BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN INDUSTRIAL SOCIOLOGY (HISO)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
HISO100	Introduction to Sociology	This module introduces the sociological approach to the scientific study of society in the cultural context of modernity and post-modernity. At the end of the module learners will develop skills to examine how society is structured and organised, how social actors’ model and design solutions to and interpret their actions, how patterns of interaction develop and reproduce themselves, and how whole societies become transformed over time. The students will be able to contribute to multidisciplinary teams in addressing social problems.
HISO102	Introduction to Industry, Work and Society	Industry, Work and Society is one of the critical courses for Industrial Sociology students. It introduces students to the evolving role industry and work play in society and challenges students to explore how industries can and should create value for society. The Module encourages critical discussions on the nature of power, the production of knowledgThis module introduces students to staffing issues in organisations. Students should familiarize with human resources planning, selection, recruitment and training of staff among other things. Organisations should have the right employees at the right time and in the right position. If human capital is properly managed organisations will achieve productivity and efficiency in their operations.e and expertise, capitalist relations, practices of material culture, industry, and the social structures of contemporary industries. The Module provides a comprehensive introduction to a sociological study of the industry and work. The module enables students to think critically about how industry and work settings can respond to current global challenges by creating economic, social, and environmental value. The Module also requires grasping the role and dynamics of contemporary industries as social arenas in which economy, power, knowledge and culture shape action and actors
HISO103	Introduction to Globalization and Labour Relations	This course is meant to acquaint students with knowledge on how globalization or time-space compression has affected relations between capital and labour in both developing and the developed world. Technological advancements, the need for profit, stiff competition for markets, capital flows, pressures for assimilation toward international labour standards have seen organizational restructuring in terms of skills development, number of workers and a revisit to organisational management. Competition for markets has seen Northern industries investing in the South via multinational corporations and economic reforms designed by the Brettonwoods institutions also impacting on work organization, management, workers welfare and working conditions amongst other issues. Although multinational corporations have been providing employment for the people, they have suffered heavy criticism because of their nomadic tendencies or relocation in need of capital which exposes the workers to insecure tenure and violations of workers’ rights. Serious changes in skill demands; wage inequality; and brain drain have been enabled by globalisation. Employment of skilled workers has been on the rise in both developed and developing countries. The demand for skilled workforce in the developed North has enabled brain drain to take place with countries such as Zimbabwe losing more qualified personnel. On the other note, globalization permits ease of entry for those with skills, products, ideas and even diseases. The financial/economic crisis coupled with the spread of diseases such as HIV and AIDS and COVID-19 have affected the labour market in both developing and developed countries forcing governments to restructure in terms of legal frameworks in turn impacting on capital and labour bargaining power, workers’ rights, unionism etc.
HISO101	Introduction to Industrial Sociology	The module equips students with analytical skills to model and design solutions that shape the continuities and changes in the functioning of industrial organisations, workers’ occupational and workplace experiences in the twenty first century. The module produces learners with skills to locate Zimbabwe’s interests and experiences with industrialisation in the context of national, regional and international interests in industrial production, distribution and consumption.
HISO105	Introduction to Human Capital Development	Efforts have been made by various governments to ensure that the education and training system has the capacity to enhance the quality and availability of intellectual and skilled human capital to support the transition toward knowledge-intensive activities, sustain economic growth, and compete in the global market. Human Capital development (HCD) is a key ingredient for sustainable socioeconomic growth in contemporary society. The study of Human Capital Development needs to occur from a strategic positioning perspective, with an understanding of political and tactical related concepts. Emphasis will be on how HCD relates to a changing workplace and emerging theories and practices in the management of organizations and learning and development needs of people in the workforce. The Module examines the activities and processes that impact on organisational and individual learning.
HISO104	Understanding Contemporary Research in Society	This module introduces students to basic sociological and anthropological research methods. There will be conceptualization of research methods terms and this module will prepare students adequately for the level two research course. After completion of this module students should be able to do field work in areas of their interest.
FSBT100	Social & Behavioural Theory (Faulty Wide Module)	This interdisciplinary module introduces students to foundational concepts in the social and behavioural sciences, spanning Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Demography, Political Science, Public Policy, and Lifelong Learning. It equips students with analytical tools, values, and competencies to study human behaviour and society through the lens of social and behavioural theory. Emphasis is placed on theorising as a practical activity, encouraging students to critically apply theory to issues affecting individuals, groups, communities, and societies. The module also serves as preparation for professional practice, fostering skills for engaging with policy, politics, economics, and knowledge production as emerging social scientists.
SDLSSB101	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
IDSB101	Information & Digital Skills (University Wide Module)	The Information and Digital Skills module develop learners’ ability to find, assess, and use information effectively while building confidence with digital tools. It covers online research, data management, communication, and collaboration, emphasizing ethical and responsible practices. By completion, learners can critically engage with digital resources across academic, professional, and everyday settings.
LAICSBND100	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences - NDEBELE	This module provides students with a foundation in spoken Ndebele and introduces basic aspects of Ndebele linguistic structure. A conversational approach will be adopted, with students spending a significant amount of time on oral practice. It is a university-wide module designed to meet the needs of non- Ndebele -speaking students. The module seeks to contribute to the branding of the UZ graduate by responding to the needs of industry and society, producing graduates who are able to communicate effectively with local communities where language may otherwise be a barrier to access and success. Together with its cultural corollary, the module offers specialist communicative training for individuals working or intending to work with language across various programmes and within different communities. The module will also function as a language clinic, providing learners with opportunities to seek clarification on issues related to Ndebele language learning as well as broader Ndebele socio-cultural matters. Ndebele is an official language and the second most widely spoken language in Zimbabwe. It belongs to the Nguni subgroup of the Bantu language family, which implies a degree of mutual intelligibility between Zimbabwean Ndebele and other Nguni languages such as Zulu, Xhosa, Swati and South African Ndebele. These languages are spoken by more than 40 million people across South Africa, Eswatini and Zimbabwe
HISO206	Social Change and Development	This module will equip the student with an in-depth knowledge of social change and development. The focus in this module will be on exploring the leading theories to examine social change and social development in the developing world mainly from late colonial periods, post-colonial era to present social changes and development at the national and international levels. Particular focus will be on social change and development’s global roots and dimensions since World War II. We will focus on colonialism, imperialism, post-colonialism, globalisation to the present. Our geographical focus will be the “Third World”, where close to eighty percent of the world population currently resides. Traditionally the concept of social change and development has been closely linked with transformation, modernization and industrialization of agrarian societies. Therefore, in this module we will take a broader view of social change and development as understood to be human development. We will also examine various theories of development and topics such as colonization, dependent development, structural adjustment, debt, international division of labour, globalisation among others.
HISO208	Management theories & Organisational communication	The module introduces students to management theories.
HISO203	Sociology of Organisations	Organisations are a key component of society, determining how societies are organised and function. The module equips learners with the appropriate knowledge, skills, attitudes, competencies and ways of thinking in the study of the nature, structure, behaviour and processes in organisations. At the end of the module learners should be able to have basic skills of managing organisations and contributing to their stability and efficiency
SSRM201	Social Science Research Methods	This module engages with the emergence of Social Science Research Methods and their need to deal with unique experiences, meanings making processes and interpretations of people and thus of society. At the end of the module students should be able to conduct qualitative research to inform policies and development initiatives.
CCLSSB201	Critical Consciousness & Life Skills	Develops students’ awareness of social, cultural and personal issues while fostering essential life skills for decision-making, problem-solving and responsible citizenship.
RISSB202	Research and Innovation Skills (Faculty Wide Module)	This module equips learners with the essential knowledge, tools, and practices required to conduct effective research and foster innovation in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial settings. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and the application of systematic research methods to generate new ideas and solutions.
SDLSSB201	Student Development Life Skills	The module introduces students to the use of foreign and languages and their application in academic research. The module is offered over a period of 4 years under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
HISO201	Human Resources Management	This module introduces students to staffing issues in organisations. Students should familiarize with human resources planning, selection, recruitment and training of staff among other things. Organisations should have the right employees at the right time and in the right position. If human capital is properly managed organisations will achieve productivity and efficiency in their operations.
HISO210	Special Issues in Organisations	The module introduces students to organisational politics, dynamics, and change.
HISO211	Work, Health and Safety	Work, health and safety are intertwined. The field of work has changed tremendously due to changes in our environment (economic, political and social environment). HIV/AIDS, TB, cancer and Covid-19 are some of the diseases that have emerged compromising on workers and workplace safety. On the other note, increased world trade has generally benefitted industrialised or strong economies and marginalised those that are weak. While the share of world trade to the world’s poorest countries has decreased, workers in those economies increasingly find themselves in insecure poor-quality jobs, sometimes involving technologies which are obsolete or banned in industrialised countries. This does not only compromise on the health of the workers but those outside the workplace can be affected through, for example work related environmental pollution and poor living conditions. This course therefore intends to acquaint students with an understanding of health and safety in the workplace. A thorough understanding of health and safety is essential in all workplaces, regardless of the job, role, industry or place of work. This course provides an in-depth detail to health and safety legislation (laws, rules and regulations) and aims to raise awareness of the responsibilities that all employers, managers and supervisors are expected to maintain. Covered in the course are the basic health principles and practices essential in the workplace. The course also identifies risks of breaching health and safety regulations enacted at company, national or international levels. The course also details preventive measures associated with occupational health and safety.
SDLSSB201	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
CCLSSB201	Critical Consciousness & Life Skills (University Wide Module)	Develops students’ awareness of social, cultural and personal issues while fostering essential life skills for decision-making, problem-solving and responsible citizenship.
RISSB202	Research and Innovation Skills (Faculty Wide Module)	This module equips learners with the essential knowledge, tools, and practices required to conduct effective research and foster innovation in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial settings. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and the application of systematic research methods to generate new ideas and solutions.
SSRM201	Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide Module)	This module engages with the emergence of Social Science Research Methods and their need to deal with unique experiences, meanings making processes and interpretations of people and thus of society. At the end of the module students should be able to conduct qualitative research to inform policies and development initiatives.
LAICSBCH200	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences -CHINESE	This module provides students with an appreciation of the Chinese language. It introduces basic aspects of the Chinese language and linguistic structure. The module uses a comprehensive approach where all aspects of the Chinese language will be adopted, with students spending a significant amount of time on oral practice to enable them to gain confidence in communication. This module fairly responds to the industry and societal needs following the flood of Chinese people venturing into various industries in Zimbabwe and requiring various services. This module serves to bridge the language gap and provides profound advantages for our society by increasing social cohesion, and enabling authentic cross-cultural connections. Beyond mere communication, this module acts as a bridge that dismantles stereotypes, promotes inclusivity, and prepares individuals to navigate a globalized world as it produces graduates who have an understanding of the Chinese community and are able to communicate effectively in situations where language may otherwise be a barrier.
HISO300	Applied Social Theory	This module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competences needed to critically appreciate existing theoretical frameworks that inform the process of industrialisation and for students to attempt to formulate new/alternative theories of the same, drawn from research. At the end of the module students should be able to critically evaluate the industrialisation trajectory.
HISO304		The module integrates two critical issues in the global economy and these are Consumerism and Public Relations. At the end of the module, students should be able to contribute to market research analysis as well as contribute to PR management of organisations
HISO309	Labour Movements, Law & Democracy	This module offers students a unique opportunity to explore and evaluate the historical, legal, and social significance of labour movements. It equips them with the necessary thought capital that enables them to comprehend the complexities of the law, labour movements, and democracy, thereby, capacitating them to critically engage with these topics in a broader historical and societal context.
HISO380	Industrial Attachment	Industrial Attachment provides learners with supervised, hands-on practical experience in a real-world organizational or community development setting. The module bridges theory and practice by allowing students to apply knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to professional environments. It focuses on experiential learning, workplace ethics, problem-solving, and professional development, while exposing learners to institutional operations, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement. The module also emphasizes reflective practice, reporting, and supervision to enhance learning outcomes and career readiness.
EPECPSB301	Entrepreneurship, Professional Ethics Communication and Philosophy (University Wide Module)	The module capacitates students with skills to organically grow enterprises through cultivating employees that are creative and innovative.These skills and knowledge are the corner stone of enterprise growth as they remove dependence on the owners to all in the organisation. Through the module organisational rejuvenation and sustainable competitiveness hence growth is guaranteed.
SDLSSB301	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
HISO400	Leadership & Ethics in Organisations	The module provides candidates with a comprehensive overview of the debates, theories, models and practices on leadership and ethics in a diversity of organisational settings both at local and global levels. At the end of the module candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge and be able to apply the knowledge to reflect and innovate and invest in industrial development for the competitive advantage and survival of organisations in contexts of rapid change and uncertainty.
HISO401	Labour Relations	This module introduces students to key components of the labour Act and issues to do with disputes resolutions, grievance procedure and discipline procedure in organisations.
HISO405	Urban Poverty, Livelihoods & Resilience	This module will focus on the urban households and communities and will provide an enhanced model and design solutions of how poor households and communities build resilience through livelihood strategies. At the end of the module participants will among other things be able to identify contextual factors, livelihood assets, the functioning of structures and processes of key institutions and the livelihood strategies to build resilience. Students should be able to propose frameworks and guidelines towards a theory of change to inform development programming.
HISO402	Strategic Human Resources and Organisational Development	The module covers critical issues in Strategic Human Resource Management and Organisational Development. It seeks to equip students with strategic human resource management as a new way of thinking about organisations and their stakeholders. At the end of the module students should be able to contribute to human resource management principles, strategies, processes and practices such as planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, health and safety, rewarding and maintaining an effective workforce and organisation development interventions and techniques.
HISO403	Sociology of Entrepreneurship and Innovation	The module covers critical issues in Strategic Human Resource Management and Organisational Development. It seeks to equip students with strategic human resource management as a new way of thinking about organisations and their stakeholders. At the end of the module students should be able to contribute to human resource management principles, strategies, processes and practices such as planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, health and safety, rewarding and maintaining an effective workforce and organisation development interventions and techniques.
HISO405	Urban Poverty, Livelihoods and Resilience	This module will focus on the urban households and communities and will provide an enhanced model and design solutions of how poor households and communities build resilience through livelihood strategies. At the end of the module participants will among other things be able to identify contextual factors, livelihood assets, the functioning of structures and processes of key institutions and the livelihood strategies to build resilience. Students should be able to propose frameworks and guidelines towards a theory of change to inform development programming.
HISO404	Social Policy and Work	The module focuses on social policy, social administration and its interface with work. By the end of this module students should be able to critically examine, model and design solutions to how different social, cultural, economic and political contexts affect social policy and work environments at both local and global levels. At the end students should have skills to come up with context relevant, sustainable, and evidence-based solutions to contemporary social problems
HISO470	Research Project	The module seeks to create skills of knowledge creation through giving students an opportunity to innovatively choose research problems and address them with the aid of the supervisor. The ultimate aim of this module is to enhance the student’s social research skills through informed and accumulated academic theory for subsequent practice and also consolidate the anthropological knowledge. At the end of the module students should be able to do independent research and produce quality honours research reports
SDLSSB401	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.