H33E - Department of History & Archaeologycour20dll, The University of West Indies at Mona



			H33E

Lecturer:
Dr. Dave Gosse

H33E - Culture, Religion and Nation –Building in West Africa since 1500.

Course Description

This course approaches the study of religion and culture in West Africa from the viewpoint that transformations in African belief systems and ritual practices are indicative of the ways in which ordinary Africans have inter- preted and produced several responses to momentous changes in West African life over the past five hundred years. The course is particularly con- cerned with the encounter between opposing systems of religious belief, namely African traditional religion, Islam and Christianity. The specific dynam- ics which permit the growth or decline of particular ritual practices are exam- ined. The Africanisation of Islam and Christianity is a major concern. Through a focus on the cross-fertilization of religious ideas, images and practices, the course examines both change and continuity in the religious and cultural experiences of West Africa.
Course Work Guidelines:

The coursework component of H 33E accounts for 40% of the final mark. It will be comprised as follows: One mid-term Exam (15%) One take-home essay between eight to ten pages (15%). The essay will be graded for content, presentation and literacy. To this end the essay should be carefully planned and one’s arguments should be clearly and logically developed. The essay should be legible written or (preferably) typed. Most important the sources, whether footnote or endnotes, along with a bibliography have to be properly documented as outlined in the Departmental handbook. Class Presentation (10%).