African Religions

Religion permeates all aspects of African life and thought. There is no dichotomy between religion and society in Africa. Religion is therefore an essential tool for understanding and appreciating the behaviors and lifestyles of African peoples. In this course, we will survey some of the indigenous religions of Africa and examine their nature and their philosophical foundations. We will examine African systems of belief, myths, symbols, and rituals, as developed by African societies to express their distinctive worldviews. We will also raise a few general questions about the interrelationship of religion and culture as well as religion and social change in Africa, and the challenges of modern technologies to African beliefs. Focus will be on West African religions, including those of Akan of Ghana, Yoruba of Nigeria, and Mende of Sierra Leone. Questions are provided (a) to guide and direct reading (b) to form the basis for discussion (c) as exercises and )d) for examinations.