Africana Philosophies and Religions
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIL2057 | Philosophy | 2 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHIL2057
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module will explore key concepts and themes in Africana philosophies and religions, paying particular attention to Africana notions of the human person and human life within a spirit-filled cosmos. After reviewing critiques of Eurocentric conceptions of philosophy and religion by decolonial thinkers such as Okot p’Bitek, Kwasi Wiredu and Sylvia Wynter, we discuss a variety of texts and sources that highlight and elaborate core concepts in indigenous African modes of thought, such as ‘vital force’, ubuntu, destiny and the world. Thereafter, we consider how Africana philosophies and religions offer fresh approaches to addressing various issues in the contemporary world. The sort of questions we might consider here include: how might African accounts of humanity radicalise concepts of gender? Are Africana cosmological narratives able to counter heteronormativity? Can the philosophy of ubuntu promote environmental justice? What do Africana notions of witchcraft disclose about the dangers of human sociality and the possibility of trust? Can black humanity be affirmed in ways that refuse the social death of anti-black racism?
Target Students
Second year single honours and joint honours students in the either the Department of Philosophy or the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, including Liberal Arts students and exchange students. Also available to joint Philosophy and Theology honours students, and any single or joint honours students in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, in their final year taking 20 credits of Level 2 modules.
Classes
Students will be instructed via a series of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Essay 2,000 words.
- 60% Coursework 2: Portfolio Essay 2,500 words (comprising essay and written reflection on group work).
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims:i) to provide students with a firm understanding of key themes and concepts in Africana philosophies and religions, particularly as these concern ideas about the human;ii) to explore how Africana philosophers have sought to address various philosophical problems as a way to contest racism, colonialism and other forms of oppression; andiii) to consider how concepts and modes of understanding in Africana philosophies and religion can contribute to a range of issues in the contemporary world.The mode of study will be interdisciplinary, using methods of interpretation and analysis drawn from both philosophy and religious studies to better facilitate student engagement with the holistic character of Africana ways of being and knowing.Learning Outcomes
Students will gain a clear and nuanced understanding of several key concepts, themes, and problems in Africana philosophies and religions.
Students will be alert to how Africana philosophies and religions pose a challenge to western assumptions about the nature of philosophy and religion.
Students will be able to discuss how key concepts in Africana philosophical and religious thought can be used to address a range of problems in the global contemporary world.
Students will be able to think creatively, self-critically and independently about new and unfamiliar concepts and problems in interdisciplinary contexts, aware of the risks in trying to do so.
Students will be able to work in small groups to explore and collaboratively engage with key concepts discussed in the module.
Students will be able to express their positions clearly and confidently in written and oral communication, including in small groups.