ROCKVIEW UNIVERSITY
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT
SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (PES 111)
BACHELORS OF EDUCATION IN PRIMARY EDUCATION
COURSE OUTLINE
AIM OF THE COURSE
The aim of the course is to introduce the student with the knowledge of Civic Education as an agent
of change in our society.
OUTCOMES
By the end of the course students should be able to:
Explain what Civic Education is and theories which back Civic Education
Mention the rights information in order to avoid violations and need for well-being informed
about human rights
Discuss the roles and organs of Government
Define the functions and powers of the president
Define the constitution and analyse the structure of the constitution
Grasp the electoral system of Zambia and its code
Differentiate pressure group from political party
Mention the main purpose of the party
Discuss benefits of Zambia’s membership to regional organisation
CONTENT
UNIT 1: CIVIC EDUCATION
Civic Education its composition
The philosophy of Civic Education
The goal of Civic Education
The Civic Education Association
UNIT 2: HUMAN RIGHTS
o Definition of human rights
o Human rights information and education
o The human rights commission in Zambia
o Factors limiting the enjoyment of human rights in Zambia
o Summary of human rights
UNIT 3
GOVERNMENT
The functions of Government
The organs of Government
The LEGISLATURE
The NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
TERM OF PARLIAMENT
Election of Member of Parliament
OPENING OF PARLIAMENT
a) Law making
b) The Budget
c) Control over the Executive
d) Power of ratification
e) Representing the people
EXECUTIVE
The functions of the Executive
UNIT 4
THE PRESIDENT
A citizen of Zambia
Thirty five (35) years of age and above
A good character
Supported by a party
Grade 12 level of education
The functions and powers of the President
The Head of State
Head of government
Head of Executive
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
Appoints and dismisses government officers
Exercises the Prerogative of Mercy
Opens the National Assembly
Decides whether to assent or veto to a bill
Gives awards to those who gave exemplary service to the nation
Nominates10 MPS
Dissolves Parliament
The cabinet
President of the Republic
Vice President
Ministers
Functions of the cabinet Minister
Responsible for his/her work.
Reports to the Parliament on the work of his /her ministry
Answers questions and criticisms and comments on the policy in parliament.
The Civil Service
Government employees
Local authorities employees
The judiciary
Supreme Court
Magistrate Courts
Local Courts
JUDICIARY ROLES
The judiciary Vital Roles
Types of Laws
(a) International Laws
(b) Constitutional Laws
(c) Civil Laws
(d) Criminal Laws
(e) Customary Laws
COURTS IN ZAMBIA
(a) The Local Courts
(b) Magistrate Courts
(c) High Court
(d) The Supreme Court
Types of Cases
Civil cases
Criminal cases
UNIT 5
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Urban Local Authorities
Five types of urban authorities
The Four Set Up of Councils by the Central Government
Council Composition
Councillors’ Elections
Ward Demarcations
Powers and Functions of the Councils
Relations between Local and Central Government
The Role of Chiefs
UNIT SIX
CONSTITUTION
Introduction
The Constitution
A constitutional Government
The constitutional Qualities
Types of Constitutions:
(a) A written Constitution
(b) Unwritten Constitution
(c) The Flexible Constitution
(d) The Rigid Constitution
(e) The National Bill of Rights
THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE ZAMBIAN CONSTITUTION
The History of Constitution Making in Zambia
Constitution-making and Adoption Process.
THE POPULAR CONSTITUTION METHODS UTILIZE
a) A constituent Assembly
b) The Executive Method
Characteristics of a good constitution
The Zambian Constitution its Importance
UNIT 7
ELECTIONS
Elections
Franchise
Functions of Elections
Electoral Procedures
The Most Important Personnel in Election Running
The importance of Free and Fair Elections
Areas Manifesting Electoral Mal-Practices
The Effects of Electoral Malpractices
Organisations to Prevent Malpractices
The Zambia Electoral System
The Electoral Commission of Zambia
The Electoral Code of Conduct
Importance of elections
Presidential/ Parliamentary/ Local Government Elections
Voters’ Rights
Election Rigging
Dangers of Election Rigging or Cheating.
UNIT 8
PRESSURE GROUPS
Different types of Pressure Groups
Methods of Pressure Group Influence
Electioneering
Lobbying
Use of Court Litigation
The Grass- Roots Pressure by Members
Publicity and advertising
Relations with Political Parties
Violence and Disorder
The Role of pressure Groups in the Political System
The Checks on Pressure Group Influence
UNIT 9
POLITICAL PARTIES
The political Parties
MODERN PARTY ORIGINS
The structure of Parties.
Their composition is as follows:
a) The Party’s Voting Support
b) The Registered Party Supporters
c) Party Activists
d) Party leaders outside government
e) Party leaders hold important positions.
Political Party Systems
A One Party System
A Dominant Party System
The Multi- Party System
The Function of Political Parties
PRESCRIBED BOOKS
Burns, McGregor James; Peltason, J.W. and Cronin, E. Thomas. (1989) Government by the people.
Englewood Cliffs New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Butts, Freeman, R. (1980). The Revival of Civic Learning. A Rationale for Citizenship.
Domenico. G. & Murphy, M. (1994). Zambia Junior Secondary Civics. Nairobi: LItho ltd.
Janowitz, Morris (1983). The Reconstruction of Patriotism. Education for Civic Consciousness.
Chicago & London: The University of Chicago Press.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Human Rights Commission (2014). The State of Human Rights in Zambia. Lusaka: Human Rights
Commission.
Manda P.H., Mweene and Simbeya P.M (2007). Basic Social Studies and Development Studies,
Lusaka: Zambia Publishing House.
