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Available courses

SOCIOLOGY

Introduction to SOCIOLOGY 

Purpose:

The College-Level Sociology course is designed to introduce students to the sociological study of society. Sociology focuses on the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. Major themes in sociological thinking include the interplay between the individual and society, how society is both stable and changing, the causes and consequences of social inequality, and the social construction of human life. Understanding sociology helps discover and explain social patterns and see how such patterns change over time and in different settings. By making vivid the social basis of everyday life, sociology also develops critical thinking by revealing the social structures and processes that shape diverse forms of human life.

Overall Goals:

·     Show the relevance and reality of structural factors in social life

·     Place an issue in a larger context (identify systemic elements; identify stakeholders; list unintended consequences)

· Describe, explain, and predict aspects of social problems

·     Debunk individualistic explanations of behavior and identify social patterns

·     Recognize the difference between dispositional and sociological explanations

·     Recognize the difference between empirical and normative statements

·     Identify and offer explanations for social inequality

·     Analyze labor force issues

·     Perform a content analysis of texts or news to identify possible sources of bias

·     Critique the media

·     Transform a topic of interest into a researchable, sociological question

·     Describe the elements of the scientific method in the social sciences

·     Understand basic elements of an ethical code of conduct for social scientists

·     Unpack the “causal nexus”, e.g., correlation, time order, elimination of  alternative explanations

·     Interpret descriptive statistics

·     Evaluate the methodological processes and limits of research (e.g., bias, generalizability)

·     Critically assess web sites and electronic resources

·     Set up a data table properly and read and interpret a table correctly

·     Distinguish levels of analysis

·     Posit intervening factors and spurious relationships in social life

·     Show awareness of probabilities and contingencies

·     Recognize that counterfactual anecdotes do not invalidate sociology

·     Understand the intersection of biography and history

·     Take the role of the other

·     Describe various career trajectories for sociologists at different degree levels; where sociologists work and what they do

·     Position personal life choices and chances in a demographic context

·     Compare and contrast one’s own context with those in other parts of the  the world

·     Describe the tension between generalization and stereotyping; social forces and determinism

·     Appreciate the role of human agency in social change

Population, Urbanization and the Environment

1. Demographic processes

a. birth rate/death rate
b. migration
c. population growth and composition (illustrate demographic transition theory)

2. Urbanization

a. the evolution of cities
b. suburbanization and urban decline
c. segregation
d. megalopolis
e. the rural turnaround

3. Environment and Human Ecology

a. environmental racism
b. ecofeminism
c. environmental policy

B. Collective Behavior and Social Movements

1. Theories of collective behavior

a. emergent norm theory
b. competition theory
c. convergence theory

2. Types of collective behavior

a. Crowds

i. Mobs and riots. Contagion and emergence theories.

b. Mass Behavior

i. Rumor
ii. Public opinion and propaganda
iii. Panic and mass hysteria
iv. Fads and fashion

3. Social Movements

a. How movements develop
b. Organization of social movements
c. Strategies and tactics
d. Theories of social movements: resource mobilization, political process, new social movement theory. 

C. Causes and Consequences of Social Change

1. Demographic changes
2. Collective behavior/social movements
3. Technology and science
4. Cultural diffusion
5. War
6. Modernization

D. Theories of Social Change

1. World systems theory
2. Dependency theory
3. Evolutionary theory's 

i. Mobs and riots. Contagion and emergence theories.

b. Mass Behavior

i. Rumor
ii. Public opinion and propaganda
iii. Panic and mass hysteria
iv. Fads and fashion

3. Social Movements

a. How movements develop
b. Organization of social movements
c. Strategies and tactics
d. Theories of social movements: resource mobilization, political process, new social movement theory. 

C. Causes and Consequences of Social Change

1. Demographic changes
2. Collective behavior/social movements
3. Technology and science
4. Cultural diffusion
5. War
6. Modernization

D. Theories of Social Change

  1. World systems theory
    2. Dependency theory
    3. Evolutionary theory.

  2. i. Mobs and riots. Contagion and emergence theories.

    b. Mass Behavior

    i. Rumor
    ii. Public opinion and propaganda
    iii. Panic and mass hysteria
    iv. Fads and fashion

    3. Social Movements

    a. How movements develop
    b. Organization of social movements
    c. Strategies and tactics
    d. Theories of social movements: resource mobilization, political process, new social movement theory. 

    C. Causes and Consequences of Social Change

    1. Demographic changes
    2. Collective behavior/social movements
    3. Technology and science
    4. Cultural diffusion
    5. War
    6. Modernization

    D. Theories of Social Change

    1. World systems theory
    2. Dependency theory
    3. Evolutionary theory

Political science and administration

Diploma in Political Science and Public Administration programme is designed to produce highly trained and critical scholars who are equipped with both theoretical and practical knowledge to handle day to day challenges in our community. Learners are introduced to the three major components of the disciples namely, ethics, empiricism and prudentism. This enhances the student’s rigorous analysis of the ways of thinking and acting which is grounded in the training and research in our faculty which makes this programme unique. The programme will focus on the foundations and operations of a constitutional government, the character and cultivation of political leadership, relation of both the civil society and the task of educating citizens on exercising their liberties, civic education, understating mechanics and operations of the government and public service. The programme also allows undergraduate students to learn from an interdisciplinary approach, such as “Religion and Politics”, “Politics and Environmentalism”, or Politics and Public administration”. 

Political science and administration

Diploma in Political Science and Public Administration programme is designed to produce highly trained and critical scholars who are equipped with both theoretical and practical knowledge to handle day to day challenges in our community. Learners are introduced to the three major components of the disciples namely, ethics, empiricism and prudentism. This enhances the student’s rigorous analysis of the ways of thinking and acting which is grounded in the training and research in our faculty which makes this programme unique. The programme will focus on the foundations and operations of a constitutional government, the character and cultivation of political leadership, relation of both the civil society and the task of educating citizens on exercising their liberties, civic education, understating mechanics and operations of the government and public service. The programme also allows undergraduate students to learn from an interdisciplinary approach, such as “Religion and Politics”, “Politics and Environmentalism”, or Politics and Public administration”. This concentration allows the student to draw on programs throughout the university such as, church state studies in religion, languages and communication studies, history, philosophy and sociology. In addition, a nexus between Political science and Public Administration combines to create a programme that cultivates deeper interdisciplinary understanding through an intellectual exchange that reveals a close relationship of the two disciplines. Inversely, the programme also brings out the important differences in the goals of Political Science and Public Administration: the former aiming to advance the students’ theoretical knowledge in terms of basic research while, the latter offering students a multidisciplinary endeavor that focuses on applied research. Rationale of the Programme The study of political science and Public administration is now widely recognized in developmental circles as a crucial subject in the development of any society. In the recent past, developing countries and especially Africa have realized the centrality of progressive politics and sustainable public policies in pushing for the development agenda. Many countries in Africa are currently going through socio-political, demographic and economic transitions. As a result of this, the least developed societies in third world countriesface a number of challenges including sagging debt burdens, increasing levels of poverty, high morbidity rates, famine, population growth, climate change, environmenta degradation, political conflict and change in family structures. As such, political scientists and public administrators are therefore tasked with using their unique training and skills to address these problems and challenges. Goal of the Programme The programme aims at illuminating on how states organize their affairs both at the national and international level. Attention will be paid to theoretical perspectives that inform issues in political science and public administration. Learners will be equipped with skills in political science and Public administration in areas such as, administration, Finance, Management, entrepreneurship, Development, governance and human resource management. Other areas of concern are how non-state actors continue to influence states decisions and impact on the behavior of states both at the national and international arena. Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme At the completion of the course, the programme in Political Science and Public Administration shallbe able to; Demonstrate their knowledge in the various subfields within the disciplines with an emphasis onPublic administration and policy, government and politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Equip learners with the skills needed for active and effective participation in a democratic society thereby resolving various issues affecting it. Conduct original research in the field of political science and public administration. Prepare learners for careers associated with politics and administration. Have a basic understanding of political science and public administration practiced within an area of the disciplines such as Kenyan politics, public policy, comparative politics, or political theory. Equip learner’s theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to address social, economic and political complexities facing development processes locally, regionally and internationally.

ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING

Introduction

The training course suggests a framework for identifying policy goals, creating a plan of action, and effectively building your case for change. We have presented these concepts to you in a certain sequence. However, you may want to think of these ideas as building blocks that can be used as you find you need them. Advocacy rarely unfolds the same way twice and there is an element of unpre­dictability to advocacy that makes it both a challenging and an exciting approach to solving problems.

Course Objectives

  • Understand why advocacy and lobbying are important.
  • Identify your targets and your partners and learn how to approach your target group.
  • Identify your objectives and plan how to reach them.
  • Explore various channels of advocacy and tools to reach your objectives.
  • Create a realistic approach and structure for an advocacy process your organization can deliver.

Course outline

Module One: Understanding Advocacy and Lobbying

  • Defining advocacy and Lobbying
  • Benefits of advocacy and Lobbying
  • Building foundations for advocacy and Lobbying

Module Two: Planning an Advocacy and Lobbying Campaign

  • Advocacy and Lobbying Campaign
  • Advocacy cycle 
  • Communication strategies.
  • Legal restrictions 
  • Advocacy Campaign Planning
  • Advocacy Action Plan.
  • Grassroots campaigning.

Module Three: IMPLEMENTATION OF ADVOCACY PLAN

Identify the issues 

Set goals and objectives 

Identify target audience Engage stakeholders 

ACTION TO CONSIDER WHEN IMPLEMENTING ADVOCACY PLAN

Gather community and identity their needs.

Identify and map stakeholders affiliations.

Documenting goals, objectives,roles and responsibilities,time frames and resources.

Module Four: Outlining an advocacy and lobbying strategy 

  • Select a message
  • Select target audiences
  • Structure the message

Module Five: Finalizing an advocacy strategy 

  • Select roles
  • Identify key messages
  • Define advocacy activities

COMMUNITY BASED GROUP MANAGEMENT

Community-based management (CBM) is a bottom up approach of organization which can be facilitated by an upper government or NGO structure but it aims for local stakeholder participation in the planning, research, development, management and policy making for a community as a whole.The decentralization of managing tactics enables local people to deal with the unique social, political and ecological problems their community might face and find solutions to the situation.Overwhelming national or local economic, political and social pressures can affect the efficiency of CBM as well as its long term application.CBM varies across different communities . While the specifics of each practice might differ, existing research maintains that community based management, when implemented properly, is incredibly beneficial not only for the health of the environment, but also for the well-being of the community as well as society.

THE COURSE WILL CARRY ACROSS THE FOLLOWING.

Identify target group.

Meaning and importance of community group.

Social action models Types of groups.

Group dynamics.

MODULE 2 

PLAN GROUP MEETINGS.

importance of group meetings.

Structure of group meetings.

Logistical planning for community meeting.

Establishment of group guidelines.

Conduct of group meetings.

CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Conflict resolution is the process that two or more parties use to find a cordial solution to a problem. Conflicts can occur between friends and family members, but also between coworkers, clients, and customers. In the workplace, having poor conflict resolution skills can reflect very negatively on your organization.

Conflicts are natural in both personal and professional relationships, and you shouldn’t try to find a way to avoid conflicts. Instead, you should work on your conflict resolution skills. Having good conflict resolution skills means you can resolve a problem or dispute in a positive way and still maintain a healthy and happy relationship with the other party involved.

Having poor conflict resolution skills is only going to make these inevitable situations so much harder for you. Not only will it take longer to resolve a dispute, but also it can result in a larger argument that could have a significant impact on the relationship between the two parties.

Module 1

Introduction of conflict resolutions and management.

Course of conflict.

Characteristics of conflict 

Conflict resolution plan

Conflict resolution techniques 

Importance of conflicts resolution.

MODULE 2

Conflict management styles.

Formulating peace building programme.

Implementation of peace building programme.

SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Social work and community development course it Develops knowledge, skills and positive attitudes for self-improvement and national development. To enhance positive attitudes of social development workers towards individuals, family and groups in the society. Enhance community participation in social development activities for self-reliance and sustainability.