rsd 1101 course name: religions in the contemporary world i (phenomenology of religion & african religion) lecturers: mr. chris tuhirir
RSD 1101
Course Name: Religions in the Contemporary World I
(Phenomenology of Religion & African Religion)
Lecturers: Mr. Chris Tuhirirwe (Course Coordinator)
Prof. Byaruhanga-Akiiki
Ms Josephine Bweyale
Course Description:
The course defines the phenomenology of religion as a mater of
relationships that are a product of the Creator and not of society. It
discusses religion as a dynamic activity that human being universally
engage in. It helps the student to think in a systematic, holistic and
organized way about religion and religious experience in the context
of those features that are common to all religions.
Course Outline:
SECTION A: PHENOMENOLOGY OF RELIGION
1.
Definitions of religion
2.
Origins and theories of religion.
3.
Major characteristics or dimensions of religion (cf DORMEE)
4.
History of religion
5.
Religious pluralism and the variety of religious expressions and
experiences
6.
Similarities in religions (i.e desire for unity, love, justice,
peace etc) and dissimilarities.
7.
The concept of value: note controversy-essentiality vs relativity
8.
Motivations to religion(s)
SECTION B: AFRICAN RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
1.
African Religion as a World/True religion
2.
Sources for the study of African Traditional/World Religion
3.
African myths of origins: theories of creation
4.
Prejudices against African Traditional religion
5.
Spirit identity and Divinities in Traditional Africa (life after
death-African views)
6.
Nature and role of ancestors
7.
The existence of the Master Creator: names and attributes
8.
Philosophy and Theology of the Rites of Passage: lie praxis note:
Birth; Naming; puberty and Initiation; Marriage and the family;
and Death and Funeral rites.
9.
Mystical powers in nature: Divination, Magic, Witchcraft, Sorcery
etc. the role of Traditional Religious Specialists, Leaders and
Teachers.
10.
Why study African World/Traditional Religion.
References/Reading list
1.
Byaruhanga-Akiiki, A.B.T. (Ed) African World Religion: A
grassroots Perspective.
2.
Byaruhanga-Akiiki, A.B.T. Religion in Bunyoro
3.
Eastman Roger. (Ed.)The Ways of Religion: An Introduction to the
Major Traditions. 1993 Second Ed.
4.
Gehman, R.J. African Traditional Religion in Biblical
Perspectives.
5.
Hopfe, M. Lewis. Religions of the World (4th Ed.)
6.
Lugira, A.M. African Religion: World Religions. (1999)
7.
Metuh, E I, God and Man in African Religion
8.
Ngomlokjo, J.J. Rituals of Religious Worship Among the Traditional
Alur.
9.
Ninian Smart. The Religious Experience of Manking (3rd Ed.)
10.
Njinya-Mujinya L. (Ed.) Journal of African Religion and Philosophy
Vols. 1 & 2
11.
Parrinder, E.G. African Traditional Religion (1962)
12.
Publications by Mbiti, J.S.
*
The African Concept of God (1970)
*
Introduction to African Religion (1975)
*
Love and Marriage in Africa
*
African Religions and Philosophy (1969
13.
Ranger, T.O. & Kimambo, I. The Historical Study of African
Religion (1972)
14.
Westerlund, D. African Religion n African Scholarship
NB: Students are advised that this list is not exhaustive. They should
also look out for other relevant references in both the Departmental
and Main Libraries