Introduction To African Traditional Religion

1. Define and explain African Traditional Religion.
2. Identify and discuss the structure of African Traditional Religion.
3. Compare and contrast the concepts of God among different African ethnic groups.
4. Analyze the role of divinities, spirits, and ancestors in African Traditional Religion.
5. Evaluate the functions of worship, sacrifice, and secret societies in African societies.
6. Discuss the African beliefs about magic, medicine, witchcraft, and sorcery.
7. Explain the African concept of death and the afterlife.

13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Course Guide

   • Course Guide Form · 3 hours

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

2. Week 2Module I

   • Unit 1: Introduction to Religion · 3 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..

3. Week 3Module I

   • Unit 2: Introduction to African Traditional Religion · 3 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..

4. Week 4Module I

   • Unit 3: Trends in the Study of African Traditional Religion · 3 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..

5. Week 5Module I

   • Unit 4: African Traditional Religion: The Quest for Appropriate Nomenclature · 3 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..

6. Week 6Module I

   • Unit 5: The Structure of African Traditional Religion · 3 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..

7. Week 7Module II

   • Unit 1: God in Africa: Concept, Attributes and Worship · 3 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..

8. Week 8Module II

   • Unit 2: Cult of the Divinities in Africa · 3 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..

9. Week 9Module II

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

10. Week 10Module II

    • Unit 4: Passage of Life Rites · 3 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..

11. Week 11Module II

    • Unit 5: Religious Leaders · 3 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..

12. Week 12Module III

    • Unit 1: Worship and Sacrifice in African Traditional Religion · 3 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 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..

13. Week 13Module III

    • Unit 3: Magic and Medicine · 3 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 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..