15107

WiSe 15/16: Religion, Politics and Society in Modern Africa

Tswai, Naniso

Comments

Over the course of the 19th century, from the colonial project to the present day haberdashery of post-colonial governance, economic development and intra-state conflicts that now characterise the continent, Africa has been the scene of broad political and social transformations. These shifts and changes have impacted all corners of individual and community life. In seeking to understand contemporary Africa and the diversity of challenges that it faces, a multi-disciplinary approach is required. Central to such a study is the issue of religion which remains a key and often understudied factor, and arguably is more interwoven with politics than anywhere else in the world. The course will critically analyse the relationship between religious and political/social developments in Africa by way of concrete regional examples from the 19th century to present issues, thereby carving out historical continuities and contingencies as well as regional commonalities and differences. Special attention is given to African Christianity and Islam, especially given their role in the colonial missions, and the appropriation of Christianity by Africans in independent movements in post-colonial Africa. With regard to Islam the course will focus on the divergent colonial strategies in governing Muslim societies, the rise of Islamic reform movements, and the contested role of Islam in the political configuration of post-colonial African states. Students will learn how to critically analyse various disciplinary approaches to understanding the formation of colonial and post-colonial knowledge about religion, power, and society in Africa. close

14 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Wed, 10:00 - 12:00 15107-W1507-W15 14 Class schedule

Wed, 2015-10-28 10:00 - 12:00

15107-W1507-W15

Lecturers:
Naniso Tswai