The following are the module codes, names, and descriptions of the courses offered as core and required within the Political Science and Public Administration disciplines, respectively;

POL101: Introduction to Political Science

The course introduces basic theories and concepts designed to equip students with the essential tools for understanding the study of Political Science. The focus is on the organization of politics, the different political institutions and structures and their role in the modern political system.  The concepts to be covered include power, political culture, democracy, class, civil society and political parties.

POL201: Modern Political Theory

The course is an introduction to the study of Modern Political Theory and is designed to familiarise students with the great works of political thought.  We will study how many great political thinkers have shaped the development of the state as well as their contribution to the enduring debate over the meaning of justice, equality, freedom, liberty, tolerance, and the goals of political life.  The course is important for developing a deeper understanding of the early formations of the concepts and vocabulary that comprise the dominant political ideologies of the modern era- including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and feminism.

POL202: POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATION IN ESWATINI

Course Description

This course examines the interaction between politics and administration in Eswatini, and places administration within a political framework. This is accomplished through studying the key structures of public administration and their functions, as well as the political structures that provide the setting for public administration.

The course considers the historical evolution of Swazi society, politics, and public administration from the pre-colonial period to the present. It also analyses the country’s major constitutional developments and highlights the key political structures that shape the environment for public administration in the country.

 POL203: CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN POLITICS

The course provides a thorough understanding of contemporary political issues in Africa. Significantly, it looks at the challenges in the social, political, and economic domains of the African state from the immediate post-colonial period to the present. It examines the nature of these problems and critically assesses the various strategies for addressing them.

Some of the issues the course deals with are the centralization of state power, conflict and security in Africa, military rule, democratization, African debt crisis and its effects, and the new African agenda.

POL204: POLITICS AND DEVELOPMENT

The course examines the issue of how political processes and outcomes inform development. It begins by introducing students to the main theoretical approaches to development with the aim of highlighting the conceptual and theoretical link between politics and development. This is accomplished through relating these theories to selected development issues such as poverty, debt, inequality, the environment and global governance. The course further examines how the political issues of democratization, good governance and human rights are critical for meaningful and sustainable development.

 POL205: GENDER AND PUBLIC POLICY

The course begins with a conceptual and theoretical introduction to gender. It focuses on the nature of governmental structures and political processes and the effects of public policy outcomes on male and female gender groups and individuals. The foregoing is accomplished by examining the roles men and women play in politics, policy formulation, and implementation. The course examines some key public policy concerns, including poverty, health, and the environment, and analyzes how public policy is shaped both by internal processes of government and also by interest group dynamics. Finally, the course explores some key elements of a Gender Policy Machinery necessary for fostering gender equality.

POL206: POLITICS OF LABOUR IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

The course examines the role of labour in the industrial, social, political, and economic processes in southern Africa. It discusses the evolutionary trajectory of labour from its emergence in the modern capitalist economy to the present. Some of the themes explored in this course are the proletarianisation of the peasantry, radicalization of labour, labour and nationalism, state/labour relations, labour and society, labour and the economy and trans-national labour solidarities.

POL 207: STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY

The course examines the character and level of development of the state and its interaction with civil society at different junctures in its evolution. Civil society has become more prominent in modern society as a consequence of the advancement towards a more democratic dispensation. The course interrogates the role of civil society and how it could impact on the social and political environment. The institutionalization of democracy through an interactive relationship between the state and civil society will also be considered.

POL208: MEDIA AND POLITICS

The course focuses on the centrality of the media in modern society to facilitate democratic processes at all levels of development. The aspects of public interest relating to accountability of public officials and representation of the public views are some of the themes to be canvassed and interrogated. The control and independence of the press and the impact of this on the different participants in society are some of the issues that are addressed.

POL209: MEDIA AND POLITICS

The course focuses on the centrality of the media in modern society to facilitate democratic processes at all levels of development. The aspects of public interest relating to accountability of public officials and representation of the public views are some of the themes to be canvassed and interrogated. The control and independence of the press and the impact of this on the different participants in society are some of the issues that are addressed.

POL 301: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY

The course introduces students to the study of International Relations.  It covers the different perspectives in the study of the subject, including approaches to international politics and theories of international politics. An introduction to international law and diplomacy is also covered.

POL302: AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The course centres on African states’ international politics since independence. It adopts a theoretically integrative approach to the study of African International Relations. This choice is grounded in the view that no one perspective can reflect the nuances and complexities of international life. The course uses this organizing principle to examine African states’ behaviour, preferences, actions, and interests in their interactions with each other, and with the rest of the world. There have been some criticisms of International Relations discourses and practices since the turn of the century. This criticism is partly based on the assumption that IR theory and practice are biased towards Western values, history, and experiences, and that the dominant characterizations and perspectives on Africa misrepresent, for example, the African socio-political condition. The course therefore, also critically examines, inter alia, Africa’s challenge to conventional views about states, markets, sovereignty, power, and agency.

POL303 COMPARATIVE POLITICS

The course begins with a survey of the approaches and scope of comparative politics. Thereafter, it focuses on comparing and contrasting key aspects of the different political systems and regions. The foregoing is accomplished through an examination of the three major classifications of political/economic systems: (industrialized capitalist nations); former socialist systems (transitional economies); and Third World nations (a generic term covering a variety of nations still in the process of economic development. A case study will be drawn from each, focusing on themes including political history, political parties, interest groups, key institutions, as well as major challenges facing these systems.

POL304: INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

This course offers a comprehensive study of International Organizations (IOs), focusing on their emergence, evolution, and multifaceted roles in global affairs. Students will explore the historical foundations of IOs and analyze their growing influence in shaping international cooperation, diplomacy, and governance.

The course emphasizes diverse perspectives on how IOs operate within modern society and examines their contributions to a wide spectrum of global governance activities. Special attention is given to the role of IOs in promoting world security and addressing socio-political challenges such as conflict resolution, human rights, development, and crisis management.

POL305   POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

This course departs from the traditional notion of a region as a natural construct and draws on a current of ideas. It takes the constructivist position that a regional order is a political act:  there are ideational, agential and identity influences behind any regional construct. The region is always in a state of flux, continuously made and unmade, constructed and reconstructed, defined and redefined. Each regional order empowers and disempowers, which gives rise to contestation. Therefore, there is, at one level, a dual notion of region: hegemonic and counter-hegemonic. The course thus focuses on how social, political, and economic actors perceive and interpret the idea of a region; it sets out to discover, the identity, ideas and actors behind a particular regional construct, examining how it came into being, who benefits and who is marginalized and steps needed to build an order based on universal or mutual gains in southern Africa.

 POL306   CONTEMPORARY CHINA AND SOUTH EAST ASIA

The course aims at broadening the students’ understanding and appreciation of regions outside Africa with a view to drawing lessons that could inform current perspectives regarding the major challenges faced by regions that share certain basic characteristics.

Using the case study approach, the course explores contemporary themes and issues in China and one other East Asian country, and analyses their relevance for other countries facing similar challenges. The course focuses on themes including hegemony, economic development, democracy and human rights. It draws broad conclusions regarding what might emerge as best practice that could be adapted for tackling common problems and challenges across regions.

POL307: DIPLOMACY

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of diplomacy as a central instrument of international relations and political negotiation. It explores the historical evolution of diplomatic traditions, the institutional frameworks that support diplomatic engagement, and the strategic roles diplomats play in shaping global affairs.

Students will examine the principles, protocols, and tools of diplomacy, including bilateral and multilateral negotiations, conflict resolution, public diplomacy, and the use of soft power. The course also analyzes how diplomacy adapts to contemporary challenges such as globalization, digital communication, climate change, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

POL310: PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE AND PRACTICE

This course provides a foundational understanding of parliamentary procedure as a vital framework for democratic decision-making and legislative governance. Students will explore the rules, conventions, and practical applications that guide formal meetings, debates, and lawmaking processes within parliamentary systems.

The course covers the structure and functions of parliaments, the roles of key actors (such as the Speaker, Whips, and Committee Chairs), and the procedural tools used to introduce, debate, amend, and pass legislation. Through simulations and case studies, students will gain hands-on experience in drafting motions, managing agendas, and applying procedural rules in real-world scenarios.

P0L401: ADVANCED POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

The main thrust of the course is to acquaint students with some of the central philosophers covering the ancient, medieval and contemporary periods.  The student should be able to understand and interpret the different philosophies as well as appreciate their significance in shaping the political institutions that have evolved over time. The course will cover Early Classical Philosophy of Plato & Aristotle, Liberal Philosophy, and Marxist Philosophy.

 POL402: AFRICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

The course will focus on the human condition of the African people by analysing African Political Thinkers, beginning with indigenous political thought, extending to the nationalist struggle for liberation and culminating with the analysis of the new millennium. The course interrogates the issue of Pan Africanism and the process of institution-building flowing from this idea. It will give special attention to democratisation discourses and the African renaissance.

POL403: INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY

The course covers the nature of the world political system; the problems of the world economic system in the globalization process.  The role of international economic institutions, such as the World Bank, IMF and other UN economic agencies, and regional economic organizations, are examined.

POL404: DEMOCRACY, POLITICAL PARTIES, AND ELECTIONS

The course considers the relationship between democracy, political parties and elections. Democracy as an evolving phenomenon will be given special attention as a framework within which the main political institutions can develop and elections conducted. It will provide a critical analysis of political parties and their function in society. It deals with the impact that elections and different electoral systems have on the development of political culture, as well as the type of democracy that evolves.

POL406: FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS

The course reviews the analytical framework for the study of foreign policy. A state’s action, reaction, interaction or attitude toward the environment beyond the national boundary is shaped by an ever changing confluence of influences, factors and actors. These include psychological elements (for example, values, perceptions, beliefs, ideology and personality) domestic influences (such as political parties, pressure and interest groups, public opinion, bureaucratic and organizational processes) and the impact of the external environment. This framework is utilized in the analysis of what is called ‘low’ and ‘high’ politics like diplomacy and trade respectively.

POL407: WOMEN AND POLITICS IN AFRICA

The course examines some of the major concepts and theories that help to explain the position of women in society, thereby unravelling the issue of women subordination and male dominance in decision-making structures at the socio-economic and political levels. The course focuses on concepts and theories including gender, feminist theory, sexual division of labour as well as patriarchy and analyses their contribution towards our understanding of social inequality and the marginalisation of women.

POL409: SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT

This course focuses on the need for both internal and international security of states and society; that security is essential for political and economic stability. Stability is a prerequisite for development and welfare of society. Discussion in the course reveals that security is provided not only by the security forces but equally by adherence to democratic practice and good governance in states, and the pursuit of good relations among states.  Therefore, the security and stability of states is primarily in the hands of the governments themselves.

POL405: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

This course requires students to undertake research in an area of their interest in the discipline of Political Science.  At the beginning of the fourth year, students identify research areas and come up with a title of their Project.  This is done under the guidance of the lecturer who has been assigned by the Department to supervise the student. During the first semester, the students present their research proposals in a seminar that is conducted by the Department.  After the seminar, the students proceed to write the Project Reports which are examined at the end of the academic year.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION STREAM

PAD102: INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The course examines the nature and scope of Public Administration as a field of study and provides a basic understanding of the key processes and institutions involved in the formulation and implementation of public policy. This is accomplished through an introduction to key concepts of Public Administration as well as examining the nature, types and models of public organizations and bureaucracy.

PAD201: ORGANISATION THEORY AND BEHAVIOUR I

This course examines the theories and principles that help to explain the nature, structure and dynamics of organisations. Emphasis is laid on the historical evolution of organisation theory from the classical school of thought to modern perspectives. One of the major assumptions of the course is that modern organisations have been shaped by the continuous development of organisation theory and its application. It is held that modern organisations exhibit the value and contribution of these theories to some variable extent.

PAD202: ORGANISATION THEORY AND BEHAVIOUR II

The course deals with the management of organisations and particularly the people who serve as members of the organisations.

The fundamental premise of this course is that theories of organisations are essentially theories of human nature, hence organisational behaviour. Understanding and appropriately managing the behaviour of the individuals in organisations is seen as a critical component to achieving the organisation’s goals and objectives. Harmony between the structure of the organisation, the individuals and the environment are seen as critical areas in the management of organisations.

PAD203: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN AFRICA

The course examines key issues and concepts in Public Administration with particular reference to African countries. Using a comparative approach, the course examines the role and function of key structures and institutions of government, the nature and complexities of public administration and management; the challenges confronting policy makers and the various policy options for addressing them. Topics covered include: the political setting of public administration, administrative reform and the changing role of the state, new approaches to public management occasioned by the New Public Management, public sector performance, service delivery, relations between the government and the market, the challenge of governance and leadership in Africa, function of public service commissions, integrity in public administration and role of oversight bodies.

PAD204: ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

The course examines the theories, nature and management of public enterprises in African countries in general and Eswatini in particular. Topical issues include the genesis and justification for public enterprises; reasons for their poor performance in the developing countries and measures that can be taken to improve their performance.

PAD205   ADMINISTRATION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

The course examines the centrality of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the socio-economic development of countries. NGOs have risen in significance in the past few decades and it is now generally accepted that they are important and permanent institutions in the implementation of development programmes and projects. The course provides a thorough understanding of the nature, types, management, development role, strengths and weaknesses of NGOs.

PAD206    ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND MANAGEMENT

The course proceeds from the premise that the environment is a trans-national subject. Ecological problems such as carbon emissions, global warming, water shortage, deforestation or desertification and rising sea levels, often transcend national boundaries. Inevitably, the environment is one of the most contentious subjects in the world today. 

The course takes a critical look at the contending discourses and the actors behind them on environmental management, its degradation and its sustainability. It explores themes such as the impact of economic globalization on the environment, poverty and the environment, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms of environmental policies and regimes.

PAD301: PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS I

This course offers an introduction to the theories and approaches to the study of public policy. The course examines the nature, scope and characteristics of public policy. Among other areas of study, the theories, actors and instruments of public policy are examined. The generally held assumptions about the roles and efficacy of the actors in the public policy process are interrogated.

PAD302: PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS II

This course offers useful tools for the analysis of government policies. It begins by analysing in detail the public policy cycle. The roles and efficacy of the role-players in the policy process are investigated with particular reference to the various stages of the policy cycle. The role and utility of public policy analysis is also examined. The various models and methods of objective analysis of public policies are then discussed.

PAD303: ADMINISTRATION OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The course examines various concepts and interpretations of rural development and analyzes the phenomenon and causes of poverty, underdevelopment and dependence in the Third World in general and Africa in particular. The course also examines rural development strategies, policies, programmes and projects. Topics discussed include merchant capitalism, slave trade, colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism and dependency theory.  In addition, the course examines the dynamics of peasant political economies the process of commoditization, the relationship between capital and the peasantry, including role of the state in improving the living standards of the rural population, agricultural extension, credit facilities and institutions, agricultural co-operatives, women and rural development, the role of government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in rural development.  Administrative, socio-political and economic problems and challenges in the implementation of rural development programmes and projects are analyzed, with particular emphasis on the Rural Development Areas Programme (RDAP) in Eswatini.

PAD304: PUBLIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The course introduces students to human resource management (HRM) and highlights the strategic importance of HRM for modern organisations. It examines the theories and techniques of HRM, covering the whole range of functions and strategies that assist in improving decisions concerning staff recruitment, deployment, utilisation and development. In this course special premium is given to human resource management in the public sector. Topics covered include recruitment and selection, financial compensation and benefits, job analysis and evaluation, performance management, human resource planning, internal staffing, training and development.

PAD305: GOVERNANCE: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE

The course examines the principles and practice of governance. Governance is seen as the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority in the management of a country’s affairs at all levels. In this course the structures and mechanisms for the realization of the goals of good governance are examined. The themes that are covered include: transparency, accountability, efficiency and independence of public institutions, oversight institutions, corporate governance, sound financial and economic management, decentralization, human-rights and the rule of law, civil society participation in economic and political decision-making processes, democracy and electoral politics.

PAD306: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 A series of events over the last two decades have placed corporate governance at the top of the agenda for governments, the international business community and international institutions. The perception of good corporate governance is an important ingredient of the image of an organization, whether public, private, or non-profit. The course deals with the complex set of relationships between the organisation whether public or private and its board of directors, management, shareholders, and other stakeholders. It will do this by examining definition of corporate governance and the influences that have led to its development; sources of corporate governance; composition and selection of the board of directors; board duties and responsibilities; functioning of the board; board committees; officers of the company; and the compensation of chief executives,  financial reporting and communication; risk management and financial control; the role and influence of institutional investors the rules governing takeovers, internal and external audits; implementing good corporate governance.

PAD307: PRIVATIZATION OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

Due to the weakening of the global economy in recent decades, all states have had to consider reducing public sector expenditure while strengthening the economy by improving the private sector. Privatisation of public enterprises has been one of the major means employed in furtherance of this goal. It has been argued that some developing countries have a huge public enterprise sector that is poorly performing and, as a result, requires regular subvention from the state.

This course examines the various means that can be used to privatise public enterprises and the challenges thereof. There is a deliberate bias towards developing countries and African countries in particular.

PAD309: PUBLIC RELATIONS

The course explores the approaches and techniques of establishing and maintaining public relations. Students learn the strategic and tactical communication skills necessary for the practice of communication and public relations in organisational settings, including the public sector. The course exposes students to the history and theory of public relations, strategic communication processes, and the role of the public relations practitioner as a specialist in communications. It actively engages students in the acquisition of communication tactics such as media relations, public relations, community relations, investor relations, employee communications, and online communications.

PAD401: PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

 The course provides theories, concepts, and principles associated with public financial management. It addresses how the principles and practices of public financial management differ within capitalistic, social welfare and economic welfare systems. In addition, the course provides a better understanding of the relationships and responsibilities of executive, legislative, and administrative branches and the roles they play in decision-making, implementation, oversight and monitoring of public expenditures. The course incorporates taxation approaches (e.g.; income, property, consumption) to provide insights regarding how governments fund public services as well as how taxation is equitably distributed among members of society.  The course also addresses the political, economic, managerial, and public policy implications of the government budget, including discussions relating to the budgetary process, procedures and controls. In addition, the course discusses the financial operations of government in terms of effective cash management, inventory controls, procurement methodologies, and public debt management practices.

PAD402: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

The course examines the theories and models of decentralization and examines the role of local government in governance and development. It considers key management aspects of local government such as local government finance and planning. Other topics that are covered include: evolution, structure and functions of African local government, challenges and reforms of local government in Africa, the rationale for and models of central-local government relationships, accountability, responsiveness and transparency in local government. The course ends with case studies from Eswatini and other countries.

PAD403: ADMINISTRATION OF DEVELOPMENT

The course examines the root cause of the socio-political, economic and administrative paralysis that characterizes the Third World in general and African countries in particular.  The course focuses on the theory and practice of development planning, planning systems and approaches, budgetary and administrative reform with emphasis on Eswatini’s, socio-political, economic and development experience.  Topics discussed include theories of development, development administration, direct foreign investment (DFI), and multinational corporations (MNC’s), international economic relations, including the nature, origins and dynamics of the African development crisis. Other topics examined include globalization of the world economy, economic structural adjustment programmes (ESAPs), regional economic integration, the politics of development in post-apartheid Southern Africa, HIV/AIDS and its impact on development in sub-Saharan Africa.

PAD404: LABOUR RELATIONS IN ESWATINI AND SOUTH AFRICA

This course examines the various theories of labour relations and their application to the labour relations arena in Eswatini and South Africa. The course exposes students to the administration and management of employer-employee relations and explores key concepts such as the nature of the labour relationship, the legislative framework governing the employment relationship, the contract of employment, collective bargaining, discipline and disciplinary procedures, grievance-handling, dispute resolution and the role of the International Labour Organizations (ILO). From a comparative perspective, the course considers the significance of labour law, particularly the Industrial Relations Act of 2000 as amended (Eswatini) and the Labour Relations Act of 1995 as amended (South Africa) and their impact on the employment relationship.

PAD406: ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT

This course is premised upon the assumption that modern organisations exist not only in dynamic and ever-changing environments but most importantly that the organisational environments pose a consistent threat to the effectiveness and survival of organisations. It is therefore of paramount importance that organisations establish and maintain a system of planned change to remain effective, efficient and competitive despite their volatile environments. This course therefore examines the theory and practice of planned change programmes that aim not only at keeping organisations afloat but ensuring that appropriate diagnosis of the challenges is made to ensure effective change programmes.   The course also examines strategies of empowering organisations to rely on internal expertise and resources to diagnose problems and effect the required changes.

PAD407: CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The course examines the issue of conflict in society. Conflict is a pervasive phenomenon and occurs at the organizational, regional, national and international levels. The course explores the use of different fora to address difficult problems within and between countries given that it is necessary to create appropriate structures to deal with conflict in order to reduce its negative impact on our societies. It will explore traditional and new approaches to social and political negotiations and mediation and attempt to locate these within an expanded global security agenda. Dialogue will be canvassed as one of the mechanism for resolving conflict at the organizational, regional, national and international levels.

PAD409 :  INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

This course requires that Public Administration majors undertake an 8-week-attachment in an organization approved by the Department.  The attachment takes place during the long vacation at the end of the third year of study. The purpose of the attachment is to: give students an opportunity to relate theory and practice; expose and sensitise students to administrative/management problems that managers encounter daily; avail an opportunity for students to learn public administration from a practical view point;  and assist students to acquire some administrative/management skills. The students are required to write a report, which is assessed, at the end of the internship.

PAD411: ETHICS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

This course is concerned with ethics and accountability in public services. While the scope is general, in that the students are exposed to the experiences of both developed and developing countries concerning the ethical dimension of public administration, a deliberate bias is on the Developing World. This bias is informed by the general assumption that African public services, more than their counterparts in the Developed World have been saddled with unethical behaviour, lack of accountability and corrupt practices that have become both entrenched and institutionalised. The course interrogates the causes and possible remedies of this state of affairs.

PAD499: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

This course requires students to undertake research in an area of their interest in the discipline of Public Administration.  At the beginning of the fourth year, students identify research areas and come up with a title of their Project.  This is done under the guidance of the lecturer who has been assigned by the Department to supervise the student. During the first semester, the students present their research proposals in a seminar that is conducted by the Department.  After the seminar, the students proceed to write the Project Reports, which are examined at the end of the academic year.