DRAFT COURSE SYLLABUS OF COMMON COURSES FOR HLIS

COURSE NAME- HISTORY OF ETHIOPIA AND THE HORN

BISHOFTU
JUNE 2019
Course Syllabus Developers
Dereje Hinew (PhD) -----------------Wollega University
Deressa Debu (PhD) -----------------Jimma University
Meseret Worku (MA)----------------Debre-Tabor University

Bishoftu
June 2019
 University: _________________________
Faculty/College______________________
Department: History and Heritage Management
I. Instructor Info.
Address (Department, email, phone, office hour, block & room no…)

II. Course Info.

Course Name: History of Ethiopia and the Horn
Course Code: Hist. 102
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Year: I
Semester: II
Prerequisite: Geography of Ethiopia and the Horn
Eligibility: Registration

III. Course Description

This course is a common course given to Higher Learning Institutions Students/HLIS. Students will learn
about the role of history in human life and goals of studying history. Students will also learn the
importance of history in nation building and the making of identity in time and space. This course covers
the major historical processes in Ethiopia and the Horn. The course is also concerned with how the socio-
cultural, religious, economic, art and political experiences of the past are interwoven in the making of the
current Ethiopia and the Horn. It is useful to know how personalities helped change the scenario, and how
societies, peoples and the world that we live in has changed over time and its implication for the history of
Ethiopia and the Horn. It is helpful to understand history as a base for shaping and bettering of the future.

IV. Course Objectives

The general objective of the course is to acquaint students with historical processes in Ethiopia.
Specifically, after completing the course, students will be able to:
 distinguish meaning, nature, use and abuses of history
 identify pertinent sources for the history of the peoples of Ethiopia and the Horn
 explicate changes & continuities that unfolded in Ethiopia and the Horn since time immemorial
 elucidate the causes, courses and consequences of events happened in the region
 explain the nature of the region‟s external contacts and their effects
V. Expected Learning Outcomes
This course enables students to:
 comprehend the general concept of history
 analyze relevant sources for History of Ethiopia and the Horn
 understand Ethiopia and the Horn in relation to human evolution and Neolithic Revolution
 elaborate the peoples and enduring cultures of the region
 assess the various socio-cultural and political achievements in civilizations of the region
 trace the origin and developments of states in the region during the ancient period
 know the role of external relations from ancient to modern times in Ethiopia and the Horn
 examine the long term effect of the „‟Solomonic‟‟ dynasty in the region
 scrutinize the dynamics of the territorial expansion of the Christian kingdom and rivalry
between the Christian Kingdom and Muslim Sultanates in the region
 grasp the factors entailed intervention of foreign powers and its sequel for the region
 examine the role of population movements in shaping the modern Ethiopia and the Horn
 appreciate the major socio-economic, religious & political achievements of Gonder period
 understand salient characteristic features and effects of “Zemene Mesafint”
 assess developments in Eastern, Central, Southern & Western parts of Ethiopia & the Horn
 analyze the political process for formation of Modern Ethiopia and the Horn
 identify the social and economic developments from 1855-1941
 appreciate the move towards modernization and the challenges encountered
 trace legacies of major battles, victories and the roles of patriots
 elaborate the socio-economic and political progresses of the post 1941 imperial period
 analyze the major changes, and challenges that led to the demise of the monarchy
 analyze the political momentum, reforms and oppositions during the Derg
 understand political scene and socio-economic conditions from 1991-2008
VI. Units and Contents
Unit One: Concepts of History
1.1. The Meaning and Nature
1.2. Use and misuses of history
1.3. Sources for the History of Ethiopia and the Horn from Ancient to Modern Periods
Unit Two: Peoples and Cultures in Ethiopia and the Horn
2.1. Human Evolution and Neolithic Revolution
2.1.1. The Cradle of Mankind
2.1.1. Domestication of Plants and Animals
2.2. Language Super-Families
2.2.1. Afro-Asiatic: Omotic, Cushitic and Semitic
2. 2.1. Nilo-Saharan: Chari-Nile and Koman
2.3. Religions and Religious Values
2.3.1. Indigenous
2. 3. 2. Judaism
2.3.3. Christianity
2. 3. 4. Islam
2.4. Socio-Cultural Institutions
2.4.1. Afar-Makabanto
2.4.2. Amhara-Shimglinna
2.4.3. Gurage-Samugnit & Yejoka
2.4.4. Oromo-Gada
2.4.5. Sidama-Luwa
2.4.6. Somali-Shir
2.4. 7. Tigray-Bahto…
Unit Three: Ancient Civilizations and States
3.1. Theories of Civilization and State Formation
3.2. Handcraft, trade, architecture; writing…
3.3. States in Northern & Northeast (Punt, Damat, Axum, Zagwe…)
3.4. Muslim Sultanates (Shewa, Ifat, Dawaro, Fatagar, Bali, Hadiya, Arebabani, Shirka, Dera…)
3.5. Kingdoms of Agaw, Bizamo, Damot, Enarya, Gafat…
3.6. External Contacts
Unit Four: Ethiopia and the Horn during the Early Part of Medieval Period (ca. 1270-1527)
4. 1. “Restoration” of the “Solomonic‟‟ Dynasty
4. 2. Power Struggle & Consolidation; Territorial & Religious Expansion of the Christian Kingdom
4.2.1. Succession Problem and the Establishment of Amba-Gishen
4.2.2. Territorial Expansion towards Awi, Bizamo, Damot, Red Sea, Falasha…
4.2.3. Evangelization and Religious Movements
4. 4. Social, Economic and Political Dynamics of Muslim Sultanates
4.4.1. Trade and Religious Expansion
4.4.2. Political Situations of Sultanates and the Rise of Adal
4. 5. Rivalry between the Christian Kingdom and the Muslim Sultanates
4.6. Integrations across ethnic and religious diversities
4. 6. External Relations
Unit Five: Ethiopia and the Horn during the Later Part of Medieval Period (ca. 1527-1855)
5.1. Wars of the Christian Kingdom and the Sultanate of Adal
5.2. Foreign Interventions and Religious Controversies
5.3. Peoples‟ Interactions and Integrations
5.3.1. Population Movements of the Afar, Somali and Argobba
5.3.2. Oromo Population Movement and Expansion (1522- 1618)
5.3.2.1. Causes & Course
5.3.2.2. Consequences (linguistic, socio-cultural and political integrations)
5.4. Developments among Eastern, Central, Southern & Western peoples of Ethiopia & the Horn
5.4. 1. Eastern: Afar, Somali, Oromo, Harari, Argobba…
5.4. 2. Central: Shawa, Hadiyya, Kambata, Gurage-Silte…
5. 4. 3. Southern: Gedeo, Guji, Burji, Borana, Konso, Sidama…
5. 4. 4. Southwest: Walaitta, Gamo-Gofa, Dawuro, Konta, Yam, Kafa, Gibe Oromo States…
5. 4. 5. Western: Anuak, Nuer, Berta, Gumuz, Leqa States...
5.5. The Period of Gondar (1636-1769) and “Zamana Mesafint/Era of Princes” (1769-1855)
5. 5. 1. Gondar achievements: architecture, painting, music, literature, urbanization, trade etc.
5. 5. 2. Gondar Political Developments: “Close Door Policy,” Stability, Intrigues & Decline
5. 5. 3. Major Features of Era of Lords (1769-1855) and Yejju Dynasty (1786-1853)
Unit Six: Socio-economic & Political Developments in Modern Ethiopia & the Horn from 1855-1941
6.1. Power Rivalry, Territorial Expansion and Centralization
6.2. Modernization Attempts: administration, military, innovation, education, road construction, railway,
transportation & communication, constitution…
6.3. Socio-Economic Scene: agriculture, disease & famine, trade, slavery, manufacturing…
6.4. External Relations, Challenges and Threats
6.4.1. External Diplomatic Relations
6. 4. 2. Tricky Treaties
6. 4. 3. Legacies of major battles & victories and the roles of patriots
Unit Seven: Social, Economic & Political Developments in Ethiopia From1941-2008
7.1. Post 1941 Imperial Regime
7.1. 1. Political Scene: Restoration & Consolidation of Imperial Power and External Relations
7.1. 2. Socio-economic Conditions: agriculture & tenancy, famine, factories, education,
health, transportation, religion, welfare institutions (idir, iqub…)
7.1.3. Opposition: Conspiracies, Revolts and Downfall of the Monarchical Regime
7.2. The Derg Regime (1974-1991)
. 7.2. 1. The Rise of Derg and the Political Momentum
7.2.2. Attempts at Reforms: Development through Cooperation Campaign, Collectivization,
Agricultural Marketing Corporation, Resettlement, Villagization, Literacy Campaign…
7.2. 2. Internal oppositions, Ethio-Somali War, International Changes & End of the Derg
7.3. Historical Developments, 1991-2008
7.3.1. Political Scene: governance, language & identity issues…
7.3.2. Socio-Economic Conditions: agriculture, industry, education…
VII. Instructional Methods and Strategies
Since modern approach in teaching-learning process is the learner-centered style, this course is based on
this technique. Lesson is best effective when students become the main actors rather than teachers.
Therefore, the main strategies of this course are thought to be based on:
 active trainees participation in the class directed by brief gapped lectures of instructor.
 pair & group discussions with trainer‟s guidance.
 other methods such as interactive teaching, brainstorming, icebreaker, open or closed questioning,
quiz, debate, role-play; presentations of assignments and projects are supposed to be used.
VIII. Assessment Techniques and Schedule, Grading Scale and Attendance
Two Quizzes = 10%
Test = 10%
Individual or Group Assignments and Presentations = 15%
Mid-Term Examination = 15%
Final Examination = 50%
Grading Scale:
Letter Grade = A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C F NG I DO
Scale Range = >90 85-90 80-85 75-80 70-75 65-70 60-65 50-60 <50 - - -

Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Instructors should take attendance regularly. If students
miss more than 20% of the class attendance, he/she will not sit for the final exam. Punctuality is mandatory
and an instructor should not allow if a student is coming late.

IX. Instructor Commitments

An instructor of this course is expected to be honest to the content, policies and guidelines of this course.
He/she is also expected to be well prepared on the course as well as prepare course outlines & teaching
materials, follow up and assess students as per the guidelines.

X. Academic Honesty and Integrity/Course and University Policy

All students are expected to be abided by the code of conduct of __________University Academic
Legislation throughout this course. Academic dishonesty including cheating, fabrication and plagiarism
will not be tolerated. Class activities will vary day to day ranging from lectures to discussions. Students
should be active participants in the course. Students need to ask questions and raise issues. They are
required to do all the assignments they are supposed to accomplish, submit and present it according to the
time table indicated. All issues discussed the in class or derived from other sources may be the subject of
the assignments or final exam question items. Finally, cell phones must be turned off before getting into
classes and sitting for exams as they are disruptive.
XI. Recommended Readings
Abir, Mordechai. Ethiopia and the Red Sea: The Rise and Decline of the Solomonic Dynasty and Muslim-
European Rivalry in the Region. Frankcass, 1980.
____________. Ethiopia The Era of The Prince; The Challenge of Islam and The Re-unification of The
Christian Empire 1769-1855. Institute of Asian & African Studies the Hebrew University, 1968.
Alberto, Sbacchi. Ethiopia under Mussolini: Fascism and the Colonial Experience. 1985.

Alemayehu Haile et al. History of the Oromo to the Sixteenth Century. Finfinne: OCTB, 2006.
Andargachew Tiruneh. The Ethiopia Revolution 1974-1987: Transformation from Aristocracy to
Totalitarian Autocracy. Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Asafa Jalata. Oromia and Ethiopia: State Formation and Ethno-national Conflict, 1868 – 1992.
Boulder and London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1993.
Asmarom Legesse. Gada: Three Approaches to Study of African Society. London: Free Press.
Bahru Zewde. A History of Modern Ethiopia, 1855-1991. Addis Ababa University Press.
__________. Society, State and History, Selected Essays. Addis Ababa: AAU Pres, 2008.

Bender, M. L. and et al. Eds. The Languages of Ethiopia. London, 1976.

Clark, J.D. The Prehistoric Cultures of the Horn of Africa. Cambridge University Press, 1954.

Crabtree J Pam &Campana V. Douglas. Archaeology and Pre-history.

Gebru Tareke. Ethiopia Power and Protests: The Ethiopian Peasants Revolts in the 20th Century.
Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Gadaa Melbaa. Oromia. Minneapolis, 1999.

Haberland, Eike. “Notes on the History of Southern Ethiopian Peoples.” Paris, 1975.

Marcus, Harold G. A History of Ethiopia. University of California Press: Berkeley, 1992.

Mohammed Hassen. The Oromo of Ethiopia 1570-1860. Cambridge, 1990.
Pankhrust, Richard. 1997. The Ethiopian Borderlands: Essays in Regional History from Ancient Times to
the end of the 18th Century. Red Sea Press.
Rubenson, Sven. Survival of Ethiopian Independence. 1972.
Sergew Hable Selassie. Ancient and Medival Ethiopian History to 1270. Addis Ababa, 1972.
Shiferaw Bekele. Economic History of Modern Ethiopia: Imperial Era 1941-1974. Vol. I. Dakar, 1995.
Taddesse Tamrat. Church and State in Ethiopia, 1270-1527. Oxford, 1972.
Teshale Tibebu. The Making of Modern Ethiopia, 1855- 1974. The Red Sea Press, 1995.
Trimingham, J.Spencer. Islam in Ethiopia. London: Frankcass and Company LTD, 1965.
NB: Historical Maps of Ethiopia, relevant historical documents, relevant internet web pages, museums and
other relevant materials can also be used.