REL 152 African Diaspora Religions (Caribbean, Latin America, and the U.S.)
African Diaspora Religions is a survey exploration of African-derived religions in the African diaspora. This course examines themes, experience, and expressions of practitioners and devotees in the African diaspora while addressing with the role of migration, hybridization, new religious movements, and awakenings. The course will center origin and myth, rituals and festivals, art and aesthetics, as well as symbols drawn from religious traditions spanning across the United States [Hoodoo, Conjure, and Oriś], Latin America [Brazilian Candomblé and Cuban Santéria and Umbanda], and the Afro-Caribbean [Haitian Vodou, Trinidadian Orisha, and Jamaican Obeah and Rastafarianism] and other adjacent religions. The course addresses the significance of portrayals of religious identity and expression and their influences on culture, politics, art, and society in these countries as infused by practitioners and devotees of these religions.