THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2016/2017

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Divinity : World Christianity

Postgraduate Course: History of Christianity in Africa (WRCH11003)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Divinity CollegeCollege of Humanities and Social Science
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe course explores some of the major themes in the history of Christianity in Africa since the late nineteenth century. Topics include black missionaries and indigenous leadership, African culture and African churches, women in African Christianity and Church and State in independent Africa. As far as possible these themes will be studied from an afro-centric perspective.
Course description Academic Description:
The course explores how far the growth of Christianity in modern Africa is explicable in terms of the colonial impact. Until the 1960s most scholars had no doubt that it was: the role of mission education in attracting Africans to the white man's religion was undeniable. Since decolonisation, however, the rate of expansion of Christianity has accelerated, putting in question monolithic explanations of the relationship between colonialism and African conversion. This course aims to get beyond the rhetoric, whether colonial or postcolonial, and, on the basis of intensive examination of primary texts, encourages students to form their own judgments about the parts played by African Christians and European missionaries in the story of African Christianity since 1800.

Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course begins with the largely negative view of Africa taken at the World Missionary Conference in 1910. It then explores the ways in which both missionaries and leading African Christians in the 19th century approached the complex relationship between 'Christianity, commerce, and civilization'. Particular attention is given to Christian competition with Islam, the impact of colonial rivalries on Christianity in Uganda, the emergence of prophet movements and independent churches, the Christian contribution to nationalism and decolonisation, the problematic role played by the churches in Rwanda, and explanations of the growth of Pentecostalism.

Student Learning Experience Information:
This course gives Level 11 students an opportunity to supplement attendance at the lectures for the Level 10 course Evangelism and Empire: (ECHS10016) with a separate Level 11 seminar devoted to the analysis and interpretation of key primary sources. Students select one week of the course in which to make a presentation based on the texts for that week. Specific guidance will be offered in advance on how to approach the presentation for that week, and prompt feedback will be given as formative assessment. Students are encouraged to select an essay topic related to their presentation, though this is not essential.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Students MUST NOT also be taking Evangelism and Empire: Christianity in Africa, 1800 to the present (ECHS10016)
Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesThis is a graduate-level course. Please confirm subject prerequisites with the Course Manager.
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2016/17, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 174 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Students will be asked to submit a 4,000 word essay, on a topic to be agreed with the course manager (90%) plus a class presentation on one of the weekly set texts (10%).
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge and advanced understanding of some key trends in the growth of Christianity as an African religion since the early nineteenth century;
  2. Interpret with discernment and critical intelligence selected primary sources on the history of African Christianity since 1800.
  3. Critique secondary literature on the history of African Christianity since 1800 using detailed examples and primary sources.
  4. Prepare and present a coherent class presentation based on intensive engagement with primary sources.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsHistXityAfrica
Contacts
Course organiserProf Brian Stanley
Tel:
Email: brian.stanley@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Suzi Higton
Tel: (0131 6)50 7227
Email: suzi.higton@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2016 The University of Edinburgh - 3 February 2017 5:21 am