Zimbabwe Form 3 History Syllabus Course Entries

This syllabus covers historical developments in Zimbabwe, Africa, and the wider world. It aims to equip learners with an understanding of social, economic, and political transformations through time and space. The syllabus emphasizes skills development, responsible citizenship (unhu/ubuntu/vumunhu), and patriotism.

Form 3 Topics:

• Conceptualisation of History: This topic focuses on understanding the sources of history, including archaeology, written evidence, and oral tradition. It explores the importance of studying history and different types of historical analysis.
• Development of Zimbabwean Societies: This section delves into the rise and fall of early Zimbabwean states, including Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa, and Rozvi. It examines their political, economic, social, and religious organization. Additionally, it covers the Nguni migrations and incursions, including the Mfecane, and the formation of the Zulu and Ndebele states, with a focus on Tshaka's military reforms.
• Slavery and the Slave Trade: This topic explores the forms of slavery in Africa, including domestic slavery and the East African slave trade. It examines the causes and methods of slave trade and analyzes its impact on the African continent. Furthermore, it covers the abolition of slavery and the slave trade, including the groups involved and the challenges faced.
• Early European Contacts with Zimbabwe: This section focuses on early missionary activities in Zimbabwe, the challenges faced by missionaries, and the impact of their activities. It also covers Portuguese activities in the Zambezi Valley, their interactions with Africans, and the impact of the Prazo system.
• Colonisation of Zimbabwe: This topic covers the Scramble and Partition of Africa, including the Berlin Conference and its effects. It details the colonization process of Zimbabwe, including treaties, concessions, the Royal Charter, and the BSAC. It also covers the Anglo-Ndebele War and the First Chimurenga/Umvukela.
• Colonial Administration in Rhodesia: This section examines Company Rule under the BSAC, its policies, and its eventual collapse. It also covers the period of Responsible Government, its policies, and its impact on indigenous people. Finally, it explores the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, its policies, developments, and reasons for its collapse. It also covers the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), its impact, and the policies and developments during that period.
• The Armed Struggle in Zimbabwe: This topic covers Nationalist Movements in Zimbabwe, including their political activities and the factors leading to splits within these movements. It also details the Second Chimurenga/Umvukela, the role of war collaborators, including chiefs, spirit mediums, churches, and international organizations. Finally, it examines attempts to bring about a peaceful settlement, including the Internal Settlement, Lancaster House Agreement, and Geneva talks. It also covers the liberation struggle in Mozambique and the post-independence crisis.
• World Wars and the Inter-war Period: This section explores the causes, course, and consequences of the First World War, including the Paris Peace Conference and its impact. It also examines the rise of European dictators, focusing on Fascism and Nazism in Italy and Germany under Mussolini and Hitler, respectively. It covers their domestic and foreign policies. Finally, it covers the Second World War and the Cold War.
• Regional and International Co-operation: This topic covers Frontline States, their aims, and their role in Zimbabwe's liberation. It also examines SADC, its members, aims, successes, and failures. Furthermore, it explores the OAU/AU, its origins, aims, functions, successes, and failures. It also covers the Commonwealth, its origins, aims, and activities, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement and its activities.
• Socialism and Communism: This section examines the Russian Revolution, including its causes, stages, and results, as well as the policies of Lenin and Stalin. It also covers the Chinese Revolution, the struggle between Communists and Nationalists, and developments under Mao Zedong. Finally, it explores the Cuban Revolution, the Batista regime, the role of Fidel Castro, and the revolution's impact on the world.
• The Constitution of Zimbabwe, Democracy, and Human Rights: This topic covers the importance and provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, including citizenship and the Bill of Rights. It also examines children's rights and responsibilities, as well as the principles and types of democracy, including how democracy is practiced in Zimbabwe. Finally, it explores human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Constitution of Zimbabwe.