BACHELOR OF SCIENCE PEACE STUDIES HONOURS DEGREE (HPS)
INTRODUCTION
- These regulations should be read in conjunction with Faculty Regulations and the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees.
- The Department of Politics and Public Management seeks to develop students who are relevant to the career demands and challenges in issues of conflict, peace and reconciliation.
1.3 Emphasis will be on illumination of issues surrounding peace, conflict, conflict resolution, conflict transformation, reconciliation and unity.
1.4 The BSc Honours Degree in Peace Studies shall be a four year Honours Degree Programme.
OBJECTIVES
- To fill the existing gaps in the training and development of peace builders and conflict managers.
- Fill the existing gaps in the training and development of career peace builders and conflict managers, through development of critical thinking and independent judgement around issues of peace, conflict, and reconciliation.
- Allow students to gain a critical understanding of problems, challenges and dilemmas in peace, conflict and reconciliation.
- Provide a platform for research in peace economics, conflict and reconciliation.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates have career opportunities in both the public and private sector were they can work as: Public Administrators in Central Government Ministries and Local Authorities (Rural and Urban), Community Development Officers and Project Managers in Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations and Lectureship.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Normal Entry
For entry into the BSc Honours Degree in Peace studies candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements specified in the Faculty Regulations and the General Regulations. In doing so, they must satisfy the following requirements;
Must have obtained at least five ‘O’-Level subjects including English Language. Must have obtained a pass in any two of the following ‘A’ Level subjects: History, Economics, Sociology, Divinity, Geography, English Literature, Shona/ Ndebele.
4.2 Special Entry
4.2.1 Holders of relevant diplomas or other relevant qualifications shall be eligible for admission at the discretion of the Departmental Board.
4.2.2 Candidates admitted under 4.2 above may be exempted from certain modules at the discretion of the Departmental Board.
4.2.3 Exemption from Work Related Learning shall be at the discretion of the Departmental Board.
4.3 Mature Entry
4.3.1 Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations.
4.4 Visiting School
4.4.1 The aim of the Visiting School Programme is to provide academic support to those practitioners in the field of Peace studies to upgrade their skills in the area. Ordinarily, these individuals hold qualifications lower than the BSc Peace studies.
4.4.2 The degree programme will be completed in three years with academic levels 2 and 3 running concurrently.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 Each module contains material equivalent to 36 hours contact time. The core and elective modules are worth four (4) credits each except the dissertation which is worth eight (8) credits.
5.2 To progress to the next semester, a student is required to have passed at least all the core modules.
5.3 To successfully complete the programme a student must at least pass all the core modules.
5.4 The number of modules taken by any student from outside the department may be restricted and optional modules are offered subject to availability of staff in the department.
5.5 Work Related learning student placement shall be approved by the Department.
ASSESSMENT
6.1 Examinations, which shall normally be written at the end of each semester, shall comprise three hour papers.
6.2 The method of assessment includes continuous assessment i.e. seminar presentations and write-ups, assignments and tests. Overall assessment shall be computed as follows:
Continuous assessment 40%
Examination 60%
6.3 A student is normally required to attain 100% attendance of lectures and tutorials.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
LEVEL 1 Semester 1
Code Module Description Credits
HPS 101 Introduction to Peace and Conflict 12
HPS 102 Introduction to Analysis and Conflict Resolution 12
HPS 103 Peace and Economics 1 12
HPS 104 Basic Research Methods 12
HCS 115 Introduction to Information Technology 12
CS 101 Basic Communication Skills 12
LEVEL 1 Semester 2
HPS 106 Principles of Peace Based Leadership and Governance 12
HPS 107 Peace Economics and Democracy 12
HPS 108 Principles of Non-violence 12
HPS 109 Peace and Reconciliation 12
HPS 110 Conflict and Human Displacement 12
LEVEL 2 Semester 1
HPS 201 Aspects in Peace and Conflict in Africa 12
HPS 202 Education for Peace 12
HPS 203 Theory and Practice of Conflict Transformation 1 12
HPS 204 Peace and Economics II 12
GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies 12
ENT 205 Entrepreneurship 12
LEVEL 2 Semester 2
HPS 206 Advanced Research Methods in Peace and Conflict 12
HPS 207 Religion, Peace and Conflict 12
HPS 208 Civil Society and Peace Building 12
HPS 209 Economics of War and Peace 12
HPS 210 Gender and Conflict 12
HPS 211 Negotiations and Mediation 12
LEVEL 3 Work Related Learning
HPS 301 Work Related Learning Report 50
HPS 302 Academic Supervisor’s Report 40
HPS 303 Employer’s Assessment Report 30
LEVEL 4 Semester 1
HPS 401 Peacekeeping in Africa 12
HPS 402 Law of Peace and Conflict 12
HPS 403 International Institutions and Conflict Resolution 12
HPS 404 Media and Conflict 12
HPS 405 Community Politics 12
LEVEL 4 Semester 2
HPS 407 Comparative Peace Processes 12
HPS 408 Theory and Practice of Conflict Transformation 2 12
HPS 409 Diplomacy 12
HPS 410 Dissertation 24
MODULE SYNOPSES
HPS 101 INTRODUCTION TO PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES
Since time immemorial, violent conflict has been a major feature of many societies, and this has given rise to a plethora of initiatives and movements dedicated to achieving lasting world peace. This module introduces students to the key issues and debates in peace, and conflict studies. It considers the history of peace and conflict studies as a new sub-discipline, and highlights global developments that continue to make it dynamic and relevant.
HPS 102 INTRODUCTION TO CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND RESOLUTION
Conflict Analysis is defined as the study of the profile, causes, actors and dynamics of conflict. It can be applied at different levels – interpersonal, small group, inter-group, interstate, and transnational levels. Efforts to resolve conflicts must be presaged by holistic analysis of conflict drivers, dynamics, and context. Thus, the module explores issues in conflict resolution, conflict management and conflict transformation.
HPS 103 PEACE AND ECONOMICS 1
It has been envisaged that the economic situation of any society is linked to the stability and peacefulness nature of the society. Peace economics studies the design of political, economic, and cultural institutions and their policies and actions that prevent, mitigate, or resolve violent conflict within and between societies. The module examines the linkage between the economy and peace. Of essence is how elementary economics may be employed to think about economic aspects of violence, war, and peace.
HPS 104 BASIC RESEARCH METHODS
Research is vital in generating reliable and valid knowledge. This module examines various research techniques for gathering data. It also highlights their respective strengths and weaknesses. The fundamentals to be introduced are from both qualitative and quantitative approaches in research.
CS101 BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Refer to the Department of Communication skills
HCS 115 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMAION SYSTEMS
Refer to the Department of Information Systems
HPS 106 PRINCIPLES OF PEACE BASED LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
Poor leadership and governance have been cited as the major factors contributing to the degeneration of politics into warfare. Principled and skilled leadership is core to the politics of peace. This module introduces students to 21st-century models of leadership, with an emphasis on collaborative leadership, and analysis of ways in which gendered attitudes and practices impact and influence leadership and governance.
HPS 107 PEACE ECONOMICS AND DEMOCRACY
It has been realised that a society founded on democratic principles is most likely to be peaceful. Therefore the module examines the linkage between peace and democracy. This module builds on Peace Economics I by explaining the relationship and linkages between economics, democracy and peace. Through a series of case studies, students will analyze large and small-scale processes of economic and social development that support peace.
HPS 108 PRINCIPLES OF NON-VIOLENCE
The module assesses themes and aspects of non-violence. Various approaches to non-violence will be surveyed. Of essence is also the need to understand how non-violence has shaped some societies. 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 around the world, impacting the global security environment.
HPS 109 PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
The module examines the concepts of peace and reconciliation. It explores various methods that can be employed in the search for peace and reconciliation among societies. Cases will be drawn from societies that have gone through the processes of reconciliation, analysing the extent to which these processes have succeeded and challenges involved.
HPS 110 CONFLICTS 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.
HPS 201 ASPECTS IN PEACE AND CONFLICT IN AFRICA
Violent and costly conflict remains pervasive in parts of the African continent. This module investigates contemporary aspects in peace, conflict and economic conditions in Africa. Major focus specifically addresses the causes, dynamics and consequences of the degeneration of politics into warfare. Special emphasis revolves around how the economic situation is central to peace and conflict in Africa.
HPS 202 EDUCATION FOR PEACE
The module focuses on the role of education in enhancing peace in a society. It provides students with the theory and practice of peace education. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the field of peace education and provide an overview of the history, central concepts, scholarship, and practices within the field. Peace education is an enterprise of positive peace, involving the promotion of human rights and social justice.
HPS 203 THEORY AND PRACTICE OF CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
The consequences of conflict can be transformed so that self-images, relationships, and social structures improve as a result of conflict instead of being harmed by it. Conflict transformation has been developed as framework through which the conflict can be dealt with. This module examines the key theories, issues, debates and challenges in conflict transformation. The module also examines practical issues in conflict transformation.
HPS 204 PEACE ECONOMICS II
Creating sound economic policy and a stable macroeconomic framework is essential to societies recovering from violent conflict. This module extends beyond economic principles covered in Peace Economics I, into the wider realm of development policies that tackle inequalities of opportunity and build positive local social capital.
HPS 206 ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PEACE AND CONFLICT The module introduces students to advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods. The major emphasis will be on the development of measures and peace indexes for use not only in Zimbabwe but also regionally, continentally and globally as well.
HPS 207 RELIGION, PEACE AND CONFLICT
Religion has a role to play in integrating and disintegrating societies. Therefore, religion is central in comprehending peace and conflict. Thus the module examines the impact of religion on peace and conflict across the World.
HPS 208 CIVIL SOCIETY AND PEACE BUILDING
Civil society organizations are playing an increasingly important role in conflict resolution and peace-building worldwide. This module explores the role of civil society in peace building and post war reconstruction.
HPS 209 ECONOMICS OF WAR AND PEACE
Complex relationships exist between economics, violent conflict and war, business, the environment, security and development. This module introduces students to political-economic linkages between conflict and peace at various levels of analysis. Students will explore the legal and illicit businesses associated with the conduct of war; scrutinize the role of business in conflict zones in terms of negative and positive impacts; and examine the economic aspects of moving from conflict to peace.
HPS 210 GENDER AND CONFLICT
Conflicts tremendously affect gender relations, and this fact is often ignored in post war reconstruction and peace building. This module considers the gendered dimensions of peace and violent conflict, focusing specifically on strategies and policies for gender equity in post-war reconstruction. It also highlights the role of women in peace building. This module examines the ways in which war engender changes, both positive and negative, in gender relations
HPS 211 NEGOTIATIONS AND MEDIATION
Human beings often find themselves in various diverse and competing social groups (both formal and informal) and they often do all they can to influence the goals and direction of the organizations. It is within human nature to differ, and people use negotiation to handle their differences whether the realm is business, government, or family and friends. Students shall learn negotiation, the central skill in managing conflict, creating value, and distributing resources under these circumstances.
GS 201 INTRODUCTION TO GENDER STUDIES
Refer to Department of Gender Studies
ENT 205 ENTREPRENEURSHIP 1
Refer to Department of Entrepreneurship
HPS 401 PEACEKEEPING IN AFRICA
Attempts have been made to bring to an end conflicts that have embroiled the African continent. Peacekeeping has been one approach that has been used in Africa to try and address this menace. The modules therefore seek to examine the theory and practice of peacekeeping in Africa. Illuminating on the key challenges and successes and how best the challenges can be addressed.
HS 402 LAW OF PEACE AND CONFLICT
Ideally, wars should be waged according to specific rules and principles, which include among others, codes for the treatment of prisoners of war and civilians; in reality, few observe these principles. This module considers the laws of peace and war as contained in the Geneva Conventions, and highlights the challenging of enforcing these rules.
HPS 403 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Lasting peace requires strong and effective institutions for upholding the values and principles of peace building. This module identifies such institutions, evaluates their performance record and considers ways of strengthening and capacitating them.
HPS 404 MEDIA AND CONFLICT
The media plays an important role in a conflict situation, and it has the potential of either fuelling or contributing to ending violent conflict. This module considers the many, and often conflicting roles of the media in conflict. It raises questions of ‘who’ controls the media institutions and with ‘what’ effect when it comes to issues of peace and conflict. Overall, the module focuses on the role of the media in the management and resolution of conflict as well as facilitating reconciliation.
HPS 405 COMMUNITY POLITICS
Local communities are the prime consumers and perpetrators of conflict. Understanding how they relate to each other helps in illuminating on how conflict and peace ensue. This module is explores why conflict emerges in communities and community groups, how to minimize, deal with, “manage”, or resolve community and group conflict, and how conflict is used by groups as a strategy to bring about desired changes.
HPS 407 COMPARATIVE PEACE PROCESSES
Different societies have dealt with the problems of peace and war in culturally specific ways. This module offers a comparative analysis of different culturally specific approaches to peace building and conflict resolution. It examines the ending of wars through peace process negotiations. Peace processes are negotiations that are far more complex than any other kind of international or intergroup negotiation.
HPS 408 THEORY AND PRACTICE OF CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION 2
Differing cases of conflict transformation provides different experiences. These cases can be used in ever emerging cases on conflict transformation. The module therefore examines the theory and practice of conflict transformation in selected cases. The cases examined provide students with practical examples on conflict transformation. This module builds on HPS 203 by exploring how to change relationships between groups, within societies.
HPS 409 DIPLOMACY
Diplomacy is the major platform for facilitating, mitigating and dealing with complex, 21st century challenges including nuclear proliferation, climate change, economic disparities, and cooperation to combat transnational organized crime. The module therefore surveys in diplomatic skills to be employed in ending conflict and perpetuating peace.
HPS 410 DISSERTATION
Students shall carry out research on a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in peace, conflict, reconciliation and related issues. The length of the dissertation should not exceed 20 000 words.