EVERYDAY RELIGION IN AFRICA

AFRICAN/RELIGST 414

Explore African Muslim communities and Black Muslim communities in the US as an under-examined archive of Islamic authenticity and authority. Involves close readings of ethnographies, fiction, films, and other forms of cultural expression and examination of the practice of Islam and representation of Muslims in Africa and Muslims of African ancestry in the US. Through both primary and secondary sources, explore themes of not just authenticity and authority but also related issues of representation, positionality, difference, otherness, essentialism, and normativity. Ultimately, form a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of Islam and Muslims of African ancestry.

RELIGST 201

An introduction to the study of religious language and the role of religion in everyday language. Through discourse analytical and linguistic ethnographic tools, explore ritual speech and magic, prayer, song, sermons, conversation, social media, etc., across several religious traditions.

RELIGST 400

Topics may include religion in specific societies or regions; religion in the arts; contemporary themes in religion.

RELIGST 101

Foundational and thematic approaches in the academic study of religion applied across global religious systems.

ANTHRO/RELIGST 343

Anthropological approaches. Illustrated by critical considerations of outstanding contributions. Selected religious systems; areal and topical comparative studies; religion as an ethnographic problem.