Spring 2025

West African Religion as Philosophy

Listed in: Black Studies, as BLST-323  |  Religion, as RELI-223

Faculty

Monika Brodnicka (Section 01)

Description

(Offered as BLST 323, PHIL 215 and RELI 223) This course explores the structure, beliefs, and practices of West African indigenous religions with an eye to their deeper philosophical meanings. We will examine several West African religions from the perspective of experts and practitioners who present the underlying philosophy of these traditions, exploring their epistemology (how knowledge works) and metaphysics (the nature of being). We will focus on concepts of the person, the word, the world, and community as well as the important role of orality as the foundational paradigm of this philosophy. 

2025 Spring. Prof. Brodnicka.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on close reading, class discussion, group work, oral presentations, writing, and creative project.

Course Materials

Offerings

2023-24: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2022, Spring 2025