Message from dean of CoSSH

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University. It is an honor for me to represent over 189 dedicated, inspiring, creative and path-breaking faculty members and staff that serve the college through teaching, research, community engagement and administrative services.

Before the 18th century, human perception of society lingered at a superstitious and instinctive level guided only by hearsay. However, the progress of modern science has enabled great thinkers to use methods of reason, observation, comparison, control and experimentation to study the social issues faced by mankind. The 18th century marks the first time the concept of ‘social science’ as a field of study that examines human activities using objective and scientific methods appeared in mankind’s knowledge-base. Since society is made up of people, the nature of people is central to the societal concerns. Human thoughts and activities such as demands, values, faith, judgment, decision making, cooperation and conflict make life rich yet complex. Therefore, the scientific analysis provides us with a way to understand our social lives rationally, and leaves us with useful guidance and advice which are the fundamental reasons for the rise of social sciences.

Studying the humanities and social sciences enriches our students’ cultural sensitivity and cultivate their sense of social responsibility and community engagement. The humanities and social sciences examine human values and form an essential aspect of education and research that solve challenges the global community faces. Understanding human complexity is central to cultivate our students to unleash their full potential, tackle the needs of our ever changing world and make positive impact in society. The study of humanities and social sciences fosters critical thinking, creative expression and intellectual curiosity. 

These disciplines provide our students with the ability to tackle important challenges our society faces and to shape their thinking of social justice and their response to pressing social issues at local, national and international levels. Studies in social sciences and humanities are creative, engaging and interdisciplinary by nature, and enable students to sharpen their communication and analytical skills through rigorous inquiry. It is my firm belief that the programs offered in the humanities and social sciences are the best preparation for the fierce urgency of the contemporary world. 

As one of the founding colleges of Hawassa University, established in 2001, the College of Social Sciences and Humanities offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. The departments that make up the college include English Language and Literature, Geography and Environmental Studies, Anthropology, Journalism and Communication, Sociology, Sidaamu Afoo and Literature, Theatre and Film Arts, and Chinese Language and Literature. The undergraduate and graduate programs we offer have been designed to equip our students with theoretical knowledge, critical discernment, information literacy, and other relevant skills required in a rapidly evolving and globalizing societies to develop an understanding of current and historical issues.

Our students stand out in the crowd having acquired the knowledge and skills to effect change in all aspects of contemporary society. Our students are prepared for varieties of careers and are equipped with requisite knowledge and skills in the classrooms, laboratories, studios and on stage to prosper in the unpredictable future. The student-centered learning approach and innovative curricula in our college encourage students to apply the principles they have learnt far beyond the walls of the classroom by engaging with communities in order to bring about thoughtful, positive, and sustainable change in the world. Delivering research-led learning, practical knowledge, multicultural competence, and global awareness is the hallmark of the education programs in our college.

The college plays a pivotal role in guiding students on a journey of self-discovery while helping them become critical thinkers, effective communicators, best educators, in-depth researchers and creative problem solvers in the fast changing world and competitive job market. Our faculty members are renowned scholars, dedicated instructors and experienced academic advisors — all of them share a commitment to excellence and student success. They are also engaged in research and projects that connect the college directly to the local communities, government institutions and non-government organizations.

Prof. Zeleke Arficho Ayele                              

Dean, College of Social Sciences and Humanities