African Studies: Religion and Politics in African Societies

On completion of this course the student should be able to:

• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of political, social and economic features of African societies with particular reference to the interplay between religion and politics in Africa during the 1800s and 1900s
• explain the emergence, role and importance of different religions in various African societies from an interdisciplinary perspective and by applying relevant theories.

This course includes an in-depth introduction to the religious landscape of Africa. The various strands of Christianity, Islam and the basic tenets of African and non-Western religions are identified and studied in the context of the economic, political and social environment in terms of where they appeared and where they are present. The course examines broad questions more closely, such as the following: How does religion affect the political orientation of a society? How are religious differences and conflicts confronted and resolved? What role do religions play in the organization of social, political and economic life? The course also focuses on the interaction between more established religions and new belief systems and movements.

Students are assessed through active participation in seminars, the presentation of research reviews and written work.

Teaching is conducted in the form of lectures and seminars. Interdisciplinary approaches and methods are used to describe and analyse the relation between religion and politics in African societies. All teaching is in English.

The Swedish grades A–F.

Replaces HI3002.