Module manager: Dr Adriaan van Klinken
Email: a.vanklinken@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
| THEO2780 | Pentecostalism as a Public Religion in Africa |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Christianity is flourishing in Africa, and for a considerable part this is related to the success of Pentecostal-Charismatic movements on the continent. This module studies Pentecostalism as a public and modern religion in contemporary Africa, deploying different disciplinary perspectives, methodological questions and key issues such as gender, sexuality and politics. It examines how Pentecostal-Charismatic movements are concerned with spiritual power but also present societal power and contribute to social change in postcolonial Africa.
To study, with the help of anthropological, sociological and theological approaches, Pentecostal-Charismatic forms of Christianity in contemporary Africa as part of the broader global ‘resurgence of religion’ and as a crucial manifestation of global Christianity, and to critically examine the cultural, social and political roles of Pentecostalism as a public and highly modern religion in post-colonial African societies.
When completing this module the student
- Is familiar with the historical backgrounds and theological characteristics of Pentecostal-Charismatic forms of Christianity in Africa.
- Has an understanding of the different disciplinary and methodological approaches to the study of Pentecostalism in Africa, mainly anthropological, sociological and theological approaches.
- Can reflect critically on Pentecostalism as a public and modern religion in African societies, specifically in relation to key issues such as gender, development, politics, and interreligious relations.
- Has the ability to engage critically with scholarly work in the study of Pentecostalism in Africa.
- Can analyse and present a primary text/source relating to Pentecostalism in Africa.
Students develop analytical, methodological and critical approaches essential to the study of religion, and to the humanities and social science more generally, including the skills of critically analysing primary texts and scholarly works.
This module will explore African Pentecostalism from a variety of angles, such as theology, history, sociology, and anthropology. It will include diverse topics relevant to understanding Pentecostal Christianities in Africa, such as the prosperity gospel and the practice of deliverance and healing; the relationship between Pentecostalism and African indigenous religions, Islam, and popular culture; the impact of Pentecostalism on politics, development, and new media; and dynamics of gender and sexuality in Pentecostalism.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
- 40 hrs lecture and seminar preparation (4 x 10 = 40)
- 30 hrs reading and writing for formative assessment
- 100 hrs reading and writing for summative assessment
- 6 hrs of presentation preparation
The students' progress is monitored mainly through their participation in and contribution to the seminar groups. Students will have the opportunity to submit coursework of 1000 words for formative assessment. They can also meet with the tutor during office hours.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 3000 word Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 10/05/2023
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team