Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CIVIC EDUCATION
HIGH SCHOOL SYLLABUS
GRADE: 10 - 12
Prepared by:
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© Curriculum Development Centre, 2003.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
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owner.
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PREFACE
The historical background of the Zambia High School Civic Education Curriculum
can be traced to the period after 1991 when Democratic system of Governance was re-
introduced in Zambia. As a result, in 1995, the Ministry of Education in conjunction
with the Southern University Democratic Governance Project under United States
Agency for International Development (USAID), commissioned a Needs Assessment
on the introduction of Civic Education in Zambian High Schools. This study was
undertaken by a group of experts spearheaded by Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa.
One key recommendation from the Lungwangwa Study was that Civic Education
needed to be introduced in all High Schools in Zambia.
However, it was not until 2002 that this objective was achieved. A Feasibility Study
and Baseline’ Survey was Commissioned by Irish Aid under it’s Governance
Portfolio, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, through the Curriculum
Development Centre (CDC). The findings from the two research works clearly
indicated the importance of the Outcomes Based Approach in the Civic Education
Curriculum. Emphasis was made on the integration of the following aspects:-
• A variety of methodologies such as, debate, field trips drama simulations and
research work.
• A project or field work component aimed at providing learners with an
opportunity to develop and acquire research, analysis, evaluation and reporting
skills among others.
In view of the above, Curriculum Development Centre produced the Civic Education
Syllabus between September and November 2003. The themes and topics covered in
the Civic Education Curriculum are based on the set goals of the National Policy on
education “Educating Our Future” (1996). Pages 5-6.
It is hoped that this syllabus will enable school leavers to gain the Civic knowledge
and acquire skills to make them understand and practise their civic values right and
obligation as responsible Zambian citizens.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The High School Civic Education Teaching and Learning Materials were developed
by a committee of professionals drawn from various institutions comprising
Curriculum Development Specialists from the Curriculum Development Centre, Civic
Education teachers from pilot schools and lecturers from the University of Zambia,
Nkrumah College of Education and National In-Service Teachers College. The team
worked tirelessly under the supervision of the Chief Curriculum Specialist, Ms.
Oakinah Mutinta Mweembe.
The writing team greatly appreciates the help received in form of training and
materials from the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Anti-Corruption
Commission (ACC), the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Transparency
International Zambia (TIZ) and Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) among
others.
Finally, our sincere gratitude goes to the Government of Ireland through the
Governance Portfolio of the Irish Aid for funding the High School Civic Education
programme in Zambia.
F. C. Mfula (Mrs)
Acting Director
STANDARDS & CURRICULUM
MINISTRY OF EDUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
The introduction of Civic Education at High School level was to fill the gap that
existed between Grade 9 and College or University level of education. This gap has
had an impact on Grade 12 school leavers who in most cases graduated with little or
no experience of Civic Education with regards to their roles, rights and obligation.
Hence, this major development in the curriculum was identified as an important
contribution to Zambia’s education system.
The High School Civic Education Syllabus covers a cross section of political,
economic, social and cultural issues that are key to Zambia’s democratic system of
governance.
Some of the themes and topics covered in the Civic Education Syllabus include:
Constitution, Citizenship, Governance System in Zambia, Introduction to Human
Rights, Corruption, Introduction to Cultural Studies, Substance Abuse. Governance,
Family Law, Development Planning, Poverty in Zambia, Environmental Education
and Global Issues.
Undoubtedly, the teaching and learning of Civic Education will help society recognize
the role that this subject plays in our constantly changing world.
The Ministry of Education, therefore, hopes that through civic education learners will
be equipped with knowledge; skills and values to enable them practise their civic
rights and perform duties as responsible Zambian citizens.
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AUTHORS:
Dr. Yizenge A. Chondoka
Dr. O. Chakulimba
Dr. Charles M. Namafe
Mrs. Beatrice M. Hamwiinga
Mr. Paison K. Katambala
Ms. Judith M. Mulenga
Mr. Isaac C. J. Mwanza
Mrs. Beatrice C. Mweene
Mrs. Lilian S. Ntalasha
Mr. Geoffrey D. Simfukwe
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EXPECTED GENERAL OUTCOMES
8. Creating an awareness of HIV and AIDS, care and support and its impact
on the Zambian society.
12. Creating awareness on the need for tolerance and respect for other
people’s views and the need for peaceful conflict resolution.
15. Creating awareness and developing skills and strategies for sustainable
environmental management.
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GENERAL AND SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
GRADE 10
1. CONSTITUTION
General Outcome
Develop an understanding and appreciation of the Zambian Constitution as the
Supreme Law of the country.
Specific Outcomes
• Define constitution
• Discuss types of constitution
• Explain the structure and content of the Zambian constitution
• Describe the process of constitution making
• Discuss the characteristics of a good constitution
• Explain the importance of a constitution to a nation.
2. CITIZENSHIP
General Outcome
Specific Outcomes
• Define citizenship
• State qualifications of a Zambian citizen
• Describe qualities of a good citizen
• Outline duties of a good citizen
• Identify factors that lead to bad citizenship
• Explain rights and freedoms of a citizen.
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• Discuss the importance of citizen participation in community activities.
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of political process and governance issues in Zambia.
Specific Outcomes
• Define governance
• Describe Zambia’s governance system in the pre-colonial era
• Discuss the characteristics of good and bad governance
• Analyse different electoral systems
• Explain Zambia’s electoral system
• Describe the local government system in Zambia
• Discuss the role of traditional Leaders in governance
General Outcome
Develop an understanding, respect and promotion of human rights.
Specific Outcomes
• Define human rights
• Outline the historical development of human rights
• Discuss characteristics of human rights.
• Explain categories of human rights.
• Discuss the significance of human rights.
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5. CORRUPTION
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of the dangers of corruption and its impact on society.
Specific Outcomes
• Define corruption.
• Examine the various forms of corruption.
• Explain causes of corruption.
• Discuss effects of corruption.
• Assess the impact of corruption on the Zambian society.
• Identify institutions that fight against corruption in Zambia.
• Show how individuals and groups in society can contribute to the fight against
corruption.
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of the importance of Zambia’s cultural heritage.
Specific Outcomes
• Define culture
• Describe components of culture
• Explain characteristics of culture
• Discuss the importance of culture
• Outline types of cultures
• Outline Zambia’s societal core values
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• Discuss Zambia’s cultural practices
7. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
General Outcome
Specific Outcomes
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GRADE 11
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of Civil Society and the media participation in governance
issues.
Specific Outcomes
• Define civil society.
• Classify civil society in Zambia.
• Analyse the roles of civil society in governance issues.
• Explain the conditions necessary for the establishment of civil society.
• Discuss the importance of citizen participation in governance.
• Evaluate the need for citizen participation in governance
• Identify different types of media.
• Discuss the importance of access to the media in governance.
• Explain the importance of the independence of the media in governance.
General Outcome
Develop an understanding and appreciation of economic and social development.
Specific Outcomes
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• Define development, economic development and social development.
• Discuss basic human needs.
• Describe factors that affect production.
• Discuss factors which affect capital formation.
• Analyse the contribution of financial institutions to economic and social
development.
• Explain the importance of positive work culture for economic development in
Zambia.
• Evaluate the role of the informal sector in national development.
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of Major International Human Rights and Instruments.
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4. INTRODUCTION TO THE ZAMBIAN LEGAL SYSTEM
General Outcome
Develop a general understanding of Zambia’s Legal System.
General Outcome
Develop a general understanding to the process of the Zambian Legal System.
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• Define capital punishment.
• Discuss the cases that constitute capital punishment
• Analyse arguments for and against capital punishment.
• Describe the procedures in the Civil Justice processes.
• Describe the post trial process in the Zambian legal system
General Outcome
Sensitise learners on Gender Equity and Equality in relation to national development.
7. A CULTURE OF PEACE
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of and the need to promote a culture of peace.
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• Outline methods of promoting peace.
• Discuss forms of conflict at various levels.
• Analyse causes of conflict at various levels.
• Assess the impact of various forms of conflict.
• Describe conflict resolution strategies.
• Explain ways of creating a culture of peace.
General Outcome
Create an awareness of HIV and AIDS, impact and mitigation measures.
9. SOCIAL CHALLENGES
General Outcome
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Develop an awareness of selected social challenges and promote participation in
intervention measures.
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GRADE 12
General Outcomes
Develop an understanding and appreciation of human rights.
Cultivate respect for promotion and protection of human rights.
Specific Outcomes
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General Outcomes
Develop respect and understanding of the Rights of the Child.
Specific Outcomes
• Explain reasons for a separate human rights instrument for children.
• Outline steps taken to come up with a United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child.
• Explain what is meant by children’s rights are human rights.
• Describe the four principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child.
• Discuss the provision of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child and the two Optional Protocols.
3. FAMILY LAW
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of Family Law in Zambia.
Specific Outcomes
• Define family and marriage.
• Outline the elements of Family Law.
• Describe types of marriages in Zambia.
• Assess the effects of separation, divorce and death on the family.
4. DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
General Outcome
Develop an understanding and appreciation of the importance of development
planning.
Specific Outcomes
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• Discuss types of development planning.
• Describe methods of planning.
• Discuss the importance of budgeting and fiscal discipline in development
planning.
• Explain the functions of Micro and Macro-economic financial institutions.
• Examine indicators of development.
5. POVERTY IN ZAMBIA
General Outcomes
Develop an understanding of the causes and effects of poverty in Zambia.
Acquire knowledge in poverty alleviation and reduction strategies.
Specific Outcomes
• Define poverty.
• Outline the causes of poverty.
• Discuss poverty alleviation measures.
• Evaluate poverty alleviation policies and their implementation in Zambia.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
General Outcomes
• Develop an understanding of the need to protect and preserve the
environment.
• Appreciate and participate in environmental management activities.
Specific Outcomes
• Define environment.
• Outline causes of environmental degradation.
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• Discuss environmental management.
• Identify institutions that promote environmental management in Zambia.
• Assess ways of addressing environmental degradation
• Discuss functions of the institutions that promote environmental management
in Zambia
• State some international conventions on environmental management.
• Discuss the importance of biodiversity in the management of the environment.
7. GLOBAL ISSUES
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of globalisation and global issues.
Specific Outcomes
• Define global issues.
• Analyse global interdependence.
• Discuss Bilateral and Multilateral aid.
• Discuss International trade.
• Explain debt crisis and debt relief.
• Discuss the effects of debt crisis and debt relief on Zambia.
• Explain Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
• Analyse Zambia’s efforts towards the attainment of the Millennium
Development Goals.
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