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CRS192Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To African Traditional Religion

This course introduces students to African Traditional Religion (ATR). It explores the core values, beliefs, and practices within African theology and their relationship to African society. The course examines the structure of ATR, concepts of God, divinities, humanity, worship, sacrifice, secret societies, magic, medicine, witchcraft, and the afterlife. It equips students with theoretical, theological, and practical knowledge to critically evaluate and appreciate African traditional religions and their cultural significance.

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156h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

African Traditional ReligionAfrican TheologyDivinitiesWorshipSacrifice

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definitions of Religion

2

African Traditional Religion

3

Concept of God in Africa

4

Cult of Divinities

5

Worship and Sacrifice

6

Secret Societies

7

Magic and Medicine

8

Witchcraft and Sorcery

9

Death and Hereafter

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Studies Scholar

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Anthropologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Leader

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious OrganizationsCultural Heritage PreservationSocial ServicesEducationResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Course Guide

3h

Course Guide Form

3 study hours

•Read the course guide to understand the course objectives, structure, and assessment methods.
•Familiarize yourself with the course materials and study schedule.

Week

2

Module I

3h

Unit 1: Introduction to Religion

3 study hours

•Define religion from theological, moral, philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives.
•Identify and explain different types of religious beliefs such as theism, atheism, and pantheism.
•Discuss the functions of religion in society, including providing support, consolation, and reconciliation.

Week

3

Module I

3h

Unit 2: Introduction to African Traditional Religion

3 study hours

•Evaluate the relationship between Africans and their religion.
•Identify obstacles facing the study of African Traditional Religion, such as the 'Dark Continent Syndrome' and colonial indoctrination.
•Discuss the sources of information for studying African Traditional Religion, including physical and non-physical sources.

Week

4

Module I

3h

Unit 3: Trends in the Study of African Traditional Religion

3 study hours

•Discuss the trends in the study of African Traditional Religion, including the contributions of early European Christian missionaries.
•Evaluate the efforts of early African writers and scholars in correcting misrepresentations of indigenous culture.
•Analyze key issues in contemporary scholarship, such as nomenclature and terminology.

Week

5

Module I

3h

Unit 4: African Traditional Religion: The Quest for Appropriate Nomenclature

3 study hours

•Examine the errors in terminologies used to describe African Traditional Religion, such as 'primitive' and 'savage'.
•Discuss the quest for an appropriate terminology to accurately represent African Traditional Religion.
•Critique current terminologies and defend the use of a more suitable term.

Week

6

Module I

3h

Unit 5: The Structure of African Traditional Religion

3 study hours

•Identify and explain the main elements in the structure of African Traditional Religion, including belief in God, divinities, spirits, ancestors, magic, and medicine.
•Discuss why African Traditional Religion may not be classified as polytheism.
•Analyze the relationship between God and the divinities in African Traditional Religion.

Week

7

Module II

3h

Unit 1: God in Africa: Concept, Attributes and Worship

3 study hours

•Compare the concept of God among the Yoruba, Igbo, and Akan people.
•Discuss the attributes of God in African belief, such as being the Creator and self-existent.
•Explain how God is worshipped among Africans, including direct and indirect worship.

Week

8

Module II

3h

Unit 2: Cult of the Divinities in Africa

3 study hours

•Define who the divinities are in African Traditional Religion.
•Discuss the worship of selected divinities in some African localities, such as Obatala, Orunmila, Esu, Ala, Amadioha, Olokun, Sokogba, and Tano.
•Evaluate the position and role of the divinities in African religion.

Week

9

Module II

3h

Unit 3: The Nature and Concept of Humanity in African Religion

3 study hours

•Explain the African understanding of the origin of human beings.
•Narrate the Yoruba concept of human beings, including the five parts: ara, ojiji, okan, emi, and ori.
•Narrate the Akan concept of human beings, including okra, sunsum, ntoro, and mogya.

Week

10

Module II

3h

Unit 4: Passage of Life Rites

3 study hours

•Describe the Yoruba rites of passage: birth, puberty and marriage.
•Describe the Mende rites of passage: birth, puberty and marriage.
•Describe the Ashanti rites of passage: birth, puberty and marriage.

Week

11

Module II

3h

Unit 5: Religious Leaders

3 study hours

•Identify and describe the roles of priests, medicine men, and diviners in African Traditional Religion.
•Compare and contrast the persons and functions of priests and medicine men.
•Discuss the role of diviners as religious leaders.

Week

12

Module III

6h

Unit 1: Worship and Sacrifice in African Traditional Religion

3 study hours

•Define worship and sacrifice in the context of African Traditional Religion.
•Discuss the various forms of worship, including daily, weekly, and annual worship.
•Explain the different types of sacrifices, such as thanks-offering, votive offering, and propitiation sacrifice.

Unit 2: Secret Societies in African Societies

3 study hours

•Define secret societies and discuss their role in African societies.
•Describe the functions of secret societies, including political, social, and religious roles.
•Discuss symbolism in the Ogboni society.

Week

13

Module III

6h

Unit 3: Magic and Medicine

3 study hours

•Define magic and explain its forms, including homeopathic, sympathetic, and contagious magic.
•Compare magic and religion, highlighting their similarities and differences.
•Explain the role of medicine in African Traditional Religion.

Unit 4: Witchcraft and Sorcery

3 study hours

•Discuss the African beliefs about witchcraft and sorcery.
•Identify the modus operandi of witches and sorcerers.
•Analyze the impact of these beliefs on African societies.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review the definitions of religion from various perspectives (theological, moral, philosophical, psychological, sociological) in Unit 1.

2

Focus on understanding the structure of African Traditional Religion, including the roles of God, divinities, spirits, and ancestors (Module I, Units 3-5).

3

Create comparative charts outlining the concepts of God among the Yoruba, Igbo, and Akan people (Module II, Unit 1).

4

Study the different types of sacrifices and their purposes in African Traditional Religion (Module III, Unit 1).

5

Understand the functions and ethical considerations of secret societies, magic, and medicine (Module III, Units 2-3).

6

Prepare to discuss the African beliefs about witchcraft, sorcery, death, and the afterlife, including their impact on social practices (Module III, Units 4-5).

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