Religion and Colonialism in Africa

This course examines religious life in Africa across space and time with a particular focus on the impact of colonialism. We will investigate the role of colonialism in the emergence of the concepts of both 'Africa' and 'religion,' before moving to explore the continent's breadth of religious practice and thought. We will engage with a range of indigenous traditions, local Christian and Islamic practices, mission Christianity in a variety of contexts, and the movement of African religions beyond the continent. Literature will be drawn from religious studies, history, and anthropology, and will incorporate discussions on writing about Africa.