PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme seeks among other things to:  

• To stimulate interest in and promote the study of history and International Studies through an

acquaintance with the variety of theoretical and applied approaches to aspects and periods of history and a familiarity with differing interpretations of particular historical problems.

•       Provide a supportive environment towards promoting the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of cause and consequence, continuity and change in human activity in Zimbabwe and beyond.
•       develop essential study skills as a sound base for further study and the pursuit of personal interest in selected themes in international affairs.
•       build on the strengths of a range of disciplines and programmes available to students through the University’s concept of “Flexible Packaging”.
•       engage students intellectually and professionally in the critical analysis of international issues pertinent to the needs of the 21st Century.

3. CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates of History and International Studies will be able to pursue a variety of career options in administration, public leadership, research and consultancy, teaching and the international civil service with regional and international organizations such as Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and varied United Nations Organization (UNO) agencies.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

For entry into the Honours in History and International Studies, candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements specified in the Faculty Regulations and the General Regulations. In so doing, they must satisfy the following requirements: Must have obtained at least five ‘O’ Level passes or the equivalent, including English Language and History.  Must have obtained a pass in History at ‘A’ Level and at least ONE of the following subjects or their equivalent:

Economics, Geography, Heritage Studies, Political Economy, Law, Divinity, Sociology, Literature in English, Shona, Ndebele or any other African Language

Special Entry

  Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Degree                  Programmes.

Mature Entry

  Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate degree

                     Programmes.

3.     PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of study

Modules discuss the history of Zimbabwe, Africa and the world from antiquity to the present. Students also choose electives, organised around different themes such as International Law, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa, international relations and global history.

Specialist Focus       Themes in African History, Research Methods, Demography, Land and Agrarian Studies, Nationalism, Africa in the 21st century Religion, international law, international relations and peace.

Orientation

The programme takes a multi-dimensional approach where field work, critical thinking and innovative research is emphasised.

Distinctive Features –       Interaction with seasoned scholars (Sabbatical Fellows) and community experts.

–       Grooming of versatile academics who can be problem solvers to contemporary challenges.

–       A strong and active tradition of historical expertise

–       Regular research seminars with visiting speakers

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

 

Code      Module Description                                             Credits

Level 1 Semester 1

HISH 130     Research Methods                                                                12

HISH 133     Themes in African History                                                    12

HISH 134     Economy and Society in Zimbabwe to 1890                           12

HISH 137     Introduction to International Studies                                      12

HISH 139     Women in African History                                                    12

CS 131         Basic Communication Skills                                                 12

HCS 135      Introduction to Information Technology                             12

Level 1 Semester 2

 

HISH141      Introduction to International Relations and Diplomacy            12

HISH142      History of International Law                                             12

HISH144      Pre-Colonial Southern Africa                                                12

HISH230      History of Zimbabwe 1890-1980                                           12

CS 132         Extended Communication Skills                                        12

Electives                 

HISH 143     Regional Co-operation in Africa                                            12

At Level 2, students are expected to study at least five modules per semester

Level 2 Semester 1

HISH 232     Historiography and Historical Methods                                   12

HISH 233     Europe between 1789 and 1918                                             12

HISH 234     History of East Africa                                                       12

HISH 236     International Organisations since 1919                                   12

HISH 238     Growth and Development of East Asian Economies               12

ENT 131      Entrepreneurship 1                                                              12

 

Electives

HISH235      Developments in Southern Africa since 1870                         12

HISH237      United States of America since 1860                                 12

Level 2 Semester 2

HISH 240     North Africa and the Middle East                                          12

HISH 241     China since the Communist Revolution                                  12

HISH 242     Labour and Capital in Africa                                                 12

HISH 243     Demography, Land and Agrarian Studies in Africa                 12

Electives

HISH 244     Western Europe since 1919                                               12

HISH 246     The Military and Governance in Africa                                  12           

HISH 247     Latin America and the Caribbean                                          12          

Level 3 Semester 1 Work- Related Learning

HISH300      Student’s Work- Related Learning Placement Report              15

 

Level 3 Semester 2: Work- Related Learning

HISH 304     Student’s Work-Related Learning Report                               45

HISH 305     Academic Supervisor’s Assessment Report                            45

HISH 306     Employer’s Assessment Report                                         30

Level 4

Students in the fourth level are expected to do at least five modules in the first semester and three modules plus a dissertation in the second semester.

Level 4 Semester 1

HISH 431     Race, Class and Ethnicity in Africa                                        12

HISH 432     History of African Liberation Movements                          12

HISH 433     African International Relations                                               12

HISH 434     Peacekeeping and Peace-building in Independent Africa         12

HISH 435     Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Africa                              12

Level 4 Semester 2

HISH 441     Religion and Society in Africa                                               12

HISH 442     Zimbabwean History since Independence                           12   

HISH 443     African Diaspora and International Migrations                       12

HISH 445     Research Project                                                           12

Electives  

 

HISH 444 Democracy and Human Rights in Africa                                        12

All electives will be on offer in any given semester. The Departmental Board decides on the modules to be taught in each semester.

MODULE SYNOPSIS

HISH 130 Research Methods

The module focuses on addressing the development of core research skills for advanced historical study. Through case studies analyses, the evaluation of different types of historical evidence, and the consideration of how valid research questions are formulated and applied, it is designed to refine the critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are fundamental to valid historical scholarship. This module is an introduction to research methods for students studying History and International Studies.  It is aimed at acquainting the student with some major aspects of the discipline and its practice.

HISH 134 Economy and Society in Zimbabwe to 1890

The module is a survey of Zimbabwe’s social and economic developments since the Early Iron Age, and then examines the origins and socio-economic structure of the early and later Shona states. Some of the states covered include Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa State, Torwa, Rozvi and Ndebele states.  It ends with a discussion of the Nguni conquests of the 19th Century and the period of Treaties and Concessions with different white settlers which culminated in the colonisation of Zimbabwe.

HISH 133 Themes in African History

The module provides students with a general survey of social and economic aspects of African society from the origins of agriculture to the present.  The aim of the module is to expose students to various interpretations of the past. Themes covered include state formation; long- distance trade; mercantile capital; slave trade; European imperialism, colonial administrative systems, colonial development policies and African reactions; the impact of Christianity and Western education; the growth of African nationalism and the struggles for independence.

HISH 137 Introduction to International Studies

The module provides a basis for students to deepen their understanding of an increasingly interdependent world and broaden their perspective on a variety of international topics.  It introduces key concepts and approaches in international studies, examining important problems in the contemporary world from the historical perspective and related social science disciplines. The module enables students to understand why international events occur the way they do, why certain wars break out, why certain agreements benefit one nation more than the other or others and why certain countries are more prosperous than others. It analyses concepts of power, sovereignty, diplomacy and global governance in the international system.

CS 131 Basic Communication Skills

This module introduces the learner to the fundamentals of communication skills in an academic setting – speaking, listening, reading and writing. These include style and appropriateness, formal and informal styles of writing, organisation of writing, paragraphing, developing an argument, referencing and editing.

HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology

The module is a course designed to familiarise students with the operation of computers and various application programmes and equip them to use computers in different areas of study as used in today’s global environment. It presents the following concepts: Basic computer concepts, data processing cycle, number system, computer Arithmetic, types of computers and computer applications. It also introduces topics such as computer hardware and software, file management, the internet, the social web, green computing, security and computer ethics.

HISH 139 Women in African History

The module explores the social, economic and political experiences of African women from pre-colonial times to the present. It examines African women’s overlooked pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial experiences, introducing students to theories of feminism and concepts such as gender and sex, gender sensitivity, gender equity and equality, affirmative action and gender mainstreaming. The module will consider women’s political and military involvement in early pacification wars of colonial encroachment. It also interrogates measures that have been put in place by various domestic and international institutions to promote gender equity and equality. It will also focus on the measures that women have taken to assert themselves in society and African Historiography.

HISH 141 Introduction to International Relations and Diplomacy

The module introduces students to the concepts, theory and practice of international relations and diplomacy. The motive is to capture relations and networking of nations in the form of the inception of the idea of diplomacy to the contemporary world. It also equips students with the skills necessary to understand the subject matter. The main focus will be Africa and particularly Zimbabwe, though outside nations are also discussed.

HISH 142 History of International Law

The module exposes students to the dynamics of international law. The importance of international law lies in that it seeks to regulate relations between and among states. Issues of state sovereignty, diplomatic law and immunity will be examined since the task of international tribunals is to interpret wording used in international agreements. The module examines the place of the developing world particularly Africa in relation to international law.

 

HISH 143 Regional Co-operation in Africa

The module examines the growth and development of African efforts at regional co-operation in the form of groupings such as the AU, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, EAC and AMU. It discusses the socio-economic and political impact of such integration on member countries and third parties in general. It explores the role of these organisations in promoting peace and stability, social integration and assesses challenges that the organisations have encountered in relation to seeking economic sovereignty.

HISH 144 Pre-colonial Southern Africa

The module focuses on the development of pre-colonial societies in the Southern African sub-region as well as the complex socio-economic relations between such groups as the San, the Khoi Khoi, the Bantu, and the European intruders. The module examines specific themes such as long- distance trade in Southern Africa, the European occupation of the Cape, the Great Trek, The Portuguese interaction with African communities in Southern Africa, Mfecane and its effects, mineral discoveries and the beginnings of the industrialisation of South Africa and its impact on the region, the Scramble for, and colonial conquest of the region and African responses as well.

HISH 230 History of Zimbabwe 1890-1980

The module covers the period from the establishment of colonial rule to the present.  It discusses, among other issues, the colonisation of Zimbabwe and early African resistance including the Anglo-Ndebele war of 1893-94 and the Chimurenga/Umvukela I, the establishment of the colonial economy under the B.S.A Company, the transition to settler rule,  capitalist development, land apportionment and African dispossession, urbanisation and the growth of the manufacturing sector, the rise of trade unions and the beginnings of nationalism; the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the ZAPU split and rise of ZANU, UDI and sanctions as well as the War of Liberation. It also looks at false starts to independence – the Internal Settlement and the creation of the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Government, and lastly the Lancaster House Agreement and the coming of Uhuru-independence

HISH 232 Historiography and Historical Methods

The module introduces students to philosophical ideas and theories which found expression in history.  This is a survey of the critical method of studying and understanding history from Renaissance and Enlightenment historiography to the specific interpretative strategies for the study of historical texts.  The precursors of modern critical methods/theories such as Kant, Hegel, St Augustine and Descartes will form the background material. The module also covers the features of hagiographical writings, colonialist, Africanist and patriotic historiography. Students will also be exposed to historical data collection methods and various approaches to data presentation and analysis. The overall aim of the module is to develop the techniques of historical data collection, writing, formal appreciation and criticism of historical works.

HISH 233 Europe between 1789 and 1918

This module surveys the history of Europe from the French Revolution of 1789 to the end of World War 1. 1789 is critical in understanding issues of liberty, fraternity and human rights. These were subsequently improved and also challenged by the Napoleonic Wars, Concert of Europe, Congress system, revolutions and the Crimean War. Further, the unification of Italy and Germany occupies a special position. The module also looks at how European diplomacy played out resulting in the formation of two hostile camps, the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance. The module ends with an examination of the causes, course and results of the so-called World War I of 1914-1918.

HISH 234 History of East Africa

The module offers a broad exploration of major socio-political and economic developments in Eastern Africa from the time of the Khoi-San, Cushitic, Semitic and Bantu populations to the struggles for independence in the 20th century. The module unpacks and critiques the rise of agriculture and pastoralism in Eastern Africa. It further examines the development of trade in Eastern Africa and the interactions of East African communities with the Swahili-Arab traders during the trans–Saharan trade and their encounters with the maritime culture of the Indian Ocean and later European traders during the slave trade. The module further discusses the establishment of colonial rule and subsequent colonial socio-economic structures. It brings to the fore the fact that although colonialism was about the exploitation and control of the Africans and their natural resources by countries such as Britain, the Germans and the Portuguese, the Africans did not passively endure colonial restrictions and exactions. Africans devised several strategies ranging from resistance to subversion and negotiation to shape their lives. The module also reveals that although the colonial system sought to subject, control and transform Africans in many aspects, socially and economically, the process was not entirely transformative in that whilst East Africans appropriated and utilised Western technologies, adopted Christianity and Western education, in many respects, they maintained and retained some aspects of their pre-colonial traditions and cultures. The module ends with a discussion of the struggle for independence in Eastern Africa.

HISH 235 Developments in Southern Africa since 1870

The module is a survey of the history of Southern Africa starting from the early 1870s. It covers all countries in the Southern African region which include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The module examines the experiences of African and white societies in the region since the discovery and exploitation of minerals in South Africa towards the end of the 1860s. It grapples with issues of the subjugation and exploitation of Af