This masters course will explore the theology and history of African Christianity, placing some of the key distinctive developments in the theology and practice of the churches in socio-political, cultural and intellectual context. It will also explore a range of different historiographical approaches to and assessments traditional denominations and African Initiated Churches.

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

Requires Videoconferencing facilities

N/A

None

One mid-term essay - 1000 words (20%)

One end of term essay - 4000 words (80%)

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ explore developments in Christian theology and church history on the African continent;

■ engage critically with primary sources which offer evidence of this development and the cultural underpinnings;

■ deepen understanding of the political, religious, and cultural context of sub-Saharan Africa and the impact of colonialism on religious developments;

■ foster awareness of a range of historiographical interpretations of the Christianity in Africa.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ present a well-informed account of the development of Christianity in Africa and the underlying factors that have led to distinctive and culturally relevant expressions;

■ offer a critical analysis of a range of primary texts and rituals;

■ compare and contrast different interpretative perspectives;

■ present complex arguments in written and oral form.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.