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CRS872Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Religion, Power and Politics in Contemporary Nigeria Society

This course introduces the intricate relationship between religion, power, and politics within contemporary Nigerian society. It explores diverse religious perspectives, including Islam, Christianity, and African Traditional Religion, examining their influence on societal structures. Key topics include theories of religion, religious movements, the concept of power, and the dynamics of religious leadership. The course also delves into colonialism, nationalism, and the interplay between religion and democracy in Nigeria.

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60h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ReligionPowerPoliticsNigeriaSociety

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

Concept of Religion

2

Islam

3

Theories of Religion

4

Major Religions in Nigeria

5

Religion and Politics

6

Religion and Society

7

Colonialism and Nationalism

8

State Politics and Citizenship

Total Topics8 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

Religious Affairs Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Political Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conflict Resolution Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Religious InstitutionsResearch and AcademiaCommunity Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION

2h

Unit 1: Concept of Religion

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 1.
  • Define religion from sociological, theological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives.
  • Identify the characteristic features of religion.
  • Discuss the aims and importance of studying religion.
Week
2

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION

2h

Unit 2: Islam

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 2.
  • Define Islam and trace its origin and spread.
  • Discuss the history of Prophet Mohammed.
  • Explain the core doctrines and worship practices of Islam.
Week
3

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION

2h

Unit 3: Theories and Perspectives of Religion

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 3.
  • Discuss anthropological, sociological, and psychological theories of religion.
  • Explain the different perspectives used in analyzing religion.
  • Compare and contrast the theories of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim.
Week
4

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION

2h

Unit 4: Major Religions in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 4.
  • Discuss the nature and sources of African Traditional Religion (ATR).
  • Explain the major beliefs and practices of ATR.
  • Compare ATR with Islam and Christianity in Nigeria.
Week
5

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION

2h

Unit 5: New Religious Movements

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 5.
  • Explain the emergence and characteristics of New Religious Movements (NRMs).
  • Discuss the various types of NRMs in Nigeria.
  • Analyze the reasons for the growth and expansion of NRMs.
Week
6

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION

2h

Unit 6: Religion and Nigerian Society

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 6.
  • Discuss the role of religion in Nigerian society.
  • Explain how religion promotes social cohesion and control.
  • Analyze the importance and functions of religion in Nigeria.
Week
7

Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION

2h

Unit 7: Theories on Functions of Religion in Nigerian Society

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 7.
  • Discuss the theories on functions of religion in Nigerian society.
  • Explain the sociological, psychological, and Marxist perspectives on religion.
  • Analyze the integrative function of religion in Nigeria.
Week
8

Module 2: Religion and Modernity

2h

Unit 1: Forms of Religious Organizations

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 1.
  • Define the concept of power and its sources.
  • Discuss the role of religious leadership in society.
  • Analyze the relationship between political leadership and social change.
Week
9

Module 2: Religion and Modernity

2h

Unit 2: Religion and Culture

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 2.
  • Discuss the relationship between religion and culture.
  • Explain how religion influences cultural norms and values.
  • Analyze the impact of cultural syncretism on religion.
Week
10

Module 2: Religion and Modernity

2h

Unit 3: Religion and Secularization

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 3.
  • Define secularization and its sources.
  • Discuss the attitude of religion and science towards each other.
  • Analyze the future of religion and science in a secular world.
Week
11

Module 2: Religion and Modernity

2h

Unit 4: Religion and Politics

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 4.
  • Discuss the relationship between religion and politics.
  • Explain the concept of political religion.
  • Analyze the role of liberation theology in religious politics.
Week
12

Module 2: Religion and Modernity

2h

Unit 5: Religion and Science

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 5.
  • Discuss the relationship between religion and science.
  • Explain the methodologies used in science and religion.
  • Analyze the attitudes of religion and science towards each other.
Week
13

Module 2: Religion and Modernity

2h

Unit 6: Religion and Stratification, Unit 7: Religion and Democracy

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to Unit 6 and Unit 7.
  • Define religion and stratification.
  • Discuss the role of religion among the oppressed.
  • Differentiate between radical and conservative religion.
  • Define religion and democracy.
  • Analyze the role of religion in sustaining democracy.

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a detailed study schedule and stick to it consistently.

2

Focus on understanding the key concepts and theories discussed in each unit.

3

Practice applying the theories to real-world examples and case studies.

4

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and your tutor's feedback.

5

Prepare concise summaries of each unit to aid in quick revision.

6

Create concept maps linking different modules and units to see the bigger picture.

7

Pay special attention to the peak difficulty periods and allocate more time to those units.

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