History of African Religions

This course explores the historical development of African religions from the ancient past to the present. The class begins by investigating the development of the four major indigenous religious traditions of Africa from 20,000 B.C. and the methodologies of studying them. We then turn to a number of case studies from around Africa to explore the later development of these traditions, as well as the introduction of Asian traditions such as Christianity and Islam. Finally, the course explores religious pluralism and the blending of religions in Africa and the African Diaspora. (This course is equivalent to REL 3815. Students will receive credit for only one of these courses. These courses may not substitute for each other in the F grade replacement policy.)