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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Seminar discussion: students will take turns to facilitate the group discussion. Essay (2000 words) - due last day of Michaelmas Term. Book Review (700 words)– Due on the first day of Easter Term. Read one ethnography and write a critical review.

■ 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