Geography of Ethiopia and the Horn Course Overview

Course History and Purpose

• The "Geography of Ethiopia" course was offered to all freshmen students in Ethiopian universities until 2005.
• The course was interrupted due to a curriculum revision that shortened the duration of university degrees to three years.
• The Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MoSHE) conducted a curriculum assessment to address concerns regarding national unity, critical thinking, employability skills, communication skills, and digital literacy among graduates.
• The assessment recommended the inclusion of courses highlighting Ethiopian geography, society, culture, and the relationship between people and the environment.
• The "Geography of Ethiopia and the Horn" course was reintroduced to address these gaps and familiarize students with basic geographic concepts in relation to Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
• The course aims to provide students with geographic literacy, empowering them to understand spatial problems and contribute to their solutions.

Course Structure and Content

• The course is divided into four parts:
  • Part One: Location, shape, and size of Ethiopia; map reading skills
  • Part Two: Physical geography of Ethiopia and the Horn, including geology, mineral resources, topography, climate, drainage, water resources, soil, fauna, and flora.
  • Part Three: Demographic characteristics of Ethiopia and their implications on economic development.
  • Part Four: Economic activities of Ethiopia and the Horn (agriculture, manufacturing, service sectors); the impact of globalization on natural resources, population, and socio-economic conditions.

Target Audience and Acknowledgements

• The teaching material was compiled for freshman students taking "Geography of Ethiopia and the Horn" (GeES 1011).
• It is also intended as a reference for course instructors.
• The authors acknowledge the challenges of data availability, changing boundaries, and the urgency of material preparation.
• They express gratitude to the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Addis Ababa University for providing reference materials.
• Thanks are also extended to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for reintroducing the Geography of Ethiopia course and facilitating the development of teaching materials.

This quiz covers the historical context and purpose of the 'Geography of Ethiopia and the Horn' course offered to students in Ethiopian universities. It highlights the curriculum revisions, aims of the course, and its relevance in promoting geographic literacy and critical thinking among graduates. Test your knowledge on the key components of this essential subject.