Module Twenty Two

Ethiopia

Introduction:

This module is comprised of four learning activities. The completion of all activities in this module may take about four 50 minute class periods. Teachers may decide to teach the entire module or to select among the learning activities that fit their needs.

Purpose:
This module was created to provide students and teachers with the opportunity to study and learn about the East African country of Ethiopia. When most people think of Ethiopia they most often think of the droughts and famine that occur there. There is much more to learn about Ethiopia. It has a rich history that includes; being the first country in Africa to adopt Christianity, it is the birthplace of coffee, and it was one of only two countries in Africa not to be colonized by a European power in the late 19th century, among many other things. Ethiopia has a rich history that has not only shaped the country but influenced societies and cultures around the world.

In these modules students will learn and enhance not only their general knowledge about the history, geography, society, and culture of Ethiopia but they will engage in discussions, debates, critical readings, simulations, analyzing data and creating graphs, and learn about art and music. Most importantly they will learn multiple perspectives on Ethiopia and develop critical thinking skills to engage in discussions about Ethiopia and how this country is influential to the rest of the world – even the United States.

Objectives:
There are several objectives to this module.

  1. Students will learn about the geography and history of Ethiopia.
  2. Student will learn to use graphs, tables, and charts as a representative model of data and will also be able to draw conclusions based on those models.
  3. Students will learn about current issues that face Ethiopia, such as border disputes, economic pressures, education, etc.
  4. Students will learn to debate and take a position and use evidence and opinions to state their position.
  5. Students will read about current events from websites, articles, and newspaper reports and draw their own conclusion from the variety of perspectives they read.
  6. Students will learn about the economics of coffee in Ethiopia and how trade impacts the people of importing/exporting countries, and will learn about the process coffee goes through from bean to cup.
  7. Students will engage in simulations to learn about the multiple perspectives of trade.

Photograph Notes:
Please remember that there are numerous photographs being used in this module. They DO NOT necessarily represent Ethiopia at all times and in all places. A photograph is one of many ways the country of Ethiopia could be represented at a certain place and time. They do help illustrate, especially for those who have never been to Ethiopia, some of the places, activities, and practices that occur in the country. They are NOT a uniform representation of Ethiopia.

Begin this Module with Activity One or choose from one of the other activities.