2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO3285 Race and Religion in Southern Africa: Apartheid and its Aftermath

20 creditsClass Size: 100

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 examines interconnections between religion and race in Southern Africa from 1948 to the present. It explores the religious sources of racial and cultural distinctiveness, especially between black and white, and the political, social and theological theories that gave rise to Apartheid (separate development). Attention is paid to Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu contributions to the struggle to end discrimination, and to the place of the indigenous religious traditions. The importance of the National Party, the African National Congress, the Pan-Africanist Congress and Black Consciousness is explored. The course examines the post-Apartheid situation in southern Africa, focusing on such themes as the 'African Renaissance' and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Gain some understanding of the complex relationship between race and religion in Southern Africa.
- evaluate the historical, political and religious roots of Apartheid (the political philosophy of 'separate development' on racial grounds).
- appreciate the different motivations and strategies of the participants in the struggle to enforce Apartheid or to oppose it.
- understand the religious dimension of the National Party, the African National Congress, the Pan-Africanist Congress and other political parties and campaigning groups within Southern Africa.
- assess the role of Christian churches, the Muslim, Hindu and Jewish communities on the struggle.
- show the interaction between religious values and secular philosophies such as racial supremacy, liberal democracy and Communism.
- have knowledge of, and ability to assess, important political and religious statements concerning race relations in Southern Africa, and have an appreciation of a range of writings (novels, poetry, sermons, prison diaries, memoirs, funeral orations).

Syllabus

The module examines the interconnections between religion and race in Southern Africa from 1948 to the present. It critically explores the religious sources of racial and cultural distinctiveness, especially between black and white, and the political, social and theological theories which gave rise to Apartheid (separate development). In the struggle to end discrimination, attention is paid to Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu contributions, and to the place of the indigenous religious traditions. The importance of movements such as the National Party, the African National Congress, the Pan-Africanist Congress and Black Consciousness is explored.

The course examines the post-Apartheid situation in southern Africa, focusing on such themes as the 'African Renaissance' and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

There is an engagement with the theological themes of humanity (ubuntu), covenant, sin, salvation and security, liberation, judgement, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
The course includes examination of documents and texts arising from religious engagement in the Apartheid struggle.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Text Class	8	1.00	8.00
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	3	1.00	3.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

3 hours - Reading per lecture (33 hours)
3 hours - Per text session (24 hours)
5 hours - Per seminar (15 hours)
106 hours - Essay reading + preparation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

There will be opportunity to present 2 draft assignments to test understanding and progress.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,500-4,000 words	70.00
Essay	1,500-2,000 words	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		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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