RELG 343/ AFRO 343: Religions in the African Diaspora
Professor: Stephanie Y. Mitchem
tel: 777-2561
email: mitchesy@mailbox.sc.edu
Office: Rutledge 332
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Office hours: will be posted
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Course Description:
Students will explore the development and theologies of different religion/ theologies/ moralities in different religions of the African Diaspora. These religions may include: Voodoo/Voudou; Obeah; Santería; Candomblé; or others. We may look at Christianity or Islam as it has changed in African/American contexts. We may consider spiritual practices that do not constitute formal religions, such as hoodoo. We will consider connecting threads as well as the impact of different social/national contexts.
Required Reading:
J. Murphy, Working the Spirit, Boston: Beacon Publishing, 1994
K.M. Clarke, Mapping Yoruba Networks, Durham & London: Duke University Press, 2004
R. Harding, Refuge in Thunder, Bloomington & Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 2000
Films on reserve in library
Learning Objectives:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
Explain the development and theologies of different religions of the African Diaspora.
Define misunderstandings about these religions as well as arrive at a more sophisticated and nuanced vision of these religions and the people who hold them; and
Utilize multiple disciplines in exploration of these religions.
Course overview:
Black Diaspora Studies has been a rapidly growing area of study over the last ten years and the focus of religions is particularly important. Religions impart cultures; preserve people’s sense of community and identity; define values; and socialize the believers into ways of life.
But we still operate in a world that has oversimplified or misrepresented ("So primitive!" "So ignorant!" "So exotic!") the composite natures and relationships that are the Diasporan religions. We will deconstruct some of these misunderstandings even as we work to get a more sophisticated and nuanced vision of these religions and the people who hold them.
The study of religions in the African Diaspora encompasses several interrelated and interdisciplinary foci, including religious studies, art, anthropology, philosophy, music, sociology, history, and politics. Therefore, our study will cross several disciplines. Because this class’s students are focused on different disciplines, we will try to accommodate some of their individual concentrations during the course.
Because of the breadth of the study, we will utilize multiple approaches: books, music, art, video. All of these are ways to consider and look at aspects of black religions. With that in mind, we may attend local events that are pertinent.
Assignments:
NOTE: REMAINING CURRENT WITH READING ASSIGNMENTS AND COMING TO CLASS PREPARED TO PARTICIPATE IS AN EXPECTATION FOR ALL STUDENTS!!!
- 2 vocabulary quizzes. (15 points each, total, 30 points)
- Arts projects: selected in groups and presented in class (individual, not group, grading) (20 points)
- Midterm exam (take home) (20 points)
- Final research paper 12-15 pages on topic of student choice. Topic selection discussed in class. (30 points)
(A=100-91; B=90-81; C=80-71; D=70-60; F=59 and lower)
The Importance of Writing:
College level writing is critically important for this class. Your grade for the class will be at risk if you hand in late assignments, un-typed papers (except for in class assignments), plagiarized, undeveloped, etc. If you have any concerns about your own writing, make an appointment at the writing center.
Papers must be typed, double-spaced. Handwritten papers will not be accepted. When needed, you must use a notation format -- MLA, Chicago, APA -- consistently throughout any paper. In addition, poor grammar and spelling can be grounds for lowering a grade.
E mailed papers are not accepted.
Other items that impinge on your grade:
Some sources are not acceptable for research papers: dictionaries, encyclopedias and most on line sources. Hard copies of papers are always due the day listed. If you are unable to attend class on a day that a paper is due, please turn it in ahead of time.
Schedule of assignments and class topics will be posted on Blackboard
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