REL 195-01 - Introductory Special Topic: Studying African American Religions

4 credits (Spring Term 2)

This course is an introduction to the study of religion through an examination of the institutions, histories, theologies and communities of African-Americans. Using texts, films, and music, we will focus on the development of the Black Churches - sites of struggle, resistance, resilience and creativity and conservativism. Major themes will include ”Africanisms” in American religion, slavery and religion, black liberation and womanist theology, religion and civil rights movement, Black
Judaisms, Islams, and urban movements.

Prerequisite: Open to first and second-year students only.
Instructor: Ratzman