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:
- Demonstrate critical understanding and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs and practices
- Exhibit values in service to humanity and abhor societal evils such as corruption, tribalism, racism and discrimination.
- Competently conduct consultancies and outreach in Religion.
- 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.
- 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
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Practicum
- Group discussion/presentations
- 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:
Overall Average Mark |
Grade |
70% and Above |
A |
60% - 69% |
B |
50% - 59% |
C |
40% - 49% |
D |
Below 40% |
F |
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
Overall Average Mark |
Grade |
Degree Classification |
70% and Above |
A |
First Class Honors |
60% - 69% |
B |
Second Class Honors (Upper Division) |
50% - 59% |
C |
Second Class Honors (Lower Division) |
40% - 49% |
D |
Pass |
Below 40% |
F |
- |
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:
Year |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
||||
Semester |
1 |
II |
1 |
II |
1 |
II |
1 |
II |
|
University Common Course |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
School Common Course |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
Programme Common Course |
4 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
6 |
5 |
40 |
Electives |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
Total |
7 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
183 |