Course Description
Diasporic movement, sustainability, modifications, syncretic tendencies of African Derived Religions in the Americas, especially Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, and North America.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to requirements stipulated above, graduate students
taking the course will be expected to do additional work. This
will consist of a research paper on a particular topic of
interest to the student as contained in the syllabus. There must
be a review of primary sources on the topic. The paper must
demonstrate high quality of analysis, synthesis, integration,
and scholarly critique of the subject matter. Also, the
examination to be given to graduate students will be at a level
suitable to graduate standard. On the whole, for the graduate
students, this course will be conducted with a standard
commensurate with graduate-level study.
Athena Title
AFRCN RELI DIASPORA
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students who take the course should: 1. Become familiar with the origin, nature and characteristics of African Religion in Africa and its passage into the Diaspora. 2. Be aware of its contact and metamorphosis into Africa- derived religions of Latin America. 3. Have informed opinions, expressions, and understanding of particular religions of the areas, such as Candomble, Santeria, and Voodoo, etc. 4. Through the process of active engagements in classroom instructions, discussions, debates and oral and written presentations, have appreciation for the values of African Religion, its migration process, its changes and 're-birth' into religions with connection and influences from other religions of the regions under study. 5. Be able to evaluate and compare the values brought about by the religions to the everyday religious, social, economical and political dynamics of the followers of the religions, not only in their 'original homes' but also in places such as North America due to migration activities. 6. Have the benefit of comparing these values with those of other religious traditions they are familiar with, and thus have broad and informed impressions of different religious values and impacts on diverse societies.
Topical Outline
- Nature and Characteristics of African Religion - Passage into Diaspora - Emergence of African Derived Religions in Diaspora - Types and Common Features - Afro-Brazilian – types - Candomble, etc. - Latin-America – types – Santeria, Voodoo, etc. - North America – types - Voodoo, Santeria, etc. - Social/economic and religious impact on ‘home communities’ - Impact on migrated communities and social and religious values in North America
Syllabus