College of Social Sciences and Humanities
Social Anthropology Department
Background of the Department
Anthropology is one of the most exciting subjects to study at university today, and it is not exception at University of Gondar to undertake research and community services. The Department of Anthropology at University of Gondar began its training program in October 2004, enrolling 72 students for the first time. As there was no curriculum developed for the department, the curricula of Sociology and Social Anthropology Department, Addis Ababa University, and that of Case Western Reserve University, USA have been adapted and utilized to develop the curriculum of Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology. After four batch graduation in 2008 by reconsidering the relevance of the curriculum and teaching resources in the country, the educational curricula has been changed to Social Anthropology, which is one of the four discipline of Anthropology.
Social Anthropology focuses on cultural, social, economic, political, and religious forms of human organization and explores cultural comparisons as well as processes of socio-cultural change. Here, culture refer all of the non-material, symbolic, and material expressions of human existence, including all aspects from physical objects and techniques to business practices and forms of social organization, and knowledge, religion, art, and education. In addition to providing education, the department is distinguished by applying anthropological knowledge in solving societal problems through research and community service activities.
In 2011 by considering the relevance of professions, the staffs of Department of Social Anthropology has taken the responsibility to launch postgraduate program in Development Anthropology. Also two additional fields in undergraduate program: Gender and Development Studies and History and Heritage Management was established. After some years both of them are separated from Social Anthropology and established as independent department.
Based on the need assessment carried out in 2015, the MA curriculum in Development Anthropology revised and changed to Social Anthropology.
Research Interests of the Academic Staff of the Department includes:
- Indigenous Knowledge system (conflict resolustion, health care system, environment management, crop production, soil fertility, finance managemnt, education, ans soon)
- Cultural Diversity, Ethnicity, Identity and Nationalism
- Ethnic politics, multiculturalism, cultural assimilation
- Traditional Medicine
- Community Based Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Cultural Tourism
- Family Relationship, Divorce and Trends of Marriage and family
- Migration, Resettlement, refugee, Diaspora, human trafficking
- Child Abuse, Prostitution, streetism
- Culture Change, Globalization and Transnationalism
- Gender inequality, Domestic violence, Gender Division of labor
- Humanitarian aid and Sustainable Development
- Social Justice and Human Right
- Border Dispute and ethnic and religious conflict
Consultation Services given by the department staff include the following areas
- Development Intervention
- Heritage conservation and Interpretation Cultural Tourism
- Hospital and other health centers
- Justice Department
- Empowering agents for disadvantageous groups including women and children
- Child Care centers
Staff Profile
| # | Name | Rank | Remarks |
| 1 | Tebaber Chanie (Dr.) | Assistant Professor | Chairperson of the Department |
| 2 | Lema Tekeba | Lecturer | |
| 3 | Emiwodew Melkegnaw | Lecturer | |
| 4 | Mohamedawol Hagos | Lecturer | |
| 5 | Muluneh Demissie | Lecturer | |
| 6 | Tilahun Tsetargachew | Lecturer | |
| 7 | Birihanu Matebe | Lecturer | |
| 8 | Amlaku Alemu | Lecturer | |
| 9 | Nahom Girma | Lecturer | |
| 10 | Mesfin Dessiye (Mr.) | PhD Candidate | |
| 11 | Addisu Gedilu (Mr) | PhD Candidate | |
| 11 | Addisu Gedilu (Mr) | PhD Candidate | |
| 12 | Yohannes (Mr) | PhD Candidate | |
| 13 | Dawit Yosef (Mr.) | PhD Candidate | |
| 14 | Sisay Tigabu (Mr.) | PhD Candidate | |
| 15 | Gebeyehu Mengesha | Lecturer & MA Student | |
| 15 | Abinet Abebe | MA Student |
Contact Person
| Tebaber Chanie Workneh (PhD) |  |
| Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology | |
| P. O. Box: 196 | |
| University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia |