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RELGST 1418 - FROM VODOU TO SANTERIA: RELIGIONS OF THE WEST AFRICAN DIASPORAMinimum Credits: 3 Maximum Credits: 3 This course is an introduction to the study of West African Diaspora religions in the Americas. We define "diaspora" as the spread and dispersal of people of African descent, both forced and voluntary, through the slave trade, imperial and colonial displacements, and postcolonial migrations. In what form do African religious expressions exist in the African Diaspora communities? This course exposes students to the indigenous African foundations of the religious beliefs and religious practices of African communities living in the Diaspora. Students will receive historical, ethnographical, and anthropological approaches to grasp the essence of these non-doctrinaire and non-textual religions focused on a rich memory of African deities, rituals, morality and practices that have been passed from generation to generation. Because most of the Africans forced to migrate to the New World as slaves came from West Africa, this course will provide students with insights into the beliefs and practices of the "Yoruba Religions" also known as the "Afro-Atlantic religions" such as Santeria in Cuba; Vodou in Haiti; Shango in Trinidad and Grenada; Candomblan Brazil among others. Topics to be covered in this course will include sources of African religious beliefs, African theological notions about God and the Universe, African conceptions about the nature of the human being, witchcraft and the problem of Evil in African religious thought and practice, illness, health, death, and ancestor worship. Furthermore, we will also pay close attention to less known Afro-American cults and religions containing Amerindian mythology and shamanism that emphasize divination, healing, and spirit mediumship such as: the Maria Lionza cult in Venezuela, The Palo Monte in Cuba, and the Garifuna Dugu in Central America. A special feature of the course will include the analysis of "spirit possession" as a common denominator to African-derived religions as well as a relevant keystone in transmission dynamics. Finally, we will examine how these religions have survived cultural and ideological assault and have continued to provide spiritual resources for societies rooted in African cosmologies. Academic Career: Undergraduate Course Component: Lecture Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis Course Attributes: DSAS Diversity General Ed. Requirement, SCI Diversity General Ed. Requirements
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