DePaul University
Department of Religious Studies

Syllabus

REL264/501  THE RELIGIONS OF COLONIZED PEOPLES (AFRICA)
Dr. Teresia Hinga
Tuesday/ Thursday: 11:50- 1:20    Room :Lewis Center:1104

Office: SAC 439 Office Phone:773- 325-1281 E-mail: thinga@wppost.depaul.edu

Office Hours: Thursday:4:30-5 PM or By appointment


Course Description:

The aim of this course is critically to analyze from an emic perspective, the impact of colonialism in Africa and the response of the colonized to the phenomenon . Specifically, the course will critically examine the role of religion both in the process of colonizing Africa as well as in the processes of resistance. Using specific examples, the course will examine the religious underpinnings of resistance to colonialism in its diverse manifestation in Africa. This will include an examination of the role of religion in the African struggle against political oppression, economic injustice, Racism and cultural imperialism.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES.

a. To familiarize the students with the phenomenon of religion and its implications for society.

b. To enable the students to appreciate and critically analyze the social- political role of religion in Africa.

c. To facilitate the creation of a context which allows and encourages students critically to appreciate the role of religion both in creating situations of oppression as well as in being a resource to resist oppression.

d. To create a forum in which the students can begin critically to analyze the social- political implications of religion in their own contexts.

Course Requirements: 1. Adequate preparation for the classes by a critical reading of the required materials. Written summaries and brief responses to the central issues in the readings will be expected and evaluated at random intervals, at least three times in the quarter. ( 15% of Final grade) NB: Questions to guide the readings will be given in class:

2. Active Participation in class discussion and any in class assignments including group work. For these purposes and the class will be divided into several working groups in and through which common tasks can be accomplished.(10% ) 3. Regular attendance of class which will be monitored routinely (10%)

4. One Response Paper: This should be 4-5 double spaced typewritten pages and should reveal your critical engagement with an issue or issues arising out of the readings or class discussions. This should be your opportunity to explore an issue or issues that intrigue you by commenting on or questioning them. 15% NB This requirement can be fulfilled by critically reviewing a pertinent book or film/video. Consult with the instructor before hand if this will be your option.

5. One Midterm Exam: Format TBA 25%

6. One Final Essay: 25%

Total : 100%

CRITERIA FOR GRADING:

A-- Will be given for outstanding work both in class and in written assignments. An " A" student presents his or her work coherently, clearly and critically. His or her written work is systematic, relevant and well articulated addressing itself adequately to the issues at stake.

B -- Will be given for work that is of high quality which adequately addresses itself to the issues and is relatively well articulated. C-- Will be given for work which barely meets the minimal requirements of the course.

D-- Poorly presented work , barely relevant, and not coherent or well articulated. F ----Irrelevant, disorganized, incoherent work that does not meet the requirements of the course at all.

NB.(1) I will use a point system in evaluating your work. A total of 100 points is possible for the course as a whole. A final letter grade will be assigned according to the following percentile scale: 90-100 %----A 80-89%------B 70%-79%-----C 60-69%------D Below 60----F

( NB 2) The bottom two and top two numbers within each grade category , respectively corresponds to plus and minus grade designations e.g.. 80-82%=B-, 88-89%=B+ etc) POLICY ON PLAGIARISM: Students in this course are reminded that Plagiarism (i.e the use of other people's ideas, words or work without properly acknowledging them is a serious offence and stands to be penalized. Students should be aware of the strong sanctions against Plagiarism as stated in the current students handbook. If Proven, charges of plagiarism could result in an automatic F. Consequently, students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of the need for academic integrity and rigor at all times, a fact that will be rewarding in the long run.

POLICY ON ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is mandatory except for emergencies which should be explained to the instructor preferably in writing. Only those students with excused absences will be allowed to do make up assignments. Regular monitoring of attendance will be done. Please note that frequent and unexplained absences may lead to an FX grade( see students handbook)

Class Procedures: The course will be presented through a combination of lectures and discussions in order to achieve the stated goals. Audio visual materials where possible and applicable will be used. Other learning activities including group discussions, designated to meet the needs of the class as these become apparent will also be used. Students are encouraged to cultivate an enquiring mind bold enough to raise appropriate questions for discussion. This, however, should be done with a spirit of respect and sensitivity to all involved in the learning situation. To this end, students are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of collegiality and accountability to the whole class at all times to ensure the success of the class. Students initiative in reading around and beyond the assigned readings, sharing of information pertinent to the course and general sense of responsibility for the success of the class over and above the minimum requirements is highly encouraged .

COURSE OUTLINE:

WEEK 1: Preliminaries and Prelude to colonization January 6th a:Introduction to the course, its scope and requirements: b.Defining key terms.

Lecture/ Discussion: No Readings

January 8th: Prelude to Colonization: the Myth of AThe Dark Continent and its impact@: Reading: Bratlinger: Victorians and the Africans: Handout: Excerpts From Mudibe: The Invention of Africa:Handout: Video Excerpts: Basil Davidson: Africa Voyage of Discovery: This Magnificent African Cake

WEEK 2: Prelude to Colonization Continued: 13th January a: The Study of African Religion and The Roots of Colonialism: b.Precolonial Africa: A Portrait: Readings: Excerpts From Idowu: (Handout) Video: Basil Davidson: ACaravans of Gold@

15th January: Re-constructing and re-imaging Pre colonial Africa and its World views: The Gikuyu Case:

Reading:Kenyatta; Facing Mount Kenya Chapters Preface, 1,7, 9&10 Video Excerpts: Basil Davidson: Kings and Cities

WEEK 3 The Coming of Europeans and Its Impact:

20th January: The Ambiguity of Mission: The 19th Century Missionary Movement: Reading: Jean Mac Ela: Chapter 2 Video: Basil Davidson: The Bible and The Gun: 22nd January: African Encounter Missionary Christianity: The Gikuyu Case: Readings: Sandgren: Christianity and The Kikuyu Chapters 1, 2 WEEK 4: Missionary Christianity and Cultural Conflict: 27th January: Kusoma Christianity and The African responses: Reading: Sandgren Chapter 3:

29th January: Cultural conflict and African reposponses:The 1920s Female Circumcision Controversy in Kenya Reading: Sandgren: Chapters 4, 5: Week 5: Missionaries and Cultural Conflict Continued:

3rd February: African Responses to Cultural Imperialism: The Gikuyu Case: Readings: Sandgren Chapter 6 Ngugi The River Between:

5th February: Midterm:

Week 6: The Rise of Political Movements of Protest:

10th February: Colonialism and the issue of landlessness: The Gikuyu Case Readings: Kanogo: Chapters 1, 4: Handout:

12th February: Thunder from The Mountain: The Gikuyu Response to landlessness. Kenyatti ( Anthology):Selected hymns of Mau Mau Video: Basil Davidson:: EPISODE : The Rise of Nationalism

WEEK 7: The Rise Of Religious Movements of Protest:

17th February:: Historical Context of Independent Churches:Case study:Zulu Zion: Readings:HOOD: Chapter 1 Video: Zulu Zion: 19th February: Protest within the Church: The Milingo Affair: Readings: Ter Haar Spirit of Africa: Excerpts: Video: Milingo: WEEK 8: Religion, Racism and African Responses: 24th February: The search for Cultural authenticity: The issue Of Inculturation: Jean Mac Ela:Preface and Chapters 1, 7, 8 26th February: Racism and the Emergence of Black theology: Hood: Chapters 2 and 3: Video Excerpts: Sarafina:

WEEK 9: Religion and The Search for Justice: 3rd March: The search for Racial Justice: Case Study:The Kairos Document Readings: The Kairos Document: Handout Video Excerpts: Desmond Tutu. 5th March: Neo Colonial Realities and the search for Economic Justice: Readings: Ngugi Wa Thiongo: I Will Marry When I Want Jean Mac Ela: Chapter 6:

WEEK 10: Conclusions and Synthesis: 10th March: Religion and The Reconstuction of Africa: Readings: Jean Mac Ela:Chapter:5 12th March: Last Day of Class: Reviews and Students Concerns:

Reading List Ela , Jean Marc_Ela African Cry: ( Orbis Books,1986) Hood, Robert: Must God Remain Greek: ( Fortress Press , 1990) Kenyatta,J. Facing Mount Kenya: ( Vintage Books, 1965) Kenyatti, Maina: Thunder From The Mountain: ( Africa World Press 1990 Sandgren D. Christianity And The Kikuyu: ( Peter Lang 1989) Thiongo Ngugi Wa : The River Between: ( Heinemman 1965) I will Marry When I Want: (Heineman, 1980 Selected pertinent handouts: Package on sale in the Book store. Also available on reserve in the Library;

Due Dates: Final Paper: Due in my Mail Box in Sac Fourth Floor by 5 PM On 20th March: Response Paper: due on 22nd January: Summaries : Will be Collected at least three times in the quarter: