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CRS871

Religion and Social Change in Africa

  • Arts
  • 800 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 386 pages
  • 21 units

This course introduces students to the intricate relationship between religion and social change in Africa. It explores various theories, examining religious pluralism, culture, marriage, human rights, politics, secularization, gender dynamics, and conflicts. Students will analyze religion's role in education, science, democracy, and health, while also considering religious liberty, tolerance, and modernization within the African context.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
208 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

CRS871 · UNIT 1: THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN AFRICA

Remember that your tutor‘s job is to help you. When you need help, do not hesitate to call and ask your tutor to provide it.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define religion and social change
  2. Analyze theories on religion and social change
  3. Discuss religious pluralism in Africa
  4. Examine the relationship between religion and culture
  5. Evaluate the role of religion in development
  6. Understand the impact of modernization on African religions

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Religious Affairs Analyst
  • Social Worker
  • Community Development Officer
  • Policy Advisor
  • Conflict Resolution Mediator
Where it is applied
  • Government
  • Non-profit
  • Education
  • Community Development
  • Religious Organizations

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa

    Unit 7: Religion and Human Rights

    The unit covers a broad range of complex concepts, requiring students to integrate sociological and theological perspectives.

  • Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa

    Unit 1: Religion and Politics

    Understanding the nuances and implications of Sharia law requires careful study and critical thinking.

  • Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa

    Unit 4 Religion and Abortion Campaign

    The unit requires students to analyze sensitive and controversial topics with objectivity and respect for diverse viewpoints.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 104 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa
    • Unit 1: The Concept of Religion and Social Change in Africa · 8 hours

      Define religion and social change.. Discuss the development of African society.. Identify social institutions..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa
    • Unit 2: Theories on Religion and Social Change · 8 hours

      Explain Durkheim's theory.. Discuss Weber's theory.. Examine Marx's theory..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa
    • Unit 3: Religious Pluralism in Africa · 8 hours

      Define religious pluralism.. Discuss its history in Africa.. Explain major religious groups..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa
    • Unit 4: Religion and Culture · 8 hours

      Define culture.. Enumerate elements of culture.. Analyze religion and culture..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa
    • Unit 5: Marriage and Social Change · 8 hours

      Examine types of marriage.. Define courtship.. Discuss religious views on divorce..

  6. Week 6Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa
    • Unit 6: Dimensions and Organization of Religious Behaviours in Africa · 8 hours

      Explain religious behavior.. Evaluate ecclesiae.. Discuss denominations..

  7. Week 7Module 1: Introduction to Religion and Social Change in Africa
    • Unit 7: Religion and Human Rights · 8 hours

      Examine human rights.. Discuss religion and human rights.. Explain human rights in Islam..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa
    • Unit 1: Religion and Politics · 8 hours

      Define state religion.. Explain politics.. Discuss religious politics in Africa..

  9. Week 9Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa
    • Unit 2 Religion and Secularization · 8 hours

      Define secularization.. List sources of secularization.. Discuss religion and the secular world..

  10. Week 10Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa
    • Unit 3 Religion and Gender · 8 hours

      Define gender concepts.. Discuss gender-based violence.. Explain gender equality..

  11. Week 11Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa
    • Unit 4 Religion and Abortion Campaign · 8 hours

      Describe abortion.. State arguments for abortion rights.. Discuss religious positions..

  12. Week 12Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa
    • Unit 5 Religion and Conflicts · 8 hours

      Define religious conflicts.. Explain religion's place in conflicts.. Identify causes..

  13. Week 13Module 2: Religion and Development in Africa
    • Unit 6 Religion and Leadership · 8 hours

      Define leadership.. Outline leadership styles.. Discuss leadership in traditional African society..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review definitions of key terms in Units 1-3
  • Create concept maps linking Units 4-7 cultural concepts
  • Compare and contrast theories from Module 2
  • Practice essay questions on religion's role in development
  • Focus on case studies from Units 5-7 for real-world examples

Questions students ask about this course

What is CRS871 about?

This course introduces students to the intricate relationship between religion and social change in Africa. It explores various theories, examining religious pluralism, culture, marriage, human rights, politics, secularization, gender dynamics, and conflicts. Students will analyze religion's role in education, science, democracy, and health, while also considering religious liberty, tolerance, and modernization within the African context.

How many units does CRS871 have?

CRS871, Religion and Social Change in Africa, has 21 units across 3 modules, over 386 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is CRS871?

CRS871 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.

Is CRS871 hard?

CRS871 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does CRS871 take to study?

About 208 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.

How is CRS871 assessed?

CRS871 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with CRS871?

Religious Affairs Analyst, Social Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Advisor and Conflict Resolution Mediator.

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