This course explores the historical foundations of the Basotho nation; its political, cultural, economic and social aspects. It focused on who Basotho are, their background, Lifaqane, child upbringing, issues of chieftaincy and the clans that make up Basotho. It further highlights student- teachers on strategies that Moshoeshoe 1 employed in building his nation from Botha- Bothe to Thaba Bosiu. These strategies include matsema, mafisa, bohlanka, marriage alliances, nyehelo/ sethaba thaba, lebollo, placing, missionaries, diplomacy, taming of cannibals, and refugee incorporation. The course further explains the political and socio-economic advancement of Basotho during the colonial era. This starts with the missionary era, interaction with the Boers, and the British rule. Again, the course provides an overview of Basotho’s road to independence, their post-independence, political and socio-economic developments and the implications of such developments on the environment. The theoretical knowledge thus obtained will enable student teachers to understand their country's problems and suggest solutions to inform policy.

 This course relates the historical foundations of the Basotho nation to social studies content presented to pupils at primary school level. It also introduces student- teachers to the social studies curriculum and pays particular attention to the primary school syllabus. Again, methods of teaching social studies at the primary school will be dealt with.