DRAFT COURSE SYLLABUS OF COMMON COURSES FOR HLIS

COURSE NAME- HISTORY OF ETHIOPIA AND THE HORN

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

Syllabus Reviewers:
Dr. Samuel Negash………….Addis Ababa University
Dr. Girma Negash…………...Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa
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: 3crs with 5ECTS
Contact Hours: 3
Year: I
Semester: II

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 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 have changed over time and its implication for 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 and uses of history
 identify pertinent sources for the history of the peoples of Ethiopia and the Horn
 describe changes & continuities that unfolded in Ethiopia and the Horn
 elucidate the causes, courses and consequences of events happened in the region
 explain the nature of the region‟s external contacts and their effects
 appreciate peoples‟ achievements, heritages and cultural diversities of the region
V. Expected Learning Outcomes
This course enables students to:
 comprehend the general concepts 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
 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
 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
 know the role of foreign relations and interventions from ancient to modern times in Ethiopia
and the Horn
 appreciate the interplay between local developments and foreign influences
 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 1800-1941
 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 period
 understand historical developments from 1991-1994
VI. Units and Contents
Unit 1: Introduction
1.1. Concepts of History: Meaning, Nature and Uses
1.2. Sources & Methods of Historical Study
1.3. Origin and Development of Historiography of Ethiopia and the Horn
1.4. Introducing and Understanding Ethiopia and the Horn
Unit 2: Peoples and Cultures in Ethiopia and the Horn
2.1. Human Evolution
2.2. Neolithic Revolution
2.3. The Peopling of the Region
2.3.1. Languages and Linguistic Processes: Afro-Asiatic Super Family (Cushitic, Semitic & Omotic
Families) and Nilo-Saharan (Chari-Nile & Koman families)
2.3.2. Settlement Patterns
2.3.3. Economic Formations
2.4. Religion and Religious Processes
2.4.1. Indigenous
2.4.2. Judaism
2.4.3. Christianity
2.4.4. Islam
Unit 3: Polities, Economy & Socio-Cultural Processes in Ethiopia & the Horn to end of 13th Century
3.1. Evolution of States
3.2. Ancient Polities
3.2.1. North and Northeast
3.2.1.1. Punt
3.2.1.2. Damat
3.2.1.3. Axum
3.2.1.4. Zagwe
3.2.2. East, Central, Southern and Western
3.2.2.1. Agaw, Bizamo, Damot, Enaraya, Gafat.
3.2.2.2. Muslim Sultanates (Shewa, Ifat, Dawaro, Fatagar, Bali, Hadiya, Arebabani, Shirka, Dera…)
3.3. External Contacts
3.4. Economic Formations (Agriculture, Handicraft, Trade…)
3.5. Socio-cultural achievements (Architecture, Writing …)
Unit 4: Politics, Economy & Socio-Cultural Processes from Late 13th – the beginning of 16th Century
4.1. “Restoration” of the “Solomonic‟‟ Dynasty
4.2. Power Struggle, Consolidation, Territorial and Religious Expansion of the Christian Kingdom
4.2.1. Succession Problem and the Establishment of Royal Prison
4.2.2. Territorial Expansion towards Agaw, Bizamo, Damot, Red Sea, Bete-Israel/“Falasha…”
4.2.3. Evangelization and Religious Movements
4.3. Social, Economic and Political Dynamics of Muslim Sultanates
4.3.1. Political Developments in the Muslim Sultanates and the Rise of Adal
4.3.2. Trade and the Expansion of Islam
4.4. Rivalry between the Christian Kingdom and the Muslim Sultanates
4.5. External Relations
Unit 5: Politics, Economy & Socio-Cultural Processes from Early 16th–the End of the 18th Century
5.1. Interaction and Conflicts of the Christian Kingdom and the Sultanate of Adal
5.2. Foreign Interventions and Religious Controversies
5.3. Population Movements
5.3.1. Population Movements of the Afar, Somali and Argobba
5.3.2. Gadaa System and Oromo Population Movement (1522- 1618)
5.4. Interaction and integration across ethnic and religious diversities
5.5. Peoples and States in Eastern, Central, Southern and Western Regions
5.5.1. Kushitic: Afar, Somali, Oromo, Sidama, Hadya, Kembata, Konso, Gedeo, Burji…
5.5.2. Semitic: Harari Emirate, Shewa Kingdom, Gurage Polity…
5.5.3. Omotic: Kaffa, Wolayita, Gamo Gofa, Dawro, Konta, Yem…
5.5.4. Nilotic: Anuak, Nuer, Berta, Gumuz…
5.6. The Period of Gondar (1636-1769) and “Zamana Mesafint/Era of Princes” (1769-1855)
5.6.1. The Revival of the Christian Kingdom
5.6.2. Gondar achievements: architecture, painting, music, literature, urbanization, trade etc.
5.6.3. Gondar Political Developments: “Close Door Policy,” Reforms, “Byzantine Politics”…
5.6.4. Major Features of Era of Princes (1769-1855) and Yejju Dynasty (1786-1853)
Unit 6: Internal Interactions and External Relations from the 1800–1941
6.1. The Nature of Interactions among peoples and states of Ethiopia and the Horn
6.1.1. Peoples and sates of Kafa, Wollaitta, Gibe, Leqa, Qabena, Shawa...
6.1.2. The Role Trade and Trade Routes in the interaction
6.2. Power Rivalry
6.3. The Making of Modern Empire State (Territorial Expansion, Centralization process…)
6.4. Modernization Attempts: administration, military, innovation, education, road construction,
railway, transportation & communication, constitution…
6.5. Socio-Economic Issues/Processes: agriculture, disease & famine, trade, slavery, manufacturing…
6.6. External Relations, Challenges and Threats
6.6.1. External Diplomatic Relations and Treaties
6. 6. 2. The Major Battles (Meqdela, Gundet, Gura, Dogali, Mattama, Adwa, Maychew…)
6. 6. 3. Italian Occupation and the Patriotic Resistance
Unit 7: Internal Interactions and External Relations from the 1941–1994
7.1. Post 1941 Imperial Period
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: Land Reform, Development through Cooperation Campaign,
Collectivization, Agricultural Marketing Corporation, Resettlement, Villagization, Literacy…
7.2. 2. Internal oppositions, Ethio-Somali War, International Changes & End of the Derg
7.3. Historical Developments, 1991-1994 (transitional charter: language & identity issues…)
Unit 8: Cross-Cutting Issues in History of Ethiopia and the Horn
8.1. The Role of Women in Ethiopian History (economic, political, cultural and social)
8.2. Environmental Dynamics: changes and continuities (deforestation, drought, pollution…)
8.3. Indigenous Knowledge: education, folk medicine, conflict resolution mechanisms (Makabanto,
Shimigilinna, Yejoka, Samugnit, Guma, Luwa, Byto, Heer, Seera… )
VII. Instructional Methods and Strategies
This course will be delivered based on learner centered approach. Therefore, the main instructional
strategies of the course are pair & group discussions; interactive teaching; brainstorming; icebreaker;
debating & role-play.
VIII. Assessment Techniques, Grading Scale and Attendance
Quiz = 5%
Test = 10%
Individual or Group Assignments and Presentations = 15%
Mid-Term Examination = 20%
Final Examination = 50%
Grading Scale:
Letter Grade = A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D Fx F
Scale Range = >90 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 50-59 <45-49 40-44 30-39 <30

*Note that grading scale can be vary as per respective university legislation.

Students are expected to attend regularly. If students miss more than 20% of the classes, he/she will not sit
for final exam. Punctuality is mandatory and late coming student should not be allowed to enter the class.

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, quiz, test and 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.
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.