of relating with others peacefully in observations of human rights and maintenance of social justice. The students of Peace, Human Rights and Social Justice will use skills gained during the programme to influence decision-making at the personal, family, community, national, regional and global levels.

2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

At least five (5) ‘O’ levels/ National Foundation Certificates including the English Language with a Grade C or better and at least two (2) Advanced level passes in Arts, Humanities or Commercials OR Relevant National Certificate.

Special Entry

A candidate who does not meet normal entry requirements may be admitted into a programme provided the candidate has a qualification in line with the Zimbabwe National Qualification Framework (ZNQF).

Mature Entry

Mature entry shall be obtained by applicants who have five (5) ‘O’ levels including English Language and have demonstrable work experience during the last five years before the academic year in which admission is sought, and are aged 25 years and above.

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Area of Study

Peace, Human Security and Social Justice Honours Degree focuses on three areas:

Peace, Human Rights and Social Justice

The programme focuses on the linkages of peace, human rights and social justice. It explores how human rights violations can hinder peace and result in social injustices. It focuses on the transformation of deep-rooted conflicts, which usually when not done results in human rights violations and injustices.

Theoretical Constructs

Peace, human rights and social justice focus on the need for peace, human rights observance and establishment of social justice through looking at case studies of real-life situations where gross human rights violations have been linked to social injustices thereby becoming major hindrances of peace. Students will be equipped with conflict transformation skills aimed at preventing violence and social injustices.

Research Methods

The programme focuses on different research methodologies, philosophies and approaches that uncover the conflict dynamics within the social, political and economic context and the structural systems underpinning them. It is observed that by and large issues of gross human rights violations and injustices are largely linked to social, economic and political injustices.

Specialist Focus

Peace, human rights and social justice

Orientation

Research and innovation-oriented. Teaching, learning and research focus on equipping students with theoretical and practical concepts.

Distinctive Features

The programme instils problem identification skills and explores ways of resolving them.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Employability

Graduates have career opportunities in both the public and private sectors where they can work as Public Administrators in Central Government Ministries and Local Authorities (Rural and Urban), International and Regional Peace Officers, Community Development Officers and Project Managers in Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations and Lectureship

Further Studies

Master’s and Doctoral studies in Peace, Human Rights and Social Justice studies

5.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, presentations, public lectures, practicals, guest lecturers, dissertations, lecture notes, assisted private studies and field trips.

Assessment Methods

Written and oral examinations, tests, work-related learning, seminar presentations, mini-research dissertations, final year dissertations, continuous assessment, work-related learning reports, work-related learning supervision and assessment

13.0 Programme Structure

LEVEL 1.1 

HPHS 101 Introduction to Peace, Human-Rights and Social- Justice                            12

HPHS 102 Human Rights and Sustainable Development                          12

HPHS 103 Peace, Leadership and Governance                        12

HPHS 104 Human Rights Education                          12

HCS115 Introduction to Information Technology                   12

CS101 Communication Skills            12

 

LEVEL 1.2                                 

HPHS105 Social Justice and Development                             12

HPHS106 ConflictTtransformation                             12

HPHS 107 Conflict and Human Displacement                        12

HPHS 108 Diversity and Social Justice                       12

HPHS 109 International Human Rights Law                                                             12   

 

LEVEL 2.1 

HPHS 201 Public Policy and Human Rights                           12

HPHS 202 Poverty and Social Justice                         12

HPHS 203 Pandemics and Human Rights                               12

HPHS 204 Research Methods            12

GSSS231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences             12

ENT205 Entrepreneurship 1              12

LEVEL 2.2                         

HPHS 206 Gender, Human Rights and Social Justice                          12

HPHS 207 Civil Society and Human Rights                           12

HPHS 208 Religion and Principles of Non-violence                            12

HPHS 209 Security Alternatives and Demilitarisation                         12

HPHS 210 Peace and Reconciliation                                                                    12

 

Level 3.1

HPHS 330 Work- Related Learning Placement Report            40

 

Level 3.2    

HPHS 331 Work- Related Learning Report                30

HPHS 332 Work- Related Learning Academic Supervisor Assessment            20

HPHS 333 Work- Related Learning Work Supervisor’s Assessment                30

 

 

Level 4.1                                     

HPHS 401 International Institutions and Peacebuilding                       12

HPHS 402 Monitoring and Evaluation                       12

HPHS 403 Civil-Military Relations                            12

HPHS 404 Terrorism and De-radicalization                            12

HPHS 405 Disaster Management                                                                                      12

 

Level 4.2     

HPHS 406 Media and HumanRrights                         12

HPHS 407 Applied Ethics of Peace                                        12

HPHS 408 Diplomacy                       12

HPHS 420 Dissertation                      24

 

14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES

HPHS-101 Introduction to Peace, Human-Rights and Social Justice

Peace, human rights and social justice are major aspects envisioned by every society. This course introduces students to key components of peacebuilding, which bears a huge influence on the observance of human rights and the maintenance of social justice. Focus is given to understanding the nature of conflicts, which when handled well can bring about the desired change and when not handled well conflicts escalate to violence which results in human rights violations and injustices. This study will focus on nonviolent ways of conflict transformation as strategies for building peace.

HPHS 102 Human Rights and Sustainable Development  

The course examines the concept of human rights and development. Underdevelopment has been a major contributor to human rights violations. This course seeks to explore developmental strategies, which will foster peace and observance of human rights. The course will also consider the role of human rights-based strategies in the pursuit of sustainable development and maintenance of social justice.

HPHS 103 Peace, Leadership and Governance  

The module introduces students to both the traditional and modern models of leadership. It also focuses on leadership ethics and different forms of governance that either promote or disrupt peace, human rights and social justice internationally and regionally.

HPHS 104 Human Rights Education

Human right educations aim to empower learners with the rights of human beings according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The main focus of the course is to help students realise the actions or inactions of both individuals and the government that abuse human beings.

HCS 115 Introduction to Information Systems

Refer to the Department of Information Systems

CS101 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to the Department of Communication skills

HPHS 105 Social Justice and Development 

This course focuses on the impact of underdevelopment on social justice and the establishment of sustainable peace. Underdevelopment usually results in scramble for available limited resources, which often results in human rights abuse. The course will explore development strategies which can promote sustainable peace.

HPHS 106 Conflict Transformation

This course focuses on empowering students with conflict transformation skills needed to address the root causes of conflicts. The transformation of the root causes of conflicts is a key factor in the establishment of positive peace. Thus, students need conflict transformation skills, which enable them to bring about the desired change towards the establishment of sustainable peace.

HPHS 107 Conflict and Human Displacement

Human displacement, dislocation and dispossession are some of the major consequences of violent conflict. This module considers the causes, dynamics and consequences of human displacement. It highlights the tensions that arise between host populations and immigrants. It also considers policies and strategies for rehabilitating both externally and internally displaced persons.

HPHS 108 Diversity and Social Justice

This course is designed to increase students’ awareness, knowledge, and understanding of issues related to diversity and social justice, including race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability status, and the intersections between these social identity groups. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of dialogue as a method for peacefully resolving conflict that may emerge due to cultural misunderstandings or oppressive dynamics, as well as skills for effectively engaging in dialogue. The topics of this course include social identity development; difference and dominance and the nature of social oppression; our personal and interpersonal connections to power, privilege, and oppression; understanding and resolving conflicts or resistance; the process of dialogue and coalition building across differences; and its applications in multicultural social work settings.

 HPHS 109 International Human Rights Law

The module provides students with an understanding of the nature, sources and institutions of international law. The area of international law is largely concerned with the human rights and obligations of states. The question of the sovereign government system vis-a-vis collective governance systems of peace and human rights will be explored.

HPHS 201 Public Policy and Human Rights

This module focuses on the study of public policy and Human rights. This module gives students a critical appreciation of the concepts, theories, principles, processes and practical issues in public policy-making and Human rights.  Public Policy experiences within local, regional and global environments are used throughout the module as illustrative cases. Its substantive goal is to enable students to relate conceptual and theoretical constructs to global public policy practices and Human rights dimensions in relation to national development.

HPHS 202 Poverty and Social Justice

This course seeks to explore the causes, extents and effects of poverty in various societies. Poverty is one of the leading problems in the developing world. It is worth noting that there are strong linkages between poverty, human rights violations and social injustice. This course aims at empowering learners with strategies of poverty eradication and ways of supporting people living in societies experiencing poverty.

HPHS 203 Pandemics and Human Rights

This course seeks to explore the causes, extent and effects of a pandemic. Pandemics are a major threat to economic and health security globally and in turn, human rights standards can be lowered due to overwhelming spending on health security.  An examination of major contemporary challenges of pandemics on human rights will be conducted, focusing on multilevel studies on the pandemic in Zimbabwe, Africa and the entire globe. A wide range of exploring and analysing the converging health crises of the current situations will be explored. The focus will be given to investigating contemporary strategies that can be adopted to mitigate the effects of pandemics on human rights.

HPHS 205 Research Methods

The module focuses on developing students’ advanced conceptualisation of problems and assisting them generate qualitative and quantitative solutions based on empirical evidence. The module equips students with practical research skills and advanced methodological expertise necessary to make a practical contribution to the development of peace studies and social science research in general.

GSSS 231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences

This Gender Studies for Social Sciences 231 (GSSS231) module is an introductory module focused on giving students a broad understanding of the discipline of Gender Studies, its subject matter, key issues and concepts. It is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of basic gender issues as well as prepare them to be agents of change, particularly in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. In so doing GSSS231 adopts an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that takes as its subject matter all aspects of the human experience in a gendered world, viewing gender as a field of study, analytical tool and a social phenomenon structuring the social world itself. 

ENT 205 Entrepreneurship 1

Refer to the Department of Entrepreneurship

HPHS 206 Gender, Human Rights and Social Justice

The module balances theory and practical skills relating to gender and human rights. It explores national, regional and international human rights. The module privileges especially the frameworks of minority sectors of society such as women, underprivileged races and ethnic minorities. The module also provides an adequate opportunity to evaluate human rights and challenge obstacles.

HPHS 207 Civil Society and Social Justice

This module explores and analyses the emergence of civil society organisations that focus on social service delivery, development, advocacy and democratisation processes of peace. The focus on human security through civil society organisations in communities is emphasised.

HPHS 208 Religion and Principles of Non-violence

The module assesses the linkages of religion and nonviolence. Various approaches to non-violence will be surveyed. Of essence is also the need to understand how non-violence was shaped and has been shaped by religion. This module is designed to provide an in-depth and multi-disciplinary perspective on civilian-based movements and campaigns that defend and obtain basic rights and justice worldwide. Students will become familiar with the theory and practice of active nonviolence as a method of social change and a way of life. Students will learn how to apply the tactics and tools of nonviolence to promote peace and justice, safety and equality – personally, locally, in communities and globally. Since nonviolence is about organised activity, this module offers many exercises that require students to embody nonviolence. Thinking and talking about non-violent protests is one thing, but engaging in nonviolent action, especially when faced with highly emotional and tense situations, requires practice. Thus the course will focus of religious actors of nonviolence such as Mahatma Gandhi, Abdul Khan, and Martin Luther Junior among others

HPHS 209 Security Alternatives and Demilitarisation

The military is a common way of maintaining national security, thus it has been maintained as a common way of dealing with disputes.  However, it is not the only way and its track record indicates that it is not a very effective way of meeting human security needs.  A major emphasis of this course is that there are always alternatives and conflict resolution procedures may be more effective and less costly in dealing with disputes within (often linked to human insecurity) or between countries.  As the use of these methods gains strength in a society, the need for force is reduced and demilitarisation can be deemed necessary.  Demilitarisation is part of peacebuilding, that is building a social, political and economic environment in which peace can grow. Demilitarisation can also be considered as a conflict prevention measure:  if countries do not have large militaries, they will have to use non-military ways of dealing with disputes.  It is hoped this course will enable students to explore non-military ways of resolving disputes and be able to implement them at personal, communal, national and international levels.

HPHS 210 Peace and Reconciliation

The module explores understanding peace and reconciliation to human rights. Students should be acquainted that reconciliation requires individuals and groups to address past and present inequality, injustice, and violence to construct better futures based on stronger social bonds and respect for human rights. It also peruses reconciliation and how advanced post-conflict mechanisms such as truth commissions promote social justice and peace.

HPHS330 Work- Related Placement Report

The students will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.

HPHS331 Work- Related Learning Report

As part of the examination, the students will be required to submit a comprehensive academic report of their work-related learning experience to the department and it will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.

HPHS332 Work- Related Academic Supervisor’s Report

As part of the examination, the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor and this will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

HPHS333 Work -Related Learning Supervisor’s Report

The employer will assess the student and award a mark which will be presented to the departmental

examinations board for processing of final marks.

HPHS 401 International Institutions and Peacebuilding

This module identifies the contributions of international institutions to peacebuilding processes. The module aims to equip students with knowledge about international actors and how law is applied and implemented in international politics, with a focus on international peace and security.

HPHS 402 Monitoring and Evaluation

This course is intended to provide training in monitoring and evaluation. The course will help students with skills and knowledge in assessing, collecting and analysing data that is used in designing development programs/projects. Monitoring and Evaluation is increasingly recognised as the cornerstone for effective program management and is critical for organisational sustainability. A continuously increasing need for suitably skilled monitoring and evaluation project managers has been identified as a priority area by various stakeholders active in different sectors and industries e. g globally – globally-funded sponsorships often require evidence of effective monitoring and evaluation systems before awarding funds. This course is structured in such a way that it guides learners to apply monitoring and evaluation principles within the context of their unique work environment.

HPHS403 Civil-Military Relations

The module interrogates various areas that concern civil-military relationships such as how political leaders, societies and military organizations interact. It also explores the attitudes and values of military and civilian populations within a society.

HPHS 404 Terrorism and De-radicalization

The module intends to enhance the conceptualization of ideological, strategic, and tactical idiosyncrasy that is posed by global terrorism, radicalisation and counter-terrorism measures being implored in the 21st century in both spheres of the globe to ensure the prevalence of peace.

HPHS 405 Disaster Management

The module intends to conceptualise disasters as the consequences of events triggered by natural or man-made hazards that create challenges and problems mainly of a humanitarian nature. It also provides enforcement of human rights principles through disaster risk management, including pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness measures, emergency relief and rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts. Those at risk need to be protected against violence and abuse in these contexts. Lack of social justice is the result of inappropriate policies, neglect or oversight. However, violations could be avoided if both national and international actors took the relevant human rights guarantees into account from the beginning.

HPHS 406 Media and Human Rights

Media and Human Rights is a module that the traditional human rights concerns regarding the media and current debates regarding the role played by the media within the field of human rights. The module also explores issues that include but are not limited to issues such as free speech, hate speech, privacy, the protection of journalists in conflict, human rights reportage, fact-finding and witnessing, the internet, social media and human rights.

HPHS 407 Applied Ethics of Peace

The module assesses themes and aspects of ethics in peacebuilding these include enforcement of Justice and Human Rights. Various ethics approaches will be surveyed. Of essence is also the need to understand how ethics have shaped perceptions of societies in peace processes, Justice delivery and sustenance of Human Rights.

HPHS 408 Diplomacy

The module introduces the student to diplomatic skills that are used in ending conflict. It introduces those to both Western and African indigenous ways of diplomacy. Emphasis will be placed on the modern pioneering influence of diplomacy through the Treaty of Westphalia, Congress of Vienna and Paris Peace Conference to contemporary diplomatic practice.

HPHS 409 Dissertation

Students shall research a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in peace, conflict, reconciliation and related issues. The maximum length of the dissertation should be 20 000 words.