Table content

Page
i. Table contents Ix

ii. Introduction Ixx

iii . In the new higher education curriculum which is in use recently.introduction to Anthropology is
incorporated as a common course for all first year degree holder students.what do you think about the
rationale and contribution of the course for the students in particular and the country in general?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

iv. Discuss the anthropological views about human physical, biological and cultural variations across
time and space? What can we say about, racial, types and humanity anthropological? Explain?
______________________________________________________________________________ 2

v. Briefly discuss the practical significance of customary conflict resolution mechanism and peace
making system In your locality by giving cases you have observed and

experienced?_______________________________________________________________________ 5

vi. Where and how indigenous knowledge's are stored, preserved and transmitted from one generation
to the next? Why they are considered as an important part of the lives of most the next? Why they are
considered as an important part of the Iives of most peoples in Ethiopia? Explain the details by giving
practical examples from

your community? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

vii. Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ixxx

viii. Reference ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ vx

Introduction:

Anthropology is the study of human cultures, societies, and behaviors. It encompasses various subfields,
including social anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and biological
anthropology. The study of anthropology has become increasingly important in today's globalized world,
where understanding cultural diversity and the impact of globalization on local cultures is crucial.

In this set of questions, we will explore different aspects of anthropology and its relevance to
contemporary issues. We will start by discussing the rationale and contribution of Introduction to
Anthropology as a common course for all first-year degree holder students. We will then examine the
anthropological views on human physical, biological, and cultural variations across time and space, and
discuss the implications of these views for our understanding of humanity.

Next, we will delve into the practical significance of customary conflict resolution mechanisms and
peace-making systems in local communities, and explore how these systems can be used to resolve
disputes and promote peace. Finally, we will discuss the storage, preservation, and transmission of
indigenous knowledge in local communities, and why these practices are considered important for the
survival and well-being of these communities.

By exploring these questions, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the relevance and importance
of anthropology in contemporary times, and how it can help us address some of the most pressing
issues facing our world today.
1.in the new higher education curriculum which is in use

recently.introduction to Anthropology is incorporated as a common

course for all first year degree holder students.what do you think

about the rationale and contribution of the course for the students in

particular and the country in general?

The inclusion of Introduction to Anthropology as a common course for all first-year degree holder
students in the new higher education curriculum is a significant step towards broadening the
perspectives of students and helping them understand the diversity of human society and culture.

The Rationale of anthropology

The rationale behind this move is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human
behavior, culture, and society, which is essential in today's globalized world.Anthropology can help
students develop critical thinking skills, cultural sensitivity, and an appreciation for diversity, which are
essential qualities in today's globalized world. Moreover, the course can foster empathy and
understanding among students, which can help build a more harmonious and inclusive society.

The contribution of this course can be seen in several ways:

1. Understanding diversity: Anthropology helps students understand the diversity of human

cultures, traditions, and beliefs. It encourages them to appreciate and respect differences, rather than
viewing them as strange or inferior. This can help promote tolerance, empathy, and inclusivity, which
are essential values in today's society.

2. Critical thinking: Anthropology encourages students to think critically about the world
around them. It helps them question their assumptions and biases, and develop a more nuanced
understanding of complex social issues. This can help students become more informed and engaged
citizens, who are better equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.
3. Practical applications: Anthropology has practical applications in various fields, such as
development, education, health, and environmental conservation. By studying anthropology, students
can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which they will work, and develop skills that
are essential for success in these fields.

4. Interdisciplinary approaches: Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on

insights from sociology, psychology, history, and biology. By studying anthropology, students can
develop a more holistic understanding of human behavior and society, and learn how to approach
complex problems from multiple perspectives.

5. Preparation for a globalized world: Anthropology helps students understand the

interconnectedness of the world and the ways in which globalization is shaping human societies and
cultures. It prepares them to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and to
navigate the complexities of a globalized world.

Over all, the inclusion of Introduction to Anthropology as a common course for all first-year degree
students holds significant rationale and potential contributions for the students and the country. By
studying anthropology, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, culture,
and society, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, promote cross-cultural understanding
and cooperation, and contribute to the development of a more informed and engaged citizenry. These
skills and knowledge are essential for building a harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous society, and can
help the next generation of leaders, policymakers, and professionals address the complex challenges
facing the world today.

Discuss the anthropological views about human physical, biological

2.

and cultural variations across time and space? What can we say
about, racial, types and humanity anthropological? Explain?
. Anthropology is the study of human beings, encompassing their physical, biological, and cultural
characteristics, both past and present. Anthropologists investigate human diversity across time and
space, examining how people adapt to their environments, interact with one another, and create
meaning in their lives. Anthropologists reject the idea of fixed "racial" types, instead, they argue that
human beings are a single species, Homo sapiens, with a shared ancestry.

Here, we'll delve into anthropological views on human physical, biological, and cultural variations, as
well as discuss concepts of race and humanity.
1. Physical variations:

Anthropologists recognize that humans exhibit physical variations, such as differences in skin color, body
shape, and facial features, which are influenced by genetics, environment, and evolution. These
variations are not necessarily indicative of superiority or inferiority, and they do not imply a hierarchical
organization of human groups.

a. Skin color: Skin color is a classic example of a physical variation that has been used to justify social
inequalities. Anthropologists understand that skin color is an adaptation to the amount of sunlight in a
particular environment, with darker skin providing protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation
in equatorial regions.

b. Body shape: Body shape varies across populations, with some groups exhibiting more muscular builds,
while others have more slender physiques. These differences are largely determined by diet, lifestyle,
and genetics.

c. Facial features: Facial features, such as nose shape, eye shape, and jawline, also exhibit variation
across populations. These variations are influenced by genetics and environmental factors, such as diet
and climate.

1. Biological variations:

Anthropologists study biological variations among humans, including differences in genetics, physiology,
and disease susceptibility. These variations are shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental
factors.

a. Genetics: Human populations exhibit genetic diversity, with differences in the frequency and
distribution of genes across populations. This genetic diversity is a result of population history,
migration, and admixture.
b. Physiology: Physiological differences among humans include variations in metabolism, respiration,
and immune response. These differences are influenced by genetics, diet, and lifestyle.

c. Disease susceptibility: Humans vary in their susceptibility to certain diseases, such as malaria, sickle
cell anemia, and lactose intolerance. These variations are often linked to genetic differences and
environmental factors.

1. Cultural variations:

Cultural anthropology focuses on the study of human behavior, language, and symbolic expression.
Anthropologists investigate how cultures emerge, evolve, and interact with one another.

a. Language: Language is a fundamental aspect of human culture, enabling communication and the
transmission of knowledge and beliefs. Anthropologists study language structure, syntax, and semantics,
as well as the role of language in shaping human identity and power dynamics.

b. Symbolic expression: Symbolic expression includes art, music, dance, and other forms of non-verbal
communication. Anthropologists examine how these expressions convey meaning, create social bonds,
and reinforce cultural values.

c. Cultural practices: Anthropologists study various cultural practices, such as religious rituals, social
organization, and economic systems. They seek to understand how these practices shape human
behavior and interactions within and across cultures.

1. Race and humanity:

The concept of race is a social construct, created to classify humans into distinct groups based on
physical characteristics. However, race has no scientific basis and does not reflect the full range of
human genetic diversity. Anthropologists argue that race is a product of historical and cultural factors,
rather than a biological reality.
a. Debunking race: Anthropologists recognize that race is a social construct, created to justify social
inequalities and discrimination. They emphasize that race has no biological foundation and that it does
not reflect the diversity and complexity of human identity.

b. Humanity: Anthropologists study humanity as a single species, Homo sapiens, which encompasses all
living humans. They emphasize that all humans share a common ancestry and are united by their shared
humanity, regardless of cultural, linguistic, or geographic differences.

Over all, anthropology offers a nuanced understanding of human physical, biological, and cultural
variations across time and space. By examining these variations within the context of history, culture,
and environment, anthropologists challenge simplistic notions of race and promote a more inclusive

3. Briefly
discuss the practical significance of customary conflict
resolution mechanism and peace making system In your locality by
giving cases you have observed and experienced?
Customary conflict resolution mechanisms and peace-making systems are practical and effective ways of
resolving disputes and maintaining peace in local communities. In my locality, I have observed and
experienced several cases where these mechanisms have been used to resolve conflicts and promote
peace.

One case that comes to mind is a dispute between two families over a piece of land. The families had
been fighting over the land for years, and the conflict had caused a lot of tension and stress in the
community. The local elders, who were respected for their wisdom and fairness, were called upon to
mediate the dispute. They listened to both sides, considered the evidence, and made a decision that was
acceptable to both families. The decision was then ratified by the community, and the conflict was
resolved peacefully.

Another case involves a dispute between a farmer and a herder over grazing rights. The farmer had
accused the herder of allowing his animals to graze on his land, while the herder claimed that the land
was communal and that he had the right to graze his animals there. The dispute had been ongoing for
months, and it was causing a lot of tension between the two groups. The local peace-making system was
activated, and a group of elders and community leaders were appointed to mediate the dispute. They
held several meetings with both parties, listened to their concerns, and came up with a solution that
was acceptable to both. The solution involved the creation of a grazing area for the herder's animals,
while also ensuring that the farmer's land was protected.

In both cases, the customary conflict resolution mechanisms and peace-making systems were effective
in resolving the disputes and promoting peace in the community. The mechanisms were able to address
the root causes of the conflicts, and the solutions were acceptable to all parties involved. The cases
demonstrate the importance of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms in maintaining peace and
stability in local communities.

In addition to resolving conflicts, customary conflict resolution mechanisms and peace-making systems
also have other practical significance. They promote social cohesion and unity, as they bring people
together to work towards a common goal. They also help to preserve cultural values and traditions, as
they are often rooted in the local culture and customs. Furthermore, they provide an alternative to
formal legal systems, which can be expensive and time-consuming, and may not always provide a
satisfactory solution to the parties involved.

Overall, customary conflict resolution mechanisms and peace-making systems are an important part
of local communities, and play a critical role in maintaining peace and stability. They are practical,
effective, and promote social cohesion and unity, while also preserving cultural values and traditions.

4. Where and how indigenous knowledge's are stored, preserved and

transmitted from one generation to the next? Why they are
considered as an important part of the lives of most the next? Why
they are considered as an important part of the Iives of most peoples
in Ethiopia? Explain the details by giving practical examples from your
community?
Indigenous knowledge refers to the traditional knowledge and practices that have been developed and
passed down through generations of indigenous peoples. In Ethiopia, indigenous knowledge is stored,
preserved, and transmitted in various ways, let's look each of them.

1. Oral tradition: Indigenous knowledge is often transmitted through oral tradition, where elders
share stories, songs, and poems that contain valuable information about the community's history,
culture, and traditions.
2. Cultural practices: Indigenous knowledge is also preserved through cultural practices such as
rituals, ceremonies, and traditional festivals. These practices often have deep spiritual and cultural
significance, and they help to transmit values, beliefs, and traditions from one generation to the next.

3. Traditional medicine: Indigenous knowledge is also stored in the form of traditional

medicine, where communities have developed unique healing practices and remedies that are tailored
to their specific environment and needs.

4. Agriculture and food systems: Indigenous knowledge is also preserved through

agricultural practices and food systems, where communities have developed unique farming techniques
and crop varieties that are suited to their local climate and soil conditions.

5. Art and craft: Indigenous knowledge is also expressed through art and craft, where communities
have developed unique styles and techniques that reflect their cultural heritage and traditions.

Indigenous knowledge is considered an important part of the lives of most peoples in Ethiopia because it
provides a sense of identity and belonging, and it helps to preserve the community's cultural heritage
and traditions. It also plays a critical role in addressing the challenges of climate change, food insecurity,
and poverty, as indigenous knowledge often contains valuable insights and practices that can help
communities adapt to changing environmental conditions and improve their livelihoods.

In my community, for example, the kamba people ,indigenous knowledge is preserved through the
transmission of traditional stories and songs. Our elders share stories about our ancestors and their
struggles, which help to instill values such as resilience, courage, and respect for the land. These stories
also contain valuable information about the local environment, including the medicinal properties of
plants and the best farming practices for our region.

Another example is our traditional agricultural practices, which are tailored to our local climate and soil
conditions. Our community has developed unique farming techniques that involve planting crops in a
way that minimizes soil erosion and maximizes water retention. These practices have been passed down
through generations, and they have helped us to maintain our food security and preserve our land for
centuries.

Over all, indigenous knowledge is an essential part of the lives of most peoples in Ethiopia, and it
plays a critical role in preserving cultural heritage, addressing the challenges of climate change, and
improving livelihoods. It is stored, preserved, and transmitted through various means, including oral
tradition, cultural practices, traditional medicine, agriculture and food systems, and art and craft. By
valuing and respecting indigenous knowledge, we can learn from the wisdom of our ancestors and build
a more sustainable and equitable future.

Conclusion:

.In summary, Introduction to Anthropology is an essential course that offers students a comprehensive
understanding of human culture and society. Through anthropological perspectives on physical,
biological, and cultural variations, it sheds light on the remarkable diversity and adaptability of human
beings. Moreover, the course emphasizes the effectiveness of customary conflict resolution mechanisms
and peace-making systems, which play a crucial role in fostering reconciliation and healing. Additionally,
it recognizes the invaluable significance of indigenous knowledge in the lives of the majority of Ethiopian
people, as it not only provides a sense of identity but also offers practical solutions to everyday
challenges. Overall, this course provides a rich and enlightening exploration of the complexities and
interconnectedness of humanity.

References:

1. Haviland, W. A. (2017). Cultural anthropology: A perspective on the human condition. Cengage

Learning.

2. Kingsley, D. (2017). Introduction to anthropology. Routledge.

3. Kottak, C. P. (2017). Cultural anthropology: A concise introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.

4. Stanford, J. (2017). An introduction to anthropology. University of Pennsylvania Pres