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PHL251Arts3 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 the student to a descriptive and analytic examination of the main characteristics of African traditional thought. The course enriches the intellectual space of the world, and has given Africans a pride of place in world civilization.

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20h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
African PhilosophyTraditional ThoughtOntologyEthicsWorldviews

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 Socialism

4

Witchcraft and Magic

5

African Worldviews

6

African Humanism

Total Topics6 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

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Cultural Analyst

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Philosopher

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Social Commentator

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Policy Advisor

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationResearchGovernmentNon-profit

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
  • •Explain the geography of African philosophy
  • •Discuss 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
  • •Explain the meaning of African traditional thought
  • •Explain the nature of African philosophy
  • •Discuss the place of the gods and goddesses in African philosophy
  • •Highlight the value of myths in African philosophy
Week
3

Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

2h

Unit 3: Approaches in African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Explain the concept of African philosophy
  • •Discuss the approaches in African philosophy
  • •Explain the essence of these approaches and their importance in African philosophy
Week
4

Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

2h

Unit 4: Historical Background of African Traditional Thought

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the historical origin of African philosophy as it has to do with Egyptian mystery schools
  • •Explain what is meant whenever the Africanness of African philosophy is mentioned
  • •Analyse and defend the Egyptian origin of Greek philosophy
  • •Explain the relationship between colonialism and contemporary African philosophy
Week
5

Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

2h

Unit 1: African Ontological Notions

2 study hours
  • •Explain what is meant by African ontological notions
  • •Differentiate between the African notion of force and the Western notion of force
  • •State the characteristics of the African notions of spirits and being
  • •Evaluate and critique 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
  • •Explain the concept of African socialism
  • •Discuss the background and history of African socialism
  • •Analyse 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
  • •Explain the ideas of witchcraft, sorcery and magic in African metaphysics
  • •Differentiate between the phenomena of witchcraft and magic
  • •Relate the relationship of African traditional medicine to magic
  • •Discuss 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 Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Critically examine the meaning of nature of rituals, sacrifices and festivals
  • •Analyse the different forms of rituals in African tradition
  • •Discuss the benefits of festivals
  • •Analyse 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
  • •Describe the nature of the universe
  • •Explain the place of man in the universe
  • •Analyse its mystical and religious order
  • •Discuss the African views of the universe
Week
10

Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

2h

Unit 2: Destiny and Fate in African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Describe the concept of destiny and fate in African tradition
  • •Analyse 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 as part of the African idea of destiny
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
  • •Examine the challenges of African religion
  • •Discuss the structure of African religion
  • •Explain the values of African religion
Week
13

Module 4: Some Schools of Thought in African Philosophy

4h

Modules 4: Units 1-4

4 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of contemporary African philosophy
  • •Identify the important figures in contemporary African philosophy
  • •Discuss the different schools of thought in African philosophy
  • •Explain the concept of African humanism
  • •Explain the African concept of humanism
  • •Discuss the major comparisons between African and Western humanism
  • •Analyse the post-modernist critique against humanism
  • •Explain the African thought system
  • •Analyse the basic attributes of the African thought system
  • •Differentiate between the modes of thought in Africa and in the West
  • •Describe and appraise the challenges of modern African thought system

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

Create concept maps linking key concepts from each module

2

Focus on understanding the core tenets of each school of thought

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different philosophical perspectives

4

Review all key terms and definitions

5

Allocate study time evenly across all modules

6

Prioritize understanding of core concepts over memorization of details

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