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CRS860Arts2 Unitsintermediate

African Philosophy

This course undertakes a critical and analytic look at African traditional thought, its historical origin, background, key concepts, religion, basic beliefs, and general worldviews. It introduces students to a descriptive and analytic examination of the main characteristics of African traditional thought. The course explores African ontological and cosmological notions, ethics, and various schools of thought, enriching the intellectual space of the world and giving Africans a pride of place in world civilization.

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90h

Study Time

13

Weeks

7h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

African PhilosophyTraditional ThoughtOntologyCosmologyAfrican Humanism

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

African Traditional Thought

2

African Ontology

3

African Cosmology

4

African Socialism

5

Witchcraft and Magic

6

African Humanism

7

Political Theories

8

Moral Thinking

9

African Traditional Religion

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 assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Cultural Analyst

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Policy Advisor

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Religious Studies Scholar

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Social Commentator

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International Relations Specialist

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Cultural Heritage ManagementDiplomacyEducationResearchSocial Advocacy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: Defining African Philosophy

2 study hours

•Define philosophy and African philosophy.
•Discuss the etymological meaning of philosophy.
•Analyze the geography of African philosophy.
•Examine the debate on African philosophy.

Week

2

Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

2h

Unit 2: Meaning, Nature and Structure of African Traditional Thought

2 study hours

•Understand the meaning of African traditional thought.
•Discuss the place of culture in African traditional thought.
•Examine the nature of African traditional thought.
•Discuss the roles of gods and goddesses, rituals, sacrifices, and myths.

Week

3

Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: Approaches in African Philosophy

2 study hours

•Explore ethno-philosophy and its proponents.
•Understand philosophic sagacity and its types.
•Examine nationalistic-ideological philosophy and its leaders.
•Discuss professional philosophy and its practitioners.

Week

4

Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

2h

Unit 4: Historical Background of African Philosophy

2 study hours

•Learn the historical origin of African philosophy in Egyptian mystery schools.
•Understand the Africanness of African philosophy.
•Analyze the Egyptian origin of Greek philosophy.
•Relate colonialism to contemporary African philosophy.

Week

5

Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: African Ontological Notions

2 study hours

•Understand African ontological notions of force, spirits, the human person, and God.
•Differentiate African and Western notions of force.
•Examine the characteristics of African notions of spirits and being.
•Evaluate Tempel's theory of vital force.

Week

6

Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

2h

Unit 2: The Concept of African Socialism

2 study hours

•Understand the concept of African Socialism.
•Comprehend the background and history of African Socialism.
•Examine the values of African Socialism.
•Identify the limitations of African Socialism.

Week

7

Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: Witchcraft, Magic and Sorcery in African Philosophy

2 study hours

•Understand the ideas of witchcraft, sorcery and magic in African metaphysics.
•Differentiate between witchcraft and magic.
•Relate African traditional medicine to magic.
•Understand the value of sorcerers in traditional African societies.

Week

8

Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

2h

Unit 4: Rituals and Festivals in African Tradition

2 study hours

•Examine the meaning and nature of rituals, sacrifices and festivals.
•X-ray the different forms of rituals in African tradition.
•Discuss the benefits of festivals.
•Analyze the place of mediums and sacrifices.

Week

9

Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

2h

Unit 1: The Universe and Nature in African Worldview

2 study hours

•Discuss African views of the universe and nature.
•Understand the nature of the universe.
•Explain the place of man in the universe.
•Understand its mystical and religious order.

Week

10

Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

2h

Unit 2: Destiny and Fate in African Worldview

2 study hours

•Describe the concept of destiny and fate in African tradition.
•X-ray the role of destiny in the earthly life of man.
•Explain the influence of moral character on destiny.
•Explain the concepts of death and reincarnation.

Week

11

Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

2h

Unit 3: Moral Thinking in African Philosophy

2 study hours

•Explain the concept of morality in African philosophy.
•Describe C. S Momoh's theory of moralism.
•Explain the foundations of moral authority in African tradition.
•Discuss the role morality plays in African societies.

Week

12

Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

2h

Unit 4: The African Traditional Religion

2 study hours

•Explain the meaning and sources of African religion.
•X-ray the challenges of African religion.
•Learn the structure of African religion.
•Appreciate the values of African religion.

Week

13

Module 4: Some Schools of Thought in African Philosophy

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours

•Review all modules and units.
•Prepare for final examinations.
•Complete any outstanding assignments.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking key concepts from Modules 1 and 2.

2

Compare and contrast different schools of thought from Module 4.

3

Focus on understanding the core tenets of African Humanism.

4

Practice essay questions on ethical dilemmas in African philosophy.

5

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and discussion forum summaries.

6

Develop a timeline of key figures and events in African philosophical history.

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