African Religions

REL-2715, African Religions – Fall 2020

Africans have, for long, practiced several closely related but diverse religions. This course surveys African Religions taking into account this religious plurality. Certain themes, including cosmology and mythology, monotheism and polytheism, divinity and experience, rituals, etc., are discussed. Selected African Religions are introduced, briefly, highlighting these themes according to geographical locations (mainly in the sub-Sahara). Detailed treatment of one of more religions from each region is provided. For current concerns, this course critically studies selected works by scholars of African religions on various topics (from theory and method to roles of women).