BMASTER OF SCIENCE IN POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (MPIR)
| Module Code | Module Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MPIR506 | Theories of International Relations | This module is an introduction to selected theories of International Relations. It examines a range of theories through which it is possible to explore the behaviour of states and international organisations and non-state actors. The module is designed to equip students with skills applicable to professional work in governmental, intergovernmental, civil society, regional and international organisations and the academia. It is hoped that by the end of this module, the student will have acquired the necessary intellectual skills which will enable him/her to better understand, predict and prescribe international relations. |
| MPIR507 | International Conflict Management | A pervasive theme in international relations relates to the causes and effects of conflicts among actors including but not limited to states. There are various theories, both established and novel, that attempt to explain international conflicts. Equally, there are approaches that seek to mitigate the effects of such conflicts. This module is motivated by the permanence of conflicts in international relations. The central postulate is that conflicts are more amenable to management than termination since they are a natural occurrence. Indeed, conflict and humanity are inseparable. The course is therefore pre-occupied with a concern to provide answers to the question: how can actors in the international system manage (as opposed to resolve, end, eliminate etc) conflict to mitigate the horizontal and vertical effects? This module is designed to answer this great question. The content is placed in two major parts. The first explores the conceptual and theoretical perspectives on the causes and sources of international conflict. We explore various perspectives indigenous and exogenous to state actors. The second, the fulcrum of the course, seamlessly flows from the first part by examining the conflict management techniques and tools which can be applied in real conflict situations. |
| MPIR510 | 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 debunk 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. |
| MIDSB501 |
Information Digital Skills for Postgraduates (University Wide Module) |
The module introduces students to the use of information technologies and their application in academic research. |
| MSSRM501 |
Advanced Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide Module) |
The module aims to provide advanced skills in research methods for graduate students. It enhances postgraduate students’ knowledge and skills for conducting, analysing and interpreting research in the field of sociology, anthropology and gender studies. The module focuses upon both qualitative and quantitative techniques and the knowledge gained, will be useful for conducting research and as tools for professional practice. The module will also equip learners with the use of digital technologies in data collection, processing, analysis and management. Students to conduct gender sensitive research for the relevant government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and communities to inform gender policies and programming. |
| MPIR508 | International Political Economy |
A pervasive theme in international relations relates to the causes and effects of conflicts among actors including but not limited to states. There are various theories, both established and novel, that attempt to explain international conflicts. Equally, there are approaches that seek to mitigate the effects of such conflicts. This module is motivated by the permanence of conflicts in international relations. The central postulate is that conflicts are more amenable to management than termination since they are a natural occurrence. Indeed, conflict and humanity are inseparable. The course is therefore pre-occupied with a concern to provide answers to the question: how can actors in the international system manage (as opposed to resolve, end, eliminate etc) conflict to mitigate the horizontal and vertical effects? This module is designed to answer this great question. The content is placed in two major parts. The first explores the conceptual and theoretical perspectives on the causes and sources of international conflict. We explore various perspectives indigenous and exogenous to state actors. The second, the fulcrum of the course, seamlessly flows from the first part by examining the conflict management techniques and tools which can be applied in real conflict situations. |
| MPIR511 | Foreign Policy, Regional and International Organisations | This module exposes students to foreign policy, regional and international organisations. It deals with how foreign policies are made, factors that influence formulation and execution of policy. The students study the importance of national interests in regulating state interactions abroad. The module also deals with the role and politics of regional to international organisations in international affairs. International Non-Governmental Organisations are also analysed in terms of their role, founders, funding and their activities in international relations. The module is offered to students pursuing a Masters of Science degree in Politics and International Relations (MPIR). It is designed to equip students with skills applicable to professional work in diplomacy, governmental, intergovernmental, civil society, regional and international organisations, academia, etc. |
| MPIR512 | Contemporary Strategic Studies | The module proceeds from the premise that invariably strategy concerns the role of military force in international politics. A sturdy argument is presented that military power is a strategic resource that should be employed to achieve not only the limited military objectives but most importanlty the political objectives of a state. Parenthetically, the course takes intense interest in how this strategic resource shapes international politics – its political context, application and implications. The content of the course thus suggests a marked departure from the simplistic notion that strategy is about military campaigns and military science. Emphasis is on how military force, either in its manifest or symbolic expression, can be instructive in attaining a state’s policy goals. This requires specialized knowledge on the development, intellectual mastery and utilization of all state resources pursuing its national purpose and interests. The design of the module is thus three-tier: the first part examines the evolution of the ideas about military campaigns (the pre-occupation of traditional strategy); the second deals with enduring issues of strategy such as the legal framework on the use of force and strategic culture and the last category of analysis focuses on contemporary or emerging issues of grand strategy such as weapons of mass destruction, arms control and irregular warfare. |
| MITD508 | Bilateral and Multilateral Relations Management |
This advanced module examines the strategic, institutional, and operational aspects of bilateral and multilateral engagements in international trade and diplomacy. Students will explore negotiation frameworks, institutional governance, and the role of state and non-state actors in shaping trade policies. A special focus will be placed on Zimbabwe’s foreign trade and diplomatic strategy, analyzing its engagements within SADC, COMESA AfCTA and global platforms like the WTO. The module combines theory, case studies, and simulations to equip students with practical skills for careers in trade negotiation, economic diplomacy, and international policy. |
| MPIR570 | Dissertation | Through their dissertations students will be able to show case their ability in conducting innovative research. Each student is expected to come up with a research topic, write the research proposal, clearly articulate either the qualitative research methods or the quantitative research methods or both, the research design(s), research tools, data management and analysis, presentation and discussion of research findings. This module will produce a graduate who is able to undertake research with recommendations that will enhance policy and programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. |
