Zimbabwe Form 1 History Syllabus

This syllabus covers the historical development of Zimbabwe, Africa, and the wider world, focusing on social, economic, and political transformations. It aims to develop historical analysis skills, promote responsible citizenship and patriotism, and instill an appreciation for heritage preservation.

Form 1

  • Conceptualisation of History: Introduction to History, Sources of History, Types of History
  • Origins of Humankind: Theories on origins, Charles Darwin and Human Evolution, Africa as the cradle of humankind
  • Ancient Civilizations in Africa: Egyptian civilization, including agriculture, science, religion, writing, and architecture, and its spread
  • Development of Zimbabwean Societies: Early societies from the Stone Age to the Early Iron Age, State formation (Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa, Rozvi, Zulu, and Ndebele states)
  • Slavery and the Slave Trade: Forms of slavery, causes of the slave trade, the Triangular Slave Trade
  • Early European Contacts with Zimbabwe: The Portuguese Prazo System, Early missionary activities

Form 2

  • Colonisation: The Scramble and Partition of Southern Africa, The Berlin Conference, Colonisation of Zimbabwe, Anglo-Ndebele War, First Chimurenga/Umvukela
  • Colonial Administration in Rhodesia: Company Rule, Responsible Government, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI)
  • Nationalism: Pan-Africanist Movements, Rise of Mass Nationalism in Zimbabwe
  • The Armed Struggle in Zimbabwe: Mass Nationalism (1957-1967), Early recruitment and training of freedom fighters, Early phase and second phase of the armed struggle
  • Post-Independence Developments in Zimbabwe: Independence and Reconciliation Policy, Social, Political, and Economic Policies (1980-1990)
  • Regional and International Co-operation: Frontline States, SADC, OAU/AU, The Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement
  • Socialism and Communism: The Russian Revolution, The Chinese Revolution, The Cuban Revolution
  • The Constitution of Zimbabwe: The Constitution, Children's Rights and Responsibilities

Form 3

  • Conceptualisation of History: Sources of History
  • Development of Zimbabwean Societies: State formation (Mapungubwe, Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa, Rozvi), Nguni Migrations (Mfecane, Zulu and Ndebele states)
  • Slavery and the Slave Trade: Slave trade in Africa, Impact of slavery and the slave trade, Abolition of slavery and the slave trade
  • Early European Contacts with Zimbabwe: Portuguese activities in the Zambezi Valley, Early missionary activities, European agents of colonization
  • Colonisation of Zimbabwe: Scramble and Partition of Southern Africa, Berlin Conference, Colonisation process, Anglo-Ndebele War, First Chimurenga/Umvukela
  • Colonial Administration in Rhodesia: Company Rule, Responsible Government, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, UDI

Form 4

  • World Wars and the Inter-war Period: First World War, League of Nations, Rise of European Dictators, Second World War, The Cold War
  • Socialism and Communism: Russian Revolution, Chinese Revolution, Cuban Revolution
  • International Co-operation: United Nations, Zimbabwe and the International Community (Foreign Policy) since Independence
  • Post-Independence Developments in Zimbabwe: Social, Political, and Economic Policies, Land Reform and Indigenisation
  • The Constitution of Zimbabwe, Democracy and Human Rights: Democracy, Human Rights, Children's rights and responsibilities, The Constitution

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and summative, with a weighting of 30% for coursework and 70% for final examinations. The final examination consists of two papers: History of Zimbabwe and Regional and International History. Continuous assessment includes assignments, tests, and projects.