Contemporary issues of the Horn of Africa 3600-AF-CIHA-OG

The course is dedicated to contemporary issues of the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan as well as its international relations, mostly with the neighboring countries: Egypt and the states of the Persian Gulf.
The contemporary issues will be presented in the context of the history of the region which seems to be extremely important while neglected element allowing to understand the complex situation in the region.
The issues discussed during the course include: Determinants of geographic, ethnic, cultural, economic and political region of the Horn of Africa Historical conditions of the situation in the Horn from pre-colonial times
The consequences of the colonisation and competition of powers in the region with a special case of never colonised Ethiopia
The (political/cultural/religious/technological) reactions of the states of the Horn of Africa to the changes in the contemporary world Conflicts (Sudan, Tigray, etc.) as a reflection of different problems: access to natural resources, climate changes, historical conditions and involvement of global powers
The case of the GERD dam - a reflection of the problem of access to energy and water as being among the most vital conflict-generating factors
Ethiopia’s attempts to get access to the sea as a reflection of Ethiopia’s imperial sentiments China’s, Russia’s and other BRICS states’ involvement in Africa.
The special case of the Horn of Africa as an area where new countries were recognized
Social issues of the contemporary Horn of Africa: women situation, LGBTQ situation, early marriages, sex tourism, etc.
Cultural and educational achievements of the societies in the Horn of Africa: art, literature,development of research and universities

The course is based on ongoing research from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Remote learning

Course coordinators

Hanna Rubinkowska-Anioł

Course dedicated to a programme

4EU+Courses

Learning outcomes

Knowledge.
Student
has in-depth detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) of contemporary political and social issues relating to the Horn of Africa
has in-depth knowledge on processes of change in the political, social and cultural relations in the Horn of Africa since the end of the 20th century
has extended knowledge of selected problems of the Horn of Africa in the field of history, culture and socio-political issues

Skills
Student
can explain the relations between the history and present situation in the Horn of Africa
can indicate the sources of political, economical, social problems of the area
can analise relations between the states and societies of the Horn and their inteactions with external actors
can use knowledge about the Horn of Africa to expand knowledge in the field of humanities
Social competences:
Studen
- is ready to actively establish contacts and cooperate with representatives of different cultures
- is aware of the differences resulting from cultural, religious and philosophical diversity and its impact on the formation of social and political attitudes and economic processes

Assessment criteria

Evaluation is based on activity during the classes and completing tasks in the end of the course.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3600-AF-CIHA-OG in USOSweb