DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the study of the religious movements and institutions of African Americans from the period of slavery to the present. Topics covered will include African religions in America; religion of the slaves; the rise of independent black Protestant churches; gender relationships within African-American religion; the relationship of religion and culture; nationalism vs. integration; race relations in American church life; religion and politics in black American churches; the rise of black Protestant denominations in the context of emancipation, migration, and urbanization; the development of Islam, Judaism, Pentecostalism, and other religious movements among African Americans; religious aspects of the civil rights movements; and the modern role of religion in African American life.

As American Christians are becoming more aware of diversity and cultural differences and similarities, this course will help to broaden Christians' understanding of African American religious life and church institutional development.

The course will consist of lectures, readings, presentations, and discussion, meeting daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks. Pre-reading prior to the first class session is strongly encouraged.

Fulop, Timothy E. and Albert J. Raboteau. African-American Religion: Interpretive Essays in History and Culture. New York: Routledge, 1997.

Lincoln, C. Eric and Lawrence H. Mamiya. The Black Church in the African American Experience. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1985.

Sernett, Milton C., ed. African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1999.

Wilmore, Gayraud S. Black Religion and Black Radicalism: An Interpretation of the Religious History of African Americans. 3rd ed. Mary Knoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1998.

Raboteau, Albert J. Slave Religion: The "Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South. Updated edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Prior to June 20: Students are strongly encouraged to begin reading from the list of reading assignments made available through Academic Programs.

1. Class attendance and participation (10% of final grade).

2. Students will be expected to complete the required reading. There is no substitute for doing the assigned readings if you want to come to each class session prepared to discuss as well as listen.

3. A 5-7 page descriptive and analytical review of a book related to an aspect of American religion, due June 29. The professor will provide a list of suggested titles. Students will also give an oral presentation of this book in class (40% for book review, 10% for class presentation).

4. A final take-home exam, due August 1; students will have a choice of questions; essay responses will total 10-12 pages and include evidence of research, including citations and bibliography (40% of final grade).

Yes. Take-home.