BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY (POSD)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
POSD101	Introduction to Political Science	Political Science is the systematic study of politics, focusing on power, authority, and influence in human relationships at national and international levels. Its goal, since ancient times, has been the pursuit of the common good. Despite this, politics is often misunderstood, and political science is wrongly equated with training people to become politicians
POSD102	Introduction to Political Theory	POSD102 is an introductory module in Political Theory (also known as Political Philosophy), the earliest branch or sub-field of the discipline of Political Science. Indeed, it is not only the oldest and most fundamental part of Political Science; it is the very foundation of the discipline. It examines major thinkers and texts in the history of political thought and the questions they raise and the prescriptions they offer about the design of the ideal political and social order. Throughout the module, the way in which different political philosophers have given expression to various forms of political order, political authority and leadership as well as the ideal institutions and our ways of life are examined.
POSD103	Introduction to Public International Law	In this course, the student is introduced to the overarching scope, principles, concepts, substance and content of Public International Law with the view to lay bare the meaning, role and impact of international law. The utility of public international law as an instrument of international relations and diplomacy will also be explored with the view to bring into focus the aspects of compliance, breaches and possible sanctions thereof. The course will lay bare legal concepts and principles and how they relate to various broad categories of international law.
POSD111	Introduction to International Relations	International Relations as discipline, is a multi-dimensional study of “international relations”. It examines the nature and scope of relations between and among actors in the contemporary international system. This module presents an introduction to theoretical perspectives in international relations and examines a range of contemporary issues of foreign policy, multilateralism and regional integration through which it is possible to explore the behaviour of states and international organisations.
POSD112	Political Science and Governance	There is widespread misconception about Politics and Governance, which leads many people to resent politics and political activity. The deep misunderstanding of politics is accompanied by an equally prevalent misconception about the discipline of Political Science. A common error is to equate political scientists with politicians and assume that Political Science is about training students to become politicians.
POSD113	Introduction to Modern Political Theory	The module is a successor course to Introduction to Political Theory which was covered in the first semester; both are foundation courses in Political Philosophy, one of the earliest branches of Political Science. Like its predecessor, Modern Political Theory examines major thinkers and texts in the history of political thought and the questions they raise about the design and working of the political and social order. The different ways in which different political philosophers have given expression to various forms of political institutions and our ways of life are systematically examined throughout the module.
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.
LAICSBKI100	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences - KISWAHILI	This is a Kiswahili module targeted for beginners with no prior knowledge of the language. There are no predetermined prerequisites required to undertake this module. Any beginner student who intends to learn and speak Kiswahili as a second or foreign language can benefit from this module. The course offers interactive skills which underlie elementary communication in view of developing learners’ skills in social interactions. The teaching philosophy adopted is based on communicative and competency-based approach to language teaching. Focus is on the competency which learners have to accomplish in the target language for them to be able to communicate naturally in business and other social settings. It is hoped that the module will equip Kiswahili students with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through various learning activities such as role play, exercises and tests. Upon completion of this module, students will have basic language skills that will enable them to function in multilingual and multicultural contexts in the spirit of Education 5.0.
POSD201	Politics in Colonial Zimbabwe	Contemporary policy-making and national development aspirations should be located in the context of the socio-economic and political footprint of colonialism in Zimbabwe. As such, the module seeks to unpack the conceptual and pragmatic underpinnings of colonialism especially its violence manifestations to the indigenous Zimbabweans. As a response to the crisis of colonialism, African forces of change emerged to challenge the legitimacy of the colonialism. At the end of the module, students must have a comprehensive appreciation of the ideological and material motivations of colonialism. Colonialism’s systematic displacement of indigenous pre-colonial governance and socio-economic structures will be explored through historical and theoretical analysis. This is aimed facilitating a clearer understanding of the magnitude of harm which colonialism imposed on the African space and the African body.
POSD202	Foreign Policy Analysis	This undergraduate module provides a specialized, in-depth analysis of Zimbabwe's foreign policy since its internationally recognized independence in 1980. The journey of Zimbabwe's external relations offers a compelling microcosm of the broader challenges and transformations faced by post-colonial African nations. From our role among the Frontline States to international isolation and strategic pivot towards Asia, Zimbabwe has been pushing for equality among sovereign states. This course moves beyond generalized International Relations (IR) theories to apply them to a complex, dynamic, and often controversial case study. It is designed for students seeking a granular understanding of how domestic politics—including leadership ideology, economic strategies, and questions of state survival—profoundly shape a nation's conduct on the global stage. The core rationale is to use Zimbabwe as a lens through which to examine critical themes in modern foreign policy: the strategic dilemmas of small states, the legacy of colonialism, the politics of sanctions, the rise of new global powers like China, and the persistent tension between national Sovereignty and international norms.
POSD203	History of Diplomacy	The module aims to help students understand the machinery of diplomacy and its role in contemporary international society, enabling them to recognize historical continuities, changes and innovations. The introductory section will be devoted to classic authors of diplomatic theory, traditional approaches viewing diplomacy as a specialised form of statecraft and major developments from the rise of resident embassies and foreign ministries to the emergence of new actors (15th –21st century). In the core section of the module current conceptions and procedures in diplomatic practice will be analysed: mainly based on case-studies and primary sources taken from 20th century international history.
POSD221	Governance in Zimbabwe	The module is designed to examine the salient systemic issues in Zimbabwe since Independence in 1980. In a broad sense, national governance is a causal relationship between the State, on the one hand, and citizens and other non-state actors, on the other hand, within the contexts of political culture and the institutional environment. Therefore, the module uses the thematic approach to assess the underlying dynamics in the governance of contemporary Zimbabwe. In this regard, the module explores both general information on the institutional, procedural and value components of the governance system in Zimbabwe, thus unravelling the problems and contradictions inherent in the management of the State and the prospects for the country’s development. Hence, Governance in Zimbabwe seeks to deepen the student’s knowledge and understanding of State-society relations and how they impact national development. It is therefore imperative that students appreciate the roles played by State institutions, the general populace, political parties, the electoral process, civil society organisations, the development community, intergovernmental organisations, foreign governments, multinational corporations, etc. in promoting those relations. The module also focuses attention on topical
POSD222	International Organisations	The module is a sub-discipline of International Relations and Foreign Policy. International organizations are entities established by formal political agreements between their members, and have an international membership, scope and presence. The module will examine the roots, historical development and practice of international organizations. Some of the international organizations to be studied in the course include the United Nations, World Trade Organization, World Bank and IMF, and SADC and the African Union, among others. The module will examine some of the problems and controversies that have surrounded the operation of international organisations. For example, membership issues, veto powers and voting rights, trade imbalances, distribution of power, etc. Such issues have been problematic over the years. They have led to calls for the reforms of these international organisations.
POSD223	African Political Ideas	African Political Ideas examines the evolution, foundations, and contemporary relevance of African political thought from pre- colonial traditions through colonial encounter, nationalism, and post-independence debates. The module critically engages key African thinkers and ideologies- such as Pan-Africanism, negritude, African socialism, feminism and anti-imperialism while situating them within current challenges including state-building, gender justice, neocolonialism, regional integration and global power shifts. Emphasis is placed on applying African political ideas to the analysis of governance, development, and identity in 21^st century Africa.
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.
POSD301	Advanced Modern Political Theory	Advanced Modern Political Theory is designed to deepen students’ understanding of key modern political theorists and their contributions to the development of political thought. Building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in POSD 102 and POSD 113, the course will delve into the ideas of political thinkers such as David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Tom Paine, Mary Wollstonecraft, Jeremy Bentham, and Martin Luther King Jr. There are assumptions that what politicians do is somewhat based and influenced by the ideas of great political thinkers. Through a critical examination of these philosophers’ works, students will explore a wide range of theoretical perspectives on topics such as human nature, relationship between individuals and the state, utilitarianism, civil disobedience and feminism. The course will also analyse the relevance of these ideas to contemporary political debates and challenges.
POSD302	International Security	The module is designed to provide a firm grounding in contemporary international peace and security matters. The search for a stable and just global order remains a vital aspect on the global scene. The purpose of this module is to outline continuity and change in international security affairs and this naturally demands a thorough knowledge of how security is conceived in different international environments and epochs (Cold War, immediate post-Cold War, post-9/11 dispensation, and the current Cold War-like tensions). The end of the Cold War marked the end of one era and the beginning of another. It marked the end of the East-West ideological conflict in which security and peace was perceived and judged with reference to the state and in terms of either the presence or absence of war. Security was perceived almost exclusively in military terms. Non-military threats to security were largely ignored. At the same time, human security was also a non-issue. In the post-Cold War international system, new threats to international peace and security emanate from complex political, economic, social, religious and cultural contexts. The current international system therefore makes the re-definition of, and research on, international peace and security not only imperative but also compelling. The module will attempt to do this through addressing a wide range of issues that are both theoretical and evidentiary.
POSD303	Politics and Governance in Zimbabwe	As a conceptual starting point, the course traces the historical foundation of African power contestations in the context of colonial and post-independence power dynamics. Through a comparative approach on various political processes in various African countries and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the course interrogates the architecture of governance in the continent. At the end of the course, the students must be able to locate the key principles which formed the aspirations and values of national independence in Africa. An understanding of these values helps to establish the Afrocentric benchmarks to governance in Africa and how the same standards are key in solving the political, legislative and public management problems of our time.
POSD311	Political Economy	This undergraduate course provides a comprehensive exploration of political economy as a discipline and its implications for understanding global and national development, inequalities, and economic policies. Students will critically analyse modern theories of underdevelopment, the impact of global initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and local dynamics such as Zimbabwe's national ideology and youth empowerment in relation to development.
POSD312	International Conflict Management	Conflict is conceptualised as universal, normal and necessary since every human being has needs, expectations and ways of behaving that he/she regards as appropriate. It is a feature of every human interaction at all levels. Conflict should therefore not be viewed as a wholly negative phenomenon. But unless properly understood, conflict poses greatest threat to human relations, indeed international relations. This module is an effort to generate knowledge about international conflict, with emphasis on its management. The module examines management of international conflict from a realistic point of view, and out of necessity dedicates focus on understanding international conflict, its types, sources and how it can be managed. The context of the module is typically international.
POSD313	Trade and Investment Law	The overarching purpose of this course is to impart knowledge on the general principles of law, sources and position of Trade and Investment Law in Zimbabwe’s legal system.
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.
POSD380	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.
POSD401	E-Diplomacy	The module is a sub-discipline of International Relations and Foreign Policy. E-Diplomacy is a comprehensive module designed to explore the emerging field of digital diplomacy and its impact on modern international relations. The module will provide students with an understanding of the evolving landscape of diplomacy in the digital age and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and leverage digital platforms for effective diplomatic communication. The module explores the intersection of diplomacy and technology, focusing on how digital tools, platforms and strategies can enhance diplomatic activities, foster international cooperation and address global challenges.
POSD402	International Trade and Management	This module is a core component of the Political Science and Diplomacy programme, providing students with theoretical and practical grounding in international trade systems and their management. It situates Zimbabwe’s trade within global, continental, and regional frameworks such as WTO, AfCFTA, SADC, and COMESA. The module prepares undergraduates to understand the link between trade, politics, and national development strategies (Vision 2030, NDS1/NDS2). It builds foundational competences necessary for advanced study in International Political Economy and for professional practice in trade diplomacy and management.
POSD411	African International Relations	The course seeks to capacitate learners to develop a competent appreciation of traditional and contemporary dynamics of African international relations. The module zooms into the existential and ideological character of state and non-state actors in Africa and how that relationship influences the continent’s socio-economic and political environment. This study approach helps to understand the premise for conflicts, cohesion, security, democracy diplomacy, governance, human rights and other major issues affecting the continent. As a conceptual starting point, the course traces the historical foundation of African power contestations in the context of colonial and post-independence power dynamics. Through a comparative approach on various political processes in various African countries and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the course interrogates the architecture of governance in the continent. At the end of the course, the students must be able to locate the key principles which formed the aspirations and values of national independence in Africa. An understanding of these values helps to establish the Afrocentric benchmarks to Africa’s international relations and how the same standards are key in solving the political, legislative and public management problems of our time. As such, the learning process pursues a deeper understanding between aspects of national consciousness and leadership expectations in Africa. To achieve this, students must develop a strong appreciation of the continent’s various statecraft actors; including their operational and ideological differences and how this in turn affects governance needs of the people. The course also assesses the roots of constitutionalism, adherences to constitutionalism for the promotion of popular will in Africa which forms the essence of good governance in Africa.
POSD412	Diplomatic Protocol	Diplomatic protocol is the set of unwritten rules, customs, and courtesies that govern international relations. It acts as a language of respect that ensures smooth communication and fosters cooperation between nations. Diplomacy, on the other hand, is the art and practice of conducting international relations through negotiation, mediation, and other peaceful means. Diplomatic protocol provides the framework within which diplomacy can effectively function. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how diplomatic protocol facilitates successful diplomacy. Students will explore the historical foundations of protocol, the role of the protocol officer, and the intricacies of state visits, events, and international etiquette. The course will delve into specific regional considerations, including diplomatic protocol in the Middle East and Africa, with a dedicated focus on Zimbabwean practices.
POSD470	Research Project	The project is aimed at getting students to apply all research skills that they acquired over the duration of the degree programme to a topic covering a topical issue in the country. Thus, the project is meant to give each student an opportunity to identify a topic of her/his choice, write a proposal, develop a study design and tools, collect and manage data, analyse and present the findings,discuss findings in the context of contemporary literature and theories and provide meaningful recommendations from the study. At the end of the project the students will be able to design research projects, collect and analyse data, undertake professional writing which includes journal articles and policy briefs, policies and programmes that enhance innovation and industrialisation
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.