2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO1180 Varieties of Religion in Modern African Society

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr Kevin Ward
Email: trskw@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module introduces African society, where religion, whether Christian, traditional or Islamic, is very much part of the public domain, and is central to the understanding of many aspects of political and social life. It looks at issues such as the celebration of life, attitudes towards sickness and death, magic and sorcery, the role of religion in liberation struggles, religion and social changes.

Objectives

To introduce students to the study of religion in a very different environment from that of modern Europe. Whereas here religion has been, to a considerable extent, privatised and pushed to the margins of a predominantly secular culture, in Africa religion is very much part of the public domain, and is central to the understanding of many aspects of African political and social life. The module will help students to understand the functions of religion in this milieu, and will introduce students to the three great traditions present in Africa: African traditional religions, Islam and Christianity. It will show how Africa has for centuries existed in a pluralistic religious climate, and how religions co-exist and influence each other. The study will aim to show students that traditional African religions are not 'primitive', nor locked in a purely local 'tribalism', not unchanging, but inherently adaptable and developmental. It will also present Islam and Christianity as genuinely African religions which have been creatively appropriated by African men and women.

Syllabus

The religious geography of Africa, both continentally and locally. The three traditions: traditional religions, Christianity and Islam. The celebration of life. Coping with sickness and death, magic and sorcery. The role of religion in liberation struggles and relations with the state of independent Africa. African spirituality movements of revival and renewal in the three traditions. Religion and social change.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			84.00
Total Contact hours			16.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/05/2009

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