Admission requirements
This course is only available for students in the BA African Studies. Limited places are also open for exchange students.
Please note: this course takes place in Leiden and that the BA History offers a course with the same name. It is important that BA African Studies students register on the code on this page.
Description
Generally, the study of African Religions and Philosophies is a systematic study of the attitudes of mind and belief that have evolved in the many societies of Africa and that are until today giving direction to societal developments. The course combines historical, political and anthropological approaches of religion and philosophy. The African Religions and Philosophies course aims to equip students with a broad, deep and critical understanding of African religions and philosophies. The course will have an eye for all the diversities in systems of thought that African societies have developed and incorporated over centuries. It will also delve deeper into the role of thought systems in society, both its economy, political and social developments. In doing so we will understand the relation of Africa with the world
The course is divided into two parts viz 6 lectures and 6 seminars. The latter are prepared by the students with the help of readings provided by the lecturer. The course will follow important thinkers of the continent such as Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Paulin J. Hountondji, V.Y. Mdimbe, Fabien Eboussi Boulaga; Fatou Sow; Ousmane Kane; Sylvia Tamale; Oyeronke Oyewumi; Ifi Amadiume and will look into the philosophies/systems of thought that have come with the introduction of ‘external’ religions: Catholicism; but also how Islam is both external and internal. As far as Islam is concerned the course will study the philosophies of Amadu Bamba and Uthman Dan Fodio.
Acquiring knowledge on these thinkers and systems of thought will allow students to synchronically and diachronically understand the myriad religions and philosophies within African societies, and to thereby independently comprehend the continent’s rich civilisations before and after her contact with Europe.
Course objectives
General learning objectives: By the end of this course, the students are expected to have acquired the following: 1) Conduct and execute academic research within a defined scope, including: a. organizing and using relatively large amounts of information b. identifying and selecting either a religious movement; Biography of philosopher(s); church; a multi modal product or external dynamics which led to changes in African systems of thought. c. placing their own research within the context of a scholarly debate
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lectures and seminars. The first 6 lectures will be given by the lecturer and in the last 6 slots, students presenting their work on either a philosopher of their choice of a religious movement etc.
Assessment method
Assessment
Research proposal paper of a required number of words (2,500-3000) corresponds to the 5 EC offered by the student.
Active class participation
Presentation (10-15 minutes)
Weighting
Written paper and research: 60%
Oral presentation: 10%
Participation: 20%
Take home assignment: 10%
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average.
Deadlines
The deadlines are indicated on the corresponding Brightspace page.
Inspection and feedback
How and when a review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Foundational text:
Kenjo Jumbam, The Whiteman of God
Chinua Achebe, Things fall Apart; and Arrow of God
Some other text:
Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, Christianity Without Fetishes: An African Critique and Recapture of Christianity. Orbit Publishers, 1984.
Muntu In Crisis: African Authenticity and Philosophy
Oyeronke Oyewumi, The Invention of Women: Making an African Sense of Western Gender Discourses.
Ifi, Amadiume, Male Daughters, Female Husbands: Gender and Sex in an African Society
Sylvia Tamale, Decolonization and Afro-Feminism. Daraja,2023.
Mudimbe, V.Y. The Invention of Africa: Gnosis, Philosophy and the Order of Knowledge. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1988.
Paulin, Hountondji. African Philosophy: Myth and Reality. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1977.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats
Remarks
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