TRS6722 - Indigenous Religions and Local Christianities

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:

1 Evaluate different approaches to the study of indigenous religions and local Christianities employed in anthropology, sociology of religion and theology
2 Knowledge and understanding of recent examples of indigenous religions and local Christianities (at least 2 of each)
3 Critical analysis of key issues in the study of indigenous and local religions
4 Ability to assess the significance of the challenges faced by indigenous and local religions and their impact in the modern world
5 Ability to conduct research into indigenous religions and local forms of Christianity using online and library resources

Content:

The module will introduce the study of indigenous and indigenized religions by giving an overview of different approaches to the subject in anthropology, religious studies and Christian theology. It will deal with definitions, categories, methodological issues and analysis of key terms such as ‘animism’, ‘shamanism’, ‘spirituality’, ‘popular religiosity’, ‘syncretism’, and ‘world religion’. It will set the study of religion within the study of colonialism and globalization on the one hand and the study of cultures and indigeneity on the other. Case studies of indigenous religions and local forms of Christianity in specific geo-political contexts in different continents will be an important part of the module, along with introduction to global and transnational movements. Critical issues in the study of indigenous and local forms of religion will be discussed such as concepts of religion, God and Spirit, issues of inculturation and contextualization in Christianity, the politics of representation, and controversies regarding non-indigenous participation and appropriation of indigenous religions.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be taught by different lecturers in each semester but sharing a common method. One semester will focus on indigenous religions and the other on local Christianities, in either order. The whole module will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor, seminar-style discussion of a particular topic, informal prepared presentations by students, and other methods as appropriate. Where practical, visits to migrant churches or other groups in the area will be encouraged. Learning will be supported by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research methods will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module.

Lectures / seminars
Contact hours: 40
Intended Group size: 5-15

Visits to migrant churches and/or indigenous religious groups
Contact hours: 4
Intended Group size: 5-15

Assessment:

001 Book Review 1 x 500 words (mid semester 1) 15%
002 Book Review 1 x 500 words (mid semester 2) 15%
003 Assessed essay 1 x 2000 words (end of sem 1) 35%
004 Assessed essay 1 x 2000 words (end of sem 2) 35%


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