About the Faculty

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences was officially inaugurated in August 1998, however, courses such as Communication Skills and African Studies, presently taught by the Faculty, were offered since the opening of the University. In August 1997, a number of Humanities/Social Sciences courses were united to form the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and placed within the newly established Faculty of Education. The Faculty is still responsible for teaching African Studies and Communication Skills to all students in the University and since the implementation of the “Two-language policy”, is also responsible for the teaching of French and Portuguese for Beginners and English as a Second Language. In addition, for students from non-English speaking countries who need to build up their English language ability, the Faculty offers a programme in Intensive English. Starting in the 2000/2001 academic year, in serving the twenty-first century needs of our students, the Faculty will also offer the University-required course Introduction to Information Technology. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, as its primary purpose, provides Humanities/Social Sciences content courses for students registered in the Faculty, as well as for students pursuing their degree from the Faculty of Education.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has as its mission to develop students to think independently, communicate clearly, broaden their abilities for critical and aesthetic examination of the humanities and social sciences, and be committed to a variety of intellectual and social responsibilities. The Faculty wants students to develop the skills necessary to understand ideas and issues, and make “educated” and humane choices in a changing and increasingly technologically-oriented society.

To do this, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offers students a liberal-arts education of considerable breadth and distinctive quality. The Faculty encourages students to develop values and ethics that will lead them to productive, fulfilled lives.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences are to provide students with knowledge to understand their society through the study of Humanities and Social Sciences;

• assist students to develop critical thinking;
• help students to become responsible members of society;
• prepare students for further study and post-graduate work in various fields in Humanities and Social Sciences; and
• conduct research in various fields in Humanities and Social Sciences as they relate to Africa.