THEO3661: RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY IN AFRICAN CONTEXTS

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• This course aims to introduce students to the main debates in the study of religion in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will familiarise them with the diversity of religious traditions and practices in this continent. The course is framed primarily from an anthropological perspective, but will also introduce a long-term perspective, in order to identify and critically assess processes of continuity and change.

• The topics of the course are organised in three main parts. The first part critically examines how 16th century European expansion shaped early perceptions of African societies. Subsequently, how the 19th century colonialisation of African societies continued to shape how these societies were understood and studied. We will examine how the development of anthropology as a discipline has been tightly related to the colonial experience and the study of African societies from the colonial period until today. We will discuss some major themes in the study of so-called indigenous African religions, as they have been studied by anthropologists. The second part explores the historical conditions for the introduction of so-called world religions: Christianity and Islam. For example, we will explore the role of trans-Saharan trade in the spread of Islam in the continent and how 19th century colonial missionisation contributed to a systematic re-introduction of Christianity in the continent. In doing so we will explore how different African societies either welcomed, resisted, or appropriated these religious traditions in their own terms. The third part explores key issues and debates in the study of religion in contemporary Africa. It presents the complexity and diversity of religious life throughout the continent, and the interplay between religious change and social change. We explore how modernity is experienced and understood, how globalisation has shaped religious change; the presence of religion in the public sphere; the rise of global Pentecostalism; and the relationship between religion and gender. The course materials will include anthropological texts, short videos, and the screening of a documentary film.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A systematic understanding and a coherent and detailed knowledge of the key debates and issues in the study of religion in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• A systematic understanding of the complex inter-relationship between different religious traditions in Africa.
• A critical awareness of the processes of continuity and change from a long-term perspective. An understanding of the role of religion in shaping areas of social life in contemporary Africa, such as gender, politics and the economy.
• An understanding of the differences between the various disciplinary approaches to the study of religion in this area and of their respective strengths and limitations.

Subject-specific Skills:

• The capacity and methodological awareness to carry out research on topics related to African religions and to engage critically with ethnographic texts.
• The ability to engage critically with the study of different religious traditions in the African continent.

Key Skills:

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Skills in the oral presentation of information or opinions.

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop knowledge and a clear understanding of the subject, and to improve their skills in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches, and enhancing skills in the analysis of texts, concepts and arguments. The screening of documentary films will enhance the transmission of subject-specific knowledge though visual aids. Prior to every screening of a film, students will be provided with questions to consider while they watch it, which will be later discussed with the rest of the group.
• Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.
• Oral presentations assess skills in the oral presentation of information or opinions.

Different components focusing on essay writing due throughout the year. These will lead to the development of a final summative essay.The course format will consist of one hour lecture every week and one hour seminar after every lecture. Students are expected to read one article/chapter per week that will be discussed during each session. Every student is expected to bring up questions and to participate.

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