BACKGROUND OF THE UNIVERSITY

1.1 Vision and Mission of Maasai Mara University

The vision of Maasai Mara University (MMARAU) is to be a World Class University committed to academic excellence for development. Its Mission is to provide quality University education through innovative teaching research and consultancy services for development. The Bachelor of Arts in Religion is therefore designed to significantly capture both the vision and mission of the University.

1.2 Philosophy of the University

The University is guided by a philosophical statement, "eng'eno e puuan", which is a Kimaaasai expression meaning "knowledge is prosperity". As the University seeks creation of knowledge for prosperity through research, innovation and technology, it is further guided by its core values of excellence, professionalism, teamwork, creativity & innovativeness,transparency & accountability, equity and social justice.The University’s Philosophy Statements and Mission are complementary, focused on ensuring a genuine need for quality and relevant curricula for promotion of higher education, training, research and innovation. While the Mission Statement focuses on why the University exists, the Philosophy Statement addresses how Maasai Mara University fulfils its educational, research, innovativeness and technological mission as an institution for higher learning.

At the heart of the mission, vision and goals of academic, research, innovation and students’ affairs, is the University’s fundamental commitment to a strong general education, training, research and innovative programmes that prepare students for global competitiveness, broadening their knowledge in the arts and sciences, helping them integrate learning and community concerns, and prepare  them for success in their major fields of study and life after graduation. In all these academic programmes of study, the University encourages the examination of fundamental questions of human concern, respectful dialogue in the context of diverse points of view and experience, as well as the search for truth and social justice for all.

In an atmosphere of intellectual dogmatism made possible by academic freedom, the University builds up and trains students in courses within their areas of advanced study, extend research and innovation in their fields of specialization, produce highly scientific, innovative, technological, scholarly and creative work, and serve the University as well as the nation and the entire global community.

Vital to the success process of supporting excellence in higher education, training, research and innovationare the dedicated members of variously academic support services. This connection and collaboration ensures that the University is offering an education that produces an employable, skilled, responsible and accountable person in the society.

The University encourages a full search for truth, including religious truth, while respecting freedom of personal expression. It also promotes a vigorous and compassionate dialogue among the various faith traditions, and between them and the academic disciplines. At its foundation, teaching, research and innovation at Maasai Mara University are premised upon and committed to the fundamental dignity and unique worth of each human person present.

2.O THE CURRICULUM

2.1 Title:

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN RELIGION

2.2 Philosophy

To promote and enhance religious critique, understanding, harmony and tolerance of various religions in an increasingly multi-faith and pluralistic environment.

2.3 Rationale

Many of the conflicts and social and political disharmony in the world at large are rooted in religious misunderstanding and extremism. A proper understanding and appreciation of various religious beliefs, and practices and the worldviews that underlie them will go a long way in fostering and enhancing much needed cohesion and mutual and peaceful co-existence. There is therefore a critical need to train reflective practitioners in the religious field who will be able to integrate in-depth knowledge of various religious beliefs with practical application of that knowledge particularly in fostering dialogue, understanding and peaceful co-existence at local, national and international levels.

2.4 Goal

The Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Religion seeks to expose students to and to enable them to effectively examine and critique various religious beliefs, practices and experiences and equip them with the requisite skills that are required to engender much needed understanding and harmony in an increasingly diverse and pluralistic world.                                                      

2.5 Expected Learning Outcomesof the Programme

By the end of this programme, learners should be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical understanding and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs and practices
2. Exhibit values in service to humanity and abhor societal evils such as corruption, tribalism, racism and discrimination.

• Competently conduct consultancies and outreach in Religion.

1. Show competency as teachers, social workers, counselors, clergy and professional workers in religious and non-governmental organizations who will be prepared to meet and tackle formidable societal challenges that afflict our society and humanity at large.
2. Initiate, develop and implement sound research projects in the field of religion and the numerous religious phenomena and conflicts that are prevalent in our societies with a view to offering appropriate interventions and solutions.

2.7 Mode of Delivery

1. Lectures
2. Tutorials
3. Assignments
4. Practicum
5. Group discussion/presentations
6. E-learning platform

2.8 Academic Regulationsof the Programme

Admission Requirements

Eligible applicants in the Bachelor of Arts in Religion Programme shall meet the following qualifications:

EITHER

• Holders of K.C.S.E certificate, grade C+ or its equivalent

OR

• Holders K.A.C.E certificates with a minimum of two principal or its equivalent.

OR

• Holders of a 2 year relevant diploma from an accredited institution which is recognized by the Maasai Mara University senate and CUE or  its equivalent

              OR

• Holders of an advanced relevant diploma from an accredited institution recognized by the University senate and CUE or its equivalent.

Regulations on Credit Transfer

A student would be eligible to transfer credits if he/ she:-

• Does NOT transfer more than 49% credits if he/she intends to graduate from/ in Maasai Mara University
• Has successfully passed the courses being transferred
• Records and conduct have been confidentially communicated between the two Universities
• Undertakes the new Universities’ common courses unless those previously taken are considered to be equivalent to what the new University offers

Course Requirements

The requirements for this course include lecture attendance, seminar participation, direct study, group work, field practicum, project research writing.

In addition lecturers are obligated to offer quality academic support to learners including timely feedback. The Department and the School are obliged to conduct an induction every academic year as well as provide departmental and school facilities to learners. The University will offer both academic support such as library services as well as welfare support. Learners shall complete a research project in the final academic year of study.

Student Assessment Criteria

The pass mark shall be 40%. Courses shall be examined at the end of each semester. A written examination shall normally constitute 70% of the total marks in each course. Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) based on assignments, seminars and essays will constitute 30% of the total marks.

A candidate who fails any course(s) in a given semester shall be required to re-sit a supplementary examination in the respective course(s).

A candidate who, for verifiable and just reasons fails to sit for an examination shall be allowed to sit for special examination. Medical cases must be supported by authentic documentary proofs.

Grading System

The final award of BA in Religion  will be based on overall marks obtained in examinations, CATS, and Research project and shall be graded as follows:

Examination Regulations

Internal and external examination regulations for the programme shall be as specified in the University Examination Regulations.

Moderation of Examinations

In order to monitor the reliability and validity of assessment procedures and academic standards, both internal and external examiners shall be involved in the moderation of examinations as specified in the University Examination Regulations.

Graduation Requirements

The final award of the BA in Religion will be based on the learners having satisfactorily completed an optimum number of 54 courses, including 1 field attachments and a research report.

Classification of Degrees

Regulations for the research project

The learner is required to demonstrate in less than 50 pages of double space font, abilities in identification and formulation of a research problem and research questions, development of  conceptual as well as operational hypotheses, critical examination of existing literature, develop operational measurements, use appropriate theory as a research guide, use appropriate sampling technique, use appropriate observation instruments, use appropriate data analysis techniques, logically interpret findings in respect of study objectives and hypotheses, write a report, include appropriate conclusions and recommendations. Background information on the study is also expected. References should reflect: author, year and title, place of publication and the publisher.     

2.9 Course Evaluation

The curriculum will be reviewed after 4 years. Course evaluation shall include the course content, instructional process, infrastructure and equipment for the delivery, instructional and reference materials and assessments.

2.11 Management and Administration

The BA inReligion is housed in the Department of Social Studies in the School of Arts and Social Sciences. Leadership is offered by the Dean of the School.

The Departmental Curriculum Board is the major vehicle for the quality assurance for the programme.

2.12List of Courses

The courses offered are shown below.

NOTE: University-wide common courses are italicized; Programme core courses and required courses are in normal font; Elective courses are in bold font.

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

Course code                          Title                                                 Credit Hours

CMJ 1100                      Communication Skills                             3

Z00 1100                       HIV & AIDS & Lifestyle Diseases             3

SAS 1103                      The Art of Writing                                  3

SOC 1105                      Introduction to Social Sciences                      3

REL 1103                      Faith and Reason                           3

REL 1104                      Traditional African Worldview                        3

REL 1105                      Introduction to Theology                        3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    21

Second Semester

COM 1200                     Computer and Information Literacy                 3

MAT 1200                      Quantitative Skills                                3

SAS 1204                      Deviation and Rehabilitation                           3

REL 1206                      Introduction to Ethics                            3

REL 1207                      Introduction to Scriptures                     3

REL 1208                      Introduction to Quran & Hadith                       3

REL 1209                      Introduction to Philosophy & Religion            3

REL 1210                      Introduction to Logic                              3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    24

SECOND YEAR

First Semester

ENS 2100                      Entrepreneurial & Work Skills                       3

REL 2100                      Philosophy and Critical Thinking           3

SAS 2105                      Principles of Communication                             3

REL 2111:                     Religion, Conflict, and Peace Processes                  3 

REL 2112                      History of Religion 1                              3

REL 2113                      Introduction to African Religion                     3

REL 2114                      History of Christianity I                                  3

Electives

REL 2115                      Studies in New Testament I                    3

REL 2116                      History of Islamic Civilization & Culture     3

PSA 2118                      Principles of Management                     3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    24

Second Semester

SAS 2206:                     Ethnicity, Peace Relations and Nation Building in Kenya             3

REL 2217                      Religion and Society                               3

REL 2218                      Introduction to Political Philosophy              3

REL 2219                      Intercultural Studies                            3

REL 2220                      History of Religion II                              3

REL 2221                      History of Christianity II                        3

Electives

REL 2222                      Islamic Law and Jurisprudence             3

PSA 2227                      Public Personnel Management               3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    21

THIRD YEAR

Semester One

SAS 3107                      Contemporary Gender Issues                          3

REL 3123                      Religion and Science in Africa                        3

REL 3124                      Philosophy of Religion                                    3

REL 3125                      Women and Religion in Africa                          3

REL 3126                      African Mythology                                  3

REL 3127                      History of Islam in Africa                      3

REL 3128                      History of Christianity in Africa                     3

Electives

REL 3129                      Church Doctrine II                                 3

REL 3130                      African Philosophy                                3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    24

Second Semester

BBM 3200                     Entrepreneurial & Work Skills                       3

SAS 3208                      Communication and Culture                   3

REL 3231                      Research Methodology in Religion                  3

REL 3232                      Religions in Kenya                                  3

REL 3233                      Field Attachment                                    6

REL 3234                      Islamic Family Law                                  3

Electives

REL 3235                      Studies in Old Testament                       3

REL 3236                      African Traditional Healing & Science   3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    24

FOURTH YEAR

First Semester

SAS 4109                      English for Specific Purposes                        3

REL 4137                      Issues in Social Ethics                                    3

REL 4138                      Emerging Theologies                               3

REL 4139                      New Religious Movements                       3

REL 4140                      Islamic Theology                            3

REL 4141                      Religious Leadership                              3

REL 4142                      Worship in African Religion                   3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    21

Second Semester

SAS 4210                      Disaster & Conflict Management           3

REL 4243                      Research Projects in Religion                         6

REL 4244                      Religion and Politics                              3

REL 4245                      Christian Theologies in Africa                        3

REL 4246                      African Religion in Diaspora                           3

REL 4247                      Islamic Law of Succession                      3

Electives

REL 4248                      Inter-Religious Dialogue                       3

REL 4249                      Political Philosophy in Africa                       3

Total Credit Hours                                                                    24

Total Credit Hours                                                                    183

NOTE:Each course takes 3 credit hours (a maximum of 45 hours, translating to 15 weeks, where 13 weeks are dedicated to teaching and 2 weeks to examinations).

2.13 Total Credit Hours

The total credit hours are 183, which is within the range of 168-192 as stipulated by Commission for University Education Curriculum Standards.

2.14 Duration and Structureof the Programme

The programme is offered in full-time and extends for 4 academic years or its equivalent. The programme runs for 8 academic semesters: