Duration:	4 years
Actual Credit Load: Minimum Credit Load:	480 480
Maximum Credit Load:	540
Maximum MBKS Credit Load:	384
ZNQF Level:	8

 

1.       PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

Industrial Sociology is one of the most important areas of focus in Sociology. Industrial Sociology is a specialised area of study that seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the changing nature of work, industrial relations, management practices, trends in technological transformation, the gendered nature of paid and unpaid work, the organisation of labour and the maximisation of organisational efficacy. The degree aims to produce students who meet the needs of industry by being equipped with critical or analytical skills that enable them to formulate appropriate strategies and policies that improve organisational performance.         

2.       ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

 Normal Entry

At least five (5) ‘O’ levels/, English Language and Mathematics and with 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 Mathematics, 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.       PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study

Industrial Sociology seeks to address questions in three areas as follows:

Work and industrial relations

Industrial Sociology is premised on understanding the world of work, and trends in industrial relations in Zimbabwe and Africa. This programme seeks to explore how patterns of work have changed since the Industrial Revolution and continue to change through the process of globalisation and technological advancements. It also seeks to address the question of how workers experience and cope with the pressure, insecurities and inequalities of a restructured workplace.

Theoretical Constructs

In line with Sociological tradition, Industrial Sociology examines theoretical perspectives on the Sociology of Work and Industrial relations. 

Research Methods

Through utilisation of Sociological methods of inquiry, this programme seeks to equip students with the requisite skills to develop a collection of research that is focused on the social, technological, economic and cultural features of work and labour. 

Specialist Focus:            Sociology, work, industrial revolution, industrial relations, technological advancement, gender and the workplace. 

Orientation:            This programme aims to expose students to the rapid transformation taking place in work and economic life. Through the application of research methodologies and sociological principles to the workplace, this programme aims to build a body of knowledge on work studies in Zimbabwe. These studies will be used to proffer solutions to industrial challenges in Zimbabwe. 

Distinctive Features: This programme is designed to produce students who are uniquely positioned to contribute to the national industrialisation programme. This is to be achieved through equipping students with problem-solving skills that enable students to contribute to the national industrialisation programme.

 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability:        Careers and opportunities exist in private and public sectors, non-state organisations and non-governmental organisations in labour relations practice, arbitration, conflict management and resolution in the workplace and trade union organisations.

Further Studies:      Masters and doctoral studies in Sociology and Anthropology, Masters and Doctoral Studies in Industrial and Economic   Sociology.

Code	Module Description	Credits
Level 1 Semester 1
SOSP 101	Introduction to Sociology	12
SOSP 108	Introduction to Social Anthropology	12
PSY 132	Introduction to Psychology	12
PSY 133	Introduction to Social Psychology	12
SOSP 102	Introduction to Social Policy and Administration	12
CS 131	Basic Communication Skills	12
HCS 135	Introduction to Information Technology	12
Level 1 Semester 2
INDSO 101	Introduction to Industrial Sociology	12
SOSP 104	Social Institutions	12
SOSP 106	Social Policy Making Processes	12
SOSP 105	Social Problems	12
INDSO 105	Neo-Liberal Economic Policies in Southern Africa	12
HRM 141	Labour Economics	12
Level 2 Semester 1
SOSP 201	Qualitative Research Methods	12
SOSP 210	Classical Social Theory	12
HRM 139	Industrial Relations	12
ENT 205	Entrepreneurship 1	12
GSSS 231	Gender Studies for Social Sciences	12
Elective Modules (choose one)
SOSP 216	Social Movements	12
SOSP 213	Crime and Deviance	12
Level 2 Semester 2
HRM 241	Labour Law	12
SOSP 206	Quantitative Research Methods	12
SOSP 207	Contemporary Social Theory	12
INDSO 205	Industrial Sociology Theory	12
SOSP 208	Sociology of Organisations	12
Elective Modules (choose one)
SOSP 203	Different Ability Studies (Critical Perspectives)	12
SOSP 246	Sociology of Sport	12
Level 3 Semester 1: Work-Related Learning
INDSO 330	Work Related Learning Placement Report	40
Level 3 Semester 2: Work-Related Learning
INDSO 331	Work Related Learning Report	30
INDSO 332	Academic Supervisor’s Report	20
INDSO 333	Employer’s Assessment Report	30
Level 4 Semester 1
INDSO 401	Gender and Work	12
INDSO 403	Management of Workforce Diversity	12
INDSO 404	Workers, Change and the New International Division of Labour	12
INDSO 407	Management and Organisational Behaviour	12
Elective Modules (choose one)
SOSP 401	Race, Class and Identities	12
SOSP 408	Social Gerontology: Ageing and Society	12
Level 4 Semester 2
INDSO 405	Conflict Management in the Workplace	12
INDSO 408	Society, Technology and Work	12
INDSO 406	Dissertation	24
Elective Modules (choose one)
INDSO 413	Economy, Society and Governance	12
MPM 408	Migration Management and Protection	12

MODULE SYNOPSES

SOSP 101 Introduction to Sociology

In this module, students gain a theoretical foundation for understanding social issues. The module begins with a discussion of the theoretical origins of Sociology, its key concepts, similarities and differences with other social science subjects. Students are expected to acquire critical, analytical and practical skills that will also serve them in other social science modules as well. Students are introduced to some critical evaluation of discourse on the nature, antecedents and trends in sociological theorising.

 SOSP108  Introduction to Social Anthropology

The module explores conceptual and developmental issues in social anthropology. It starts by exploring the conceptual issues relating to the emergence of social anthropology. It addresses topics such as ideology, politics, production and economic systems, law and order, and leadership in traditional and modern states. The module probes the opportunities and challenges that culture poses for African and other developing economies. Particular attention is paid to comparative and holistic perspectives. Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are looked at in the light of globalisation. 

PSY132 Introduction to Psychology

The module introduces students to the fundamental principles of Psychology. It is designed to not only provide the tools necessary to study human behaviour and mental processes but to also present a sample of the major areas of Psychology as a discipline. The module explores the integrative domains of Psychology inclusive of biological, evolutionary, cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology. There will be a comprehensive coverage of core concepts, which are grounded in both classic studies, and in current and emerging research, including reference to the DSM-5 in discussions of psychological disorders.

CS131 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to regulations for the Department of Communication Skills.

HCS135 Introduction to Information Technology

Refer to regulations for the Department of Information Technology.

INDSO 101 Introduction to Industrial Sociology

This module introduces students to a detailed history of the workplace focusing on the industrial revolution and theoretical perspectives of the workplace. Workplace theories explored in this module include the works of Adam Smith, Frederick Taylor, Karl Marx, Harry Braverman and others.

SOSP 104 Social Institutions

This module develops learners’ sense of themselves as part of society. It uses a sociological approach, which encourages learners to ask questions about the social world in which we live and to use evidence to support explanations for human social behaviour. The module equips learners with knowledge and understanding of the sociological perspectives, theories and concepts used to investigate and explain aspects of the social world. The module offers opportunities for learners to actively investigate human society, and social institutions such as the family, education and religion.

SOSP 416 Labour Studies

The module introduces basic themes and issues in the study of labour and technology. The module examines work and labour markets in a global context and the dynamics of contemporary technological change in the social and economic position of labour. The module allows students to explore the basic issues regarding technological innovation, industrial democracy, labour migration and the new social movements. Issues of gender, class and age are also examined in this broad analytical framework.

PSY133 Introduction to Social Psychology

This module builds students’ knowledge of the scientific understanding of the nature and causes of individual and group behaviour and thought processes in social settings.                                                                 It studies concepts that enable an understanding of the way people think about, feel, and behave, and how they influence and are influenced by others. Students are introduced to perspectives, research methods, and empirical findings of Social Psychology. Topics covered include impression formation, conformity, prosocial behaviour, interpersonal attraction, persuasion, stereotyping and prejudice. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on developing critical and integrative ways of thinking about theory and research in Social Psychology.

SOSP 201 Qualitative Research Methods

The course exposes students to the qualitative research paradigm. It discusses salient issues of practicality, ethics and politics in the research process. The course also delivers transferrable skills including critical reflections, the ability to interpret qualitative data and the ability to present ideas coherently. Included in this course is a wide range of qualitative research and data collection methodologies, which are currently used in development research and practice. Teaching methods will include group work, exercises as well as lectures and discussions.

SOSP 210 Classical Social Theory

The module appraises students on the significance of the main theoretical and epistemological underpinnings in the discipline. It reviews classical sociological theory. It also creates a practical application of social theory as students are set to acquire skills to enable them to have a critical approach to social phenomena in real life.

HRM 139 Industrial Relations

The module is intended to enable students to; understand and appreciate the employment relationship; understand and appreciate the origins of industrial relations and the ‘worker problem’; and understand the theoretical issues underpinning the collective bargaining role of trade unions.

ENT 205 Entrepreneurship 1

Refer to regulations for the Department of Entrepreneurial Studies.

GSSS 231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences

This 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 GSSS 201 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. 

SOC213 Crime and Deviance

The module explores the contemporary debate surrounding society, crime, juvenile delinquency, deviance, conformity and social control. It also addresses the key issues and relationships between society, crime, deviance and the governmental and judicial responses to them.

HRM 233 Elements of Labour Law

The module is intended to enable students to; highlight the basis and significance of the contract in the employment relationship. It enables students to analyse the contract of employment in terms of the legal regulations of economic activity within the labour market.

SOSP 206 Quantitative Research Methods

The module lays the basis for the development of competencies in quantitative research methods and statistics. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical framework of quantitative research methodology, and the acquisition of statistical concepts.

SOSP 207 Contemporary Social Theory

The module creates an appreciation of the centrality of social theory in sociology and the analysis of social phenomena. Students develop an ability to apply sociological theories in the analysis of everyday phenomena. The module builds up on previous social theory module and is meant to give students an in-depth understanding of contemporary theories and developments in the arena of social theory.

INDSO 201 Organisational Change and Development

This module is designed to equip students with theories and methods associated with organisational change and development in contemporary workplaces. Students will be exposed to a number of organisational issues that include the need for change, why organisations change or fail to change, legal and regulatory issues associated with change, how change assists organisations in becoming more competitive and profitable and management techniques to change effectively. This module also looks at the role of leadership in organisational change, why people resist change and planned change.

SOSP 208 Sociology of Organisations

The module acquaints students with sociological issues of organizations. It intends to encourage students to apply sociological theories and to critically analyse organizations in their different cultural environments.

SOSP 203 Different Ability Studies (Critical Perspectives)

The interdisciplinary course in Different Ability Studies previously conceptualized as “Disability Studies” seeks to sensitize students and raise awareness of the challenges faced by Differently Abled persons in Society. The course provides an overview of the purposeful, unequal treatment experienced by people with disabilities in Zimbabwe. The course will investigate issues to do with social justice, different cultural perspectives on disability, and differences in the conception of embodiment.

SOSP246 Sociology of Sport

This module examines sport in modern societies with close attention paid to the distinctive features of sport in Zimbabwe. The aim of this module is to understand the socio-cultural patterns in the organisation, participation, and mediation of sport and sporting practices and to familiarise students with their respective implications. It examines the relationship between sport and the economic, political and educational institutions. Contemporary issues, including racial and gender inequality, violence, drugs/doping and sport media shall also be considered.

INDSO330 Work-Related Learning Placement Report

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

INDSO331 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.

INDSO332 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.

 INDSO333 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.

INDSO 401 Gender and Work

This module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the gendered nature of paid and unpaid work. The module considers the origins and explanations of gender-based systematic differences between women and men in the workplace and home. The module addresses gender issues at work which are often subtle and intricately interwoven with organisational, legal, societal and cultural aspects. In addition, the module explores women’s and men’s changing roles in the economy, and the changing patterns of family life. Topics to be covered include barriers to women’s effective participation in the workplace, flexible work, work-life balance, gender occupational segregation, gender pay gap, sexual harassment gender, power and leadership.

HRM 134 Labour Economics

The module is intended to enable students to; examine how labour markets operate in practice, introducing the concepts of unemployment and wage rigidity; and analyse labour market theories in relation to human resource management with a focus on the ‘flexibility’ notion.

INDSO 403 Management of Workforce Diversity

Workforce diversity is common in many contemporary workplaces and diversity has become the norm rather than the exception. Managing the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce is critical in the workplace. This module prepares students for issues that they will encounter in their future roles as employees and managers in business, government, and non-governmental organisations. Some of the topics to be covered include individual and group perspectives on diversity, diversity and the change process and inclusion strategies.

INDSO 404 Workers, Change and The New International Division of Labour

This module addresses contemporary issues in the workplace focusing on how global production chains have been changing to meet the needs of capital. The module explores the global shift of manufacturing industries from capitalist economies to developing countries. The module will enable students to analyse the origins of the global labour market, its uneven patterns, the role of transnational companies in developing countries, the global accumulation of capital; and Africa and the New International Division of Labour.

SOSP408 Social Gerontology: Ageing and Society

The module focuses on ageing with emphasis on demographic trends, individual aspects of ageing such as family and social support networks, retirement and adaptation to ageing. Particular emphasis is given to issues surrounding ageing and society including the economy, politics, health and social services and public policy i.e. both nationally and at the local level. Specific African case studies shall be utilised.

SOSP401 Race, Class and Identities

The module provides a unique perspective to understanding how groups of people from different races, classes, ethnic groups or other cultures interact. It focuses on cultural diversity and various dimensions of discrimination and prejudice, including an analysis of inequality and its origins, conditions under which inequality occurs and persists, changing inequality, and ways to deal with minority group problems in social institutions including education, employment, housing, migration and policing and the impact of anti-discrimination legislation.

INDSO 405 Conflict Management in The Workplace

Conflict is ubiquitous in all societies and workplace conflict may appear in various forms from personality conflict between employees to conflict with supervisors. This module is designed to equip students with conflict resolution skills in the workplace. Topics to be covered include identifying causes of conflict, how to manage conflict in the workplace, labour dispute management mechanisms in Zimbabwe, collective bargaining, conciliation and mediation, company policies and procedures to manage conflict and tripartism.

INDSO 406 Dissertation

This is a double module and students are expected to put into conduct research putting into practice methodological issues they were taught in various research modules. The idea is to enable students to understand and provide practical solutions to social problems bedevilling society at any given time.

INDSO 407 Management and Organisational Behaviour

This module is designed to equip students with a grounding in the history and development of organisational behaviour, theories and concepts. This area of study focuses on how attributes and behaviours of individuals and groups influence the culture design, ethics, learning and structure of an organisation. The module will assist students in applying contemporary approaches to communication in organisations, decision-making, leadership, motivation, negotiation, power and politics within a team environment.

INDSO 408 Society, Technology and Work

This module introduces students to sociological perspectives that analyse the complexities and interactions between technology, organisations and work practices. Technological transformation is a key feature of capitalist economies. The inception of new technology in the workplace transforms the production process. This module is designed to enable students to critically analyse the role of technology in contemporary workplaces, and how technology can be used as a form of control and surveillance by management. Topics to be covered include technology and society, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology and work- deskilling or upskilling, technology labour saving or intensifying, and technology and globalisation.

SOSP413 Economy, Society and Governance

The module provides students with an understanding of how the three are linked to each other. The main aim is to look at how the economy affects society and how it is governed and vice-versa. Students are exposed to examples from African as well as non-African societies at both the macro and micro levels. The module explores how the three affect social life in different ways.

SOC417 Migration

The module examines various theories of migration and looks at the causes and socio-economic impacts of migration particularly on developing countries. The module looks at local, regional and global patterns of migration, whilst considering the different ways in which migration has been studied and theorised. Students are introduced to a number of key concepts and debates in contemporary migration research, as well as a range of empirical examples.