Module THEO3661: Religions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3661: Religions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• 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.

Content

• The topics of the course are organised in three main parts. The first part involves the study of key general aspects of indigenous African religions from an anthropological perspective. The second part studies the historical conditions for the introduction and forms of appropriation of world religions - specifically Christianity and Islam - in the African continent. It studies the role played by Sub-Saharan and Transatlantic trade, Colonialism, missionisation, and local responses to these. 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 and the role of religion in shaping processes of social change. It addresses issues such as religion and modernity; the role of religion in the ‘public sphere’; the rise of global Pentecostalism; religion and gender and globalisation. The course materials will include anthropological and historical texts, as well as the screening of three documentary films.

Learning Outcomes

• - To identify key debates and issues in the study of religion in Sub-Saharan Africa. - To develop an understanding of the complex inter-relationship of different religious traditions in Africa. - To demonstrate an awareness of the processes of continuity and change from a long-term perspective. - To understand the role of religion in shaping areas of social life in contemporary Africa, such as gender, politics and the economy. - To distinguish between different disciplinary approaches to the study of religion and discuss their respective strengths and limitations.

• - Students will acquire the capacity to carry out research on topics related to African religions. - Students will develop the ability to critically engage with the study of different religious traditions in the African continent.

• - Students will acquire the capacity to critically read and analyse ethnographic texts. - Students will develop research skills. - Students will acquire the ability to build and present logical arguments in written and oral forms. - Students will develop written and oral communication skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey and exemplify key information on the subject matter to students. They also enable students to develop a clear understanding of the subject matter, and to improve their listening and evaluating information skills.
• Presentations will aim to develop students’ research, structured presentation and oral communication skills.
• Essay writing is a summative assessment that will enable students develop their research, argument and written communication skills. It will also deepen their subject-specific knowledge. Written examination will assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding along with students’ skills in structuring and presenting information logically under time constraints.
• The screening of documentary films will enhance the transmission of subject-specific knowledge though visual aid. 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. This exercise will develop their evaluation, argument and oral communication skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Peer evaluation. Students will provide feedback to their peers after each presentation, and will be encouraged to ask questions.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University