Zimbabwe Form 4 Curriculum - Sociology (Elective)

This course introduces learners to the study of society, covering social, economic, political, technological, and cultural aspects of life. It aims to equip learners with an understanding of their cultural heritage and its utilization for self-sustenance, embracing inclusivity and a developmental approach.

Aims:

• Develop an appreciation of Unhu/Ubuntu and cultural diversity.
• Develop entrepreneurship skills.
• Understand changes in social life.
• Appreciate social structure, development, and functions of different institutions.
• Understand cross-cultural issues.
• Incorporate ICT tools in Sociology.

Objectives:

By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

• Identify and demonstrate cultural practices.
• Explore measures to curb deviance.
• Apply personal and social skills to solve social problems.
• Act responsibly in society.
• Apply entrepreneurship skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of societal relationships and their functions.
• Develop an understanding of social, economic, political, and cultural diversity.
• Use ICT tools and apply research skills to solve social problems.

Topics Covered:

• The Individual and Society: Importance of Sociology, types of societies, roles of individuals and society, socialization, agents of socialization, effects of socialization, nature vs. nurture.
• Family and Kinship: Types of families, kinship ties, roles of family members in indigenous and modern society, family norms and values, marriage practices, family breakdown, changing family patterns, kinship in different societies.
• Culture: Types and characteristics of culture, norms and values, language and culture, cultural differences, cultural dynamism, sub-cultures, culture and gender, race and ethnicity, effects of culture, preservation of culture.
• Education: Forms of education, education and gender, the state's contribution to education, other stakeholders' contributions, importance and functions of education, educational achievements, education and social mobility, curriculum and hidden curriculum.
• Social Stratification, Politics, and Power: Types of social stratification, determinants of social stratification, social mobility, industrialization, social stratification in Zimbabwe, politics and power in Zimbabwe, gender and politics.
• Communication and the Mass Media: Communication channels, types and roles of mass media, the role of advertising, state and private media, communication and technology, communication and disaster risk management, mass media control and organization, ownership and control of mass media, effects of mass media.
• Entrepreneurship and Occupations: Forms of entrepreneurship, occupations, enterprising skills, formal and informal sectors, start-up strategies, gender and occupational structure, gender and empowerment, conflict management in the workplace, factors influencing entrepreneurship, government economic policies, workers associations and trade unions.
• Population and Migration: Factors affecting population, migration, patterns of mortality and fertility in different societies, types of migration, population growth and development, national census, demographic trends, effects of migration, global effects of HIV and AIDS.
• Crime and Delinquency: Types of crime, acts of delinquency and deviance, factors influencing crime and delinquency, youth culture, law enforcement agents, crime statistics, measures to reduce crime, crime and gender.

Assessment:

The course is assessed through continuous (40%) and summative (60%) assessments. Continuous assessment involves projects, tests, and assignments. Summative assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1 (40%): Structured questions (1 hour 45 minutes).
• Paper 2 (60%): Essay questions (2 hours).