- Teacher: Gezahegn G
Course Description
This course is designed to deepen students’ competence of actively participating in the public life using their democratic rights and discharging their responsibilities with the necessary civic knowledge, values and skills. It is also intended to help students to be visionary citizens who are concerned with civic and political issues affecting them and the country. To this effect, the course provided a detailed discussion on civic and ethical issues, such as competences of good citizens, professional ethics, state and government, citizen and citizenship, democracy and human rights, constitution and constitutionalism, amongst others. The course further deals with some national and international issues, like corruption, climate change, sustainable development, terrorism, globalization, peace and security areas. In addition to this, the course attempts to engender participatory civic skills such as working with others, collaborative deliberation and decision making, and how to constructively and peacefully influence each other.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
understand clearly their rights and responsibilities and then exercise accordingly in local, national and international involvement
know important civic knowledge, attitude and skills, such as patriotism, civic mindedness, active participation, tolerance, critical thinking, conflict resolution etc.
comprehend with the concept of civics, ethics, morality and professional ethics
recognize the meaning, historical development and origin of society, state and government nationally and internationally
understand the meaning, origin and development of citizen and citizenship
grasp the concept and development of constitution and constitutionalism nationally and internationally
distinguish the meaning, history, conceptual principles, features and theoretical development of democracy and human rights
identify the development, concept, values and principles of democracy and human rights
comprehend chosen contemporary national and international issues of development; issues of democracy and globalization; and issues of peace and stability
identify ways and positive attitudes to commit oneself to play a significant and constructive role towards the developmental effort of the society and the country
know with various approaches to overcome dynamic national and global challenges and utilize recurrent opportunities for the benefit of all
Course contents
Chapter One: Understanding Civics and Ethics
Unit 1.1: What is Civics?
1.1.1 Introduction
1.1.2 Aims and objective
1.1.3 Definition and subject matter of Civics
1.1.4 The ultimate goal of civics
1.1.5 The importance of civic education
1.1.6 Check your progress
1.1.7 Selected references
Unit 1.2: What is Ethics?
1.2.1 Introduction
1.2.2 Aims and objectives
1.2.3 Definition and subject matter of Ethics
1.2.4 Definition and subject matter of Morality
1.2.5 Relationship of Ethics with other fields
1.2.6 Classifications of Ethics
1.2.7 Professional Ethics
1.2.8 Ethiopian Civil Service Code of Ethics
1.2.9 Importance of studying Ethics
1.2.10 Check your progress
1.2.11 Selected References
Unit 1.3: Classical Ethical Theories
1.3.1 Introduction
1.3.2 Aims and objectives
1.3.3 Sophists and Sophism
1.3.4 Platonism: ethical theory of Socrates and Plato
1.3.5 Nicomachean Ethics: ethical theory of Aristotle
1.3.6 Relevance of the classical ethical theories
1.3.7 Check your progress
1.3.8 Selected References
Unit 1.4: Consequentialist/Teleological ethical theories
1.4.1 Introduction
1.4.2 Aims and objectives
1.4.3 What are Consequentialist/Teleological ethical theories?
1.4.4 Hedonism (Pleasure principle)
1.4.5 Egoistic hedonism: Epicureanism and Cyrenaicism
1.4.6 Utilitarianism/Social hedonism
1.4.7 Check your progress
1.4.8 Selected References
Unit 1.5: Non-consequentialist/Deontological Ethical theories
1.5.1 Introduction
1.5.2 Aims and objectives
1.5.3 What are non-consequentialist/deontological ethical theories?
1.5.4 Kantian/Duty Ethics
1.5.5 Devine command theory
1.5.6 Check your progress
1.5.7 Selected References
Unit 1.6: Brief History, Sources, Goals, and Citizen Competences of Civics and Ethical Education
1.6.1 Introduction
1.6.2 Aims and objective
1.6.3 Brief history of civic and ethical education
1.6.4 Similarity and difference between civics and ethics
1.6.5 Sources of civic and ethical education
1.6.6 The rational/goals of civic and ethical education
1.6.7 Competencies/characteristics of good/responsible citizen
1.6.8 Check your progress
1.6.9 Selected references
Chapter Two: Understanding the Society, the State and Government
Unit 2.1: The Society
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.2 Aims and Objectives
2.1.3 Definition, Origin and Essence of Society
2.1.4 Attributes/Elements of Society
2.1.5 Theories of Society
2.1.5.1 Functionalism Theory
2.1.5.2 Conflict Theory
2.1.5.3 Interactionist Theory
2.1.6 Check your progress
2.1.7 Selected References
Unit 2.2: The State
2.2.1 Introduction
2.2.2 Aims and Objectives
2.2.3 Definition, Origin and Essence of State
2.2.3.1 Definition of State
2.2.3.2 Attributes/Elements of State
2.2.3.3 Theories of state
2.2.3.3.1 Kinship Theory
2.2.3.3.2 Divine Right Theory
2.2.3.3.3 Social Contract Theory
2.2.3.3.4 The Marxist Theory
2.2.3.3.5 The Conquest Theory of the State
2.2.4 Structure of state
2.2.5 Check your progress
2.2.6 Selected references
Unit 2.3: The Government
2.3.1 Introduction
2.3.2 Aims and Objectives
2.3.3 Definition of Government
2.3.4 Purpose/Function of Government
2.2.5 Government Structure
2.3.5.1 Vertical Arrangement /organization
2.3.5.2 Horizontal Arrangement
2.2.6 Organs of Government
2.2.7 Forms of Government
2.2.8 System of Government
2.2.9 Check your progress
2.2.10 Selected references
Unit 2.4: The Society, State and Government
2.4.1 Introduction
2.4.2 Aims and Objectives
2.4.3 The Relationship and differences between society and State
2.4.4 The Difference between State and Government
2.4.5 Ethiopian Society, State and Government
2.4.6 Review Questions
2.4.7 Selected References
Chapter Three: Understanding Citizenship
Unit 3.1: Citizenship
3.1.1 Introduction
3.1.2 Aims and Objectives
3.1.3 Definition of Citizenship
3.1.4 Origin and Development of Citizenship
3.1.5 Citizenship as the Totality of Rights, Duties and Responsibility
3.1.6 Full membership of citizens
3.1.7 Nationals, Citizens and Subjects
3.1.8 Aspects of Citizenship
3.1.9 Ways of Acquiring and Loosing Citizenship
3.1.9.1 Modes of Acquiring Citizenship
3.1.9.2 Modes of Loosing Citizenship
3.1.10 Who is entitled to Citizenship status?
3.1.11 Check your progress
3.1.12 Selected references
Chapter Four: Understanding Constitution and Constitutionalism
Unit 4.1: Constitution and Constitutionalism
4.1.1 Introduction
4.1.2 Aims and Objectives
4.1.3 Meaning of Constitution and Constitutionalism
4.1.4 Features of Constitution
4.1.5 Principles of Constitution
4.1.6 Typology/Classification of Constitution
4.1.7 Function/Purpose of a Constitution
4.1.8 Check your progress
4.1.9 Selected references
Unit 4.2: Historical Development of Constitutions
4.2.1 Introduction
4.2.2 Aims and objectives
4.2.3 The Origin and Development of Constitution
4.2.4 Constitutional Development in Ethiopia
4.2.4.1 Traditional Constitution of Ethiopia
4.2.4.2 The 1931 First Written Constitution of Ethiopia
4.2.4.3 The Ethiopian Revised Constitution of 1955
4.2.4.4 The 1987 Constitution of the People’s Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE)
4.2.4.5 Ethiopian Constitution Since 1991
4.2.4.5.1 The Charter of the Transitional period
4.2.4.5.2 The F.D.R.E. Constitution (The 1995 constitution)
4.2.4.5.3 Fundamental Principles of the 1995 FDRE Constitution
4.2.4.5.4 Features of the 1995 FDRE Constitution
4.2.4.5.5 Contents of the 1995 FDRE Constitution
4.2.5 Check your progress
4.2.6 Selected References
Chapter Five: Understanding Democracy and Human Rights
Unit 5.1: Theory and Practice of Democracy
5.1.1 Introduction
5.1.2 Aims and objectives
5.1.3 Origin and definition of democracy
5.1.3.1 What is democracy and democratic system?
5.1.4 Types of Democracy
5.1.4.1 Direct/Pure democracy
5.1.4.2 Indirect /Representative democracy
5.1.5 Characteristics of democracy
5.1.6 Constitutional Democracy and Participation of Citizens
5.1.7 Democratization and Actors in Ethiopia
5.1.8 Check your progress
5.1.9 Selected References
Unit 5.2: Fundamental Human Rights
5.2.1 Introduction
5.2.2 Aims and objectives
5.2.3 Meaning and Nature of Human Rights
5.2.4 Principles of Human Rights
5.2.5 Families of Human Rights
5.2.6 Universal Declaration o Human Rights
5.2.7 The Present Ethiopian Constitution and Human and Democratic Rights
5.2.8 Check your progress
5.2.9 Selected references
Chapter Six: Understanding International Relations and Contemporary Global Issues in Civics and Ethics
Unit 6.1: International Relations and Contemporary Global Issues issues in Civics and Ethics
6.1.1 Introduction
6.1.2 Aims and objectives
6.1.3 Meaning and Historical Development of International Relations
6.1.4 Contemporary Global Issues
6.1.4.1 Issues of Development
6.1.4.1.1 Development
6.1.4.1.2 Climate Change
6.1.4.1.3 Gender equality
6.1.4.1.4 Volunteerism/Community service
6.1.4.2 Issues of Democracy and Globalization
6.1.4.2.1 Globalization
6.1.4.2.2 Corruption
6.1.4.3 Issues of Peace and Stability
6.1.4.3.1 Political tension and armed conflicts
6.1.4.3.2 Terrorism
6.1.4.3.3 Legal and Security Issues
6.1.5 The principles and objectives of the International Organizations
6.1.6 The Major International Organizations
6.1.6.1. The United Nation Organization (UNO)
6.1.6.2. African Union (AU)
6.1.6.3. European Union (EU)
6.1.7 Check your progress
6.1.8 Selected references
This course is designed to deepen students’ competence of actively participating in the public life using their democratic rights and discharging their responsibilities with the necessary civic knowledge, values and skills. It is also intended to help students to be visionary citizens who are concerned with civic and political issues affecting them and the country. To this effect, the course provided a detailed discussion on civic and ethical issues, such as competences of good citizens, professional ethics, state and government, citizen and citizenship, democracy and human rights, constitution and constitutionalism, amongst others. The course further deals with some national and international issues, like corruption, climate change, sustainable development, terrorism, globalization, peace and security areas. In addition to this, the course attempts to engender participatory civic skills such as working with others, collaborative deliberation and decision making, and how to constructively and peacefully influence each other.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
understand clearly their rights and responsibilities and then exercise accordingly in local, national and international involvement
know important civic knowledge, attitude and skills, such as patriotism, civic mindedness, active participation, tolerance, critical thinking, conflict resolution etc.
comprehend with the concept of civics, ethics, morality and professional ethics
recognize the meaning, historical development and origin of society, state and government nationally and internationally
understand the meaning, origin and development of citizen and citizenship
grasp the concept and development of constitution and constitutionalism nationally and internationally
distinguish the meaning, history, conceptual principles, features and theoretical development of democracy and human rights
identify the development, concept, values and principles of democracy and human rights
comprehend chosen contemporary national and international issues of development; issues of democracy and globalization; and issues of peace and stability
identify ways and positive attitudes to commit oneself to play a significant and constructive role towards the developmental effort of the society and the country
know with various approaches to overcome dynamic national and global challenges and utilize recurrent opportunities for the benefit of all
Course contents
Chapter One: Understanding Civics and Ethics
Unit 1.1: What is Civics?
1.1.1 Introduction
1.1.2 Aims and objective
1.1.3 Definition and subject matter of Civics
1.1.4 The ultimate goal of civics
1.1.5 The importance of civic education
1.1.6 Check your progress
1.1.7 Selected references
Unit 1.2: What is Ethics?
1.2.1 Introduction
1.2.2 Aims and objectives
1.2.3 Definition and subject matter of Ethics
1.2.4 Definition and subject matter of Morality
1.2.5 Relationship of Ethics with other fields
1.2.6 Classifications of Ethics
1.2.7 Professional Ethics
1.2.8 Ethiopian Civil Service Code of Ethics
1.2.9 Importance of studying Ethics
1.2.10 Check your progress
1.2.11 Selected References
Unit 1.3: Classical Ethical Theories
1.3.1 Introduction
1.3.2 Aims and objectives
1.3.3 Sophists and Sophism
1.3.4 Platonism: ethical theory of Socrates and Plato
1.3.5 Nicomachean Ethics: ethical theory of Aristotle
1.3.6 Relevance of the classical ethical theories
1.3.7 Check your progress
1.3.8 Selected References
Unit 1.4: Consequentialist/Teleological ethical theories
1.4.1 Introduction
1.4.2 Aims and objectives
1.4.3 What are Consequentialist/Teleological ethical theories?
1.4.4 Hedonism (Pleasure principle)
1.4.5 Egoistic hedonism: Epicureanism and Cyrenaicism
1.4.6 Utilitarianism/Social hedonism
1.4.7 Check your progress
1.4.8 Selected References
Unit 1.5: Non-consequentialist/Deontological Ethical theories
1.5.1 Introduction
1.5.2 Aims and objectives
1.5.3 What are non-consequentialist/deontological ethical theories?
1.5.4 Kantian/Duty Ethics
1.5.5 Devine command theory
1.5.6 Check your progress
1.5.7 Selected References
Unit 1.6: Brief History, Sources, Goals, and Citizen Competences of Civics and Ethical Education
1.6.1 Introduction
1.6.2 Aims and objective
1.6.3 Brief history of civic and ethical education
1.6.4 Similarity and difference between civics and ethics
1.6.5 Sources of civic and ethical education
1.6.6 The rational/goals of civic and ethical education
1.6.7 Competencies/characteristics of good/responsible citizen
1.6.8 Check your progress
1.6.9 Selected references
Chapter Two: Understanding the Society, the State and Government
Unit 2.1: The Society
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.2 Aims and Objectives
2.1.3 Definition, Origin and Essence of Society
2.1.4 Attributes/Elements of Society
2.1.5 Theories of Society
2.1.5.1 Functionalism Theory
2.1.5.2 Conflict Theory
2.1.5.3 Interactionist Theory
2.1.6 Check your progress
2.1.7 Selected References
Unit 2.2: The State
2.2.1 Introduction
2.2.2 Aims and Objectives
2.2.3 Definition, Origin and Essence of State
2.2.3.1 Definition of State
2.2.3.2 Attributes/Elements of State
2.2.3.3 Theories of state
2.2.3.3.1 Kinship Theory
2.2.3.3.2 Divine Right Theory
2.2.3.3.3 Social Contract Theory
2.2.3.3.4 The Marxist Theory
2.2.3.3.5 The Conquest Theory of the State
2.2.4 Structure of state
2.2.5 Check your progress
2.2.6 Selected references
Unit 2.3: The Government
2.3.1 Introduction
2.3.2 Aims and Objectives
2.3.3 Definition of Government
2.3.4 Purpose/Function of Government
2.2.5 Government Structure
2.3.5.1 Vertical Arrangement /organization
2.3.5.2 Horizontal Arrangement
2.2.6 Organs of Government
2.2.7 Forms of Government
2.2.8 System of Government
2.2.9 Check your progress
2.2.10 Selected references
Unit 2.4: The Society, State and Government
2.4.1 Introduction
2.4.2 Aims and Objectives
2.4.3 The Relationship and differences between society and State
2.4.4 The Difference between State and Government
2.4.5 Ethiopian Society, State and Government
2.4.6 Review Questions
2.4.7 Selected References
Chapter Three: Understanding Citizenship
Unit 3.1: Citizenship
3.1.1 Introduction
3.1.2 Aims and Objectives
3.1.3 Definition of Citizenship
3.1.4 Origin and Development of Citizenship
3.1.5 Citizenship as the Totality of Rights, Duties and Responsibility
3.1.6 Full membership of citizens
3.1.7 Nationals, Citizens and Subjects
3.1.8 Aspects of Citizenship
3.1.9 Ways of Acquiring and Loosing Citizenship
3.1.9.1 Modes of Acquiring Citizenship
3.1.9.2 Modes of Loosing Citizenship
3.1.10 Who is entitled to Citizenship status?
3.1.11 Check your progress
3.1.12 Selected references
Chapter Four: Understanding Constitution and Constitutionalism
Unit 4.1: Constitution and Constitutionalism
4.1.1 Introduction
4.1.2 Aims and Objectives
4.1.3 Meaning of Constitution and Constitutionalism
4.1.4 Features of Constitution
4.1.5 Principles of Constitution
4.1.6 Typology/Classification of Constitution
4.1.7 Function/Purpose of a Constitution
4.1.8 Check your progress
4.1.9 Selected references
Unit 4.2: Historical Development of Constitutions
4.2.1 Introduction
4.2.2 Aims and objectives
4.2.3 The Origin and Development of Constitution
4.2.4 Constitutional Development in Ethiopia
4.2.4.1 Traditional Constitution of Ethiopia
4.2.4.2 The 1931 First Written Constitution of Ethiopia
4.2.4.3 The Ethiopian Revised Constitution of 1955
4.2.4.4 The 1987 Constitution of the People’s Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE)
4.2.4.5 Ethiopian Constitution Since 1991
4.2.4.5.1 The Charter of the Transitional period
4.2.4.5.2 The F.D.R.E. Constitution (The 1995 constitution)
4.2.4.5.3 Fundamental Principles of the 1995 FDRE Constitution
4.2.4.5.4 Features of the 1995 FDRE Constitution
4.2.4.5.5 Contents of the 1995 FDRE Constitution
4.2.5 Check your progress
4.2.6 Selected References
Chapter Five: Understanding Democracy and Human Rights
Unit 5.1: Theory and Practice of Democracy
5.1.1 Introduction
5.1.2 Aims and objectives
5.1.3 Origin and definition of democracy
5.1.3.1 What is democracy and democratic system?
5.1.4 Types of Democracy
5.1.4.1 Direct/Pure democracy
5.1.4.2 Indirect /Representative democracy
5.1.5 Characteristics of democracy
5.1.6 Constitutional Democracy and Participation of Citizens
5.1.7 Democratization and Actors in Ethiopia
5.1.8 Check your progress
5.1.9 Selected References
Unit 5.2: Fundamental Human Rights
5.2.1 Introduction
5.2.2 Aims and objectives
5.2.3 Meaning and Nature of Human Rights
5.2.4 Principles of Human Rights
5.2.5 Families of Human Rights
5.2.6 Universal Declaration o Human Rights
5.2.7 The Present Ethiopian Constitution and Human and Democratic Rights
5.2.8 Check your progress
5.2.9 Selected references
Chapter Six: Understanding International Relations and Contemporary Global Issues in Civics and Ethics
Unit 6.1: International Relations and Contemporary Global Issues issues in Civics and Ethics
6.1.1 Introduction
6.1.2 Aims and objectives
6.1.3 Meaning and Historical Development of International Relations
6.1.4 Contemporary Global Issues
6.1.4.1 Issues of Development
6.1.4.1.1 Development
6.1.4.1.2 Climate Change
6.1.4.1.3 Gender equality
6.1.4.1.4 Volunteerism/Community service
6.1.4.2 Issues of Democracy and Globalization
6.1.4.2.1 Globalization
6.1.4.2.2 Corruption
6.1.4.3 Issues of Peace and Stability
6.1.4.3.1 Political tension and armed conflicts
6.1.4.3.2 Terrorism
6.1.4.3.3 Legal and Security Issues
6.1.5 The principles and objectives of the International Organizations
6.1.6 The Major International Organizations
6.1.6.1. The United Nation Organization (UNO)
6.1.6.2. African Union (AU)
6.1.6.3. European Union (EU)
6.1.7 Check your progress
6.1.8 Selected references
- Teacher: Wendwesen Hagos