AR25X: African Religious Retentions in the Caribbean
Lecturer: Rev. Ashley Smith
Pre-Requisite: None
Semester: 2
Credits: 3
Level: 2
See also Course Flyer
A study of the contribution of Africa and its people to some of the expressions of religion within the Caribbean .
OBJECTIVE
- Describes the world view that dominates the traditional African culture
- Relate the story of the African presence in the Caribbean
- Explain a number of concepts: religion, superstition, spirit belief, syncretism
- Examine cultural approaches to health and healing
- Identify and describe some of the African influenced religious in the region
- Comment on the worship life African religious expressions
- Describe and discus the influence of African culture upon Christianity
COURSE CONTENT
Each topic will be dealt with in a seminar format with a lecture presentation, followed by an opportunity given to participants to engage in discussion of key issues. Where necessary, videos will be used to supplement the shared information. The list of topics are:
- Dynamics of survival in a new culture.
- God, the universe and spiritual beings.
- The spirits of ancestors.
- The purpose and practice of worship.
- Rituals pertaining to life and death.
- African religion in Haiti -Vodou.
- Orishas in Trinidad - Shango.
- Orishas in Cuba - Santeria
- Africanisation of Christianity in Jamaica - Revivalism.
- "Pocomania" or Pukkumina.
- Africanisation of Christianity in South Caribbean - Shouter Baptists.
- Obeah, Myalism and Psychic Phenomena.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
- Dale Bisnauth, History of Religions in the Caribbean, Kingston Publishers Ltd, 1996
- Burton Sankeralli, Ed. At the Crossroads-African Caribbean Religion and Christianity, Trinidad, CCC, 1995
ASSESSMENT
In-course Essay 25%
Final Exam 75% |
