Anthropology of Caribbean Religious Syncretism
Anthropology of Caribbean Religious Syncretism
All students benefit from individualised support.
📘 Course Syllabus
- Course Title: Anthropology of Caribbean Religious Syncretism
- Credits: 7 Credits (Semester Credit Hours, U.S. system = 45 hours per 1 Semester Credit)
- European Credit Standard: 12 ECTS
- Faculty: Theology
- Department: Department of Social and Environmental Sciences
- Scientific Sector (SSD): M-DEA/01 – Cultural Anthropology
- Instructor: Fabrizio Caleffi
- Academic Year: 2025/2026
- Language of Instruction: English
- Delivery Mode: Fully online – asynchronous modules + optional synchronous sessions
📊 Credit Conversion for the Course: Anthropology of Caribbean Religious Syncretism
| System | Label | Credits for this course | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari) | 12 CFU | 1 CFU ≈ 25 hours of total student work (lecture + study). 12 CFU = 300 hours. |
| Europe (Bologna Process) | ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) | 12 ECTS | In Italy, CFU = ECTS. So 12 CFU = 12 ECTS. |
| USA / International | SCH (Semester Credit Hours) | 6–7 SCH - Approximately 6–7 SCH (Semester Credit Hours, U.S. system) | Based on 45–50 hours per 1 SCH: 300 hours = approx. 6–7 SCH. |
🎯 Course Description
This course explores the history, development, and cultural significance of Afro-Caribbean syncretic religions such as Vodou (Haiti), Santería (Cuba), Candomblé (Brazil), Obeah (Jamaica), and Rastafarianism. It examines how these religious systems blend African, Indigenous, and European elements and function as expressions of identity, resistance, and spirituality in colonial and postcolonial contexts.
🧠 Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the origins and evolution of syncretic religions in the Caribbean.
- Analyze religious practices, symbols, and belief systems using anthropological theory.
- Recognize the role of ritual, spirit possession, music, and material culture in these traditions.
- Apply ethnographic methods to document and interpret contemporary religious phenomena.
- Reflect critically on globalization, authenticity, and representation of Afro-diasporic religions.
🗂 Course Structure (14 Weeks)
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction: What is syncretism? Theories of hybridity and creolization |
| 2 | Slavery, diaspora, and colonial religion |
| 3 | Haitian Vodou: Loas, possession, and ritual space |
| 4 | Cuban Santería: Orishas, saints, divination |
| 5 | Brazilian Candomblé: terreiros, music, and orixás |
| 6 | Gender, leadership, and embodiment in Afro-Caribbean religions |
| 7 | Obeah and Myalism: healing, resistance, and criminalization |
| 8 | Rastafarianism: resistance theology and Afrocentric spirituality |
| 9 | Ritual trance and spirit possession |
| 10 | Sacred music, dance, and performative worship |
| 11 | Religion, resistance, and maroon communities |
| 12 | Globalization and commodification: tourism, diaspora, pop culture |
| 13 | Ethical research: representation, appropriation, insider/outsider debates |
| 14 | Student presentations and final discussion |
💻 Online Format
-
Asynchronous Modules:
- 10 recorded video lectures (released weekly)
- Reading assignments and PDFs
- Online forum discussions
- Quizzes and reflection prompts
-
Synchronous Sessions (Optional):
- 3 Zoom live discussions (weeks 5, 10, and 14)
- Guest speakers and Q&A
- Final project presentations
- Platform: Moodle + Zoom
📝 Assessment Breakdown
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Forum participation and weekly activities | 20% |
| Reading reflections (6 x 400 words) | 20% |
| Midterm essay (1,500 words) | 20% |
| Ethnographic project (2,500 words) | 30% |
| Final presentation (video or live) | 10% |
📚 Core Readings
- McCarthy Brown, Karen. Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn
- Brown, David H. Santería Enthroned: Art, Ritual, and Innovation in an Afro-Cuban Religion
- Klass, Morton. Candomblé: A Brazilian Religion of African Origin
- Paton, Diana. The Cultural Politics of Obeah
- Selected articles (PDFs provided via Moodle)
🔧 Skills Developed
- Ethnographic observation and documentation
- Critical analysis of religion, power, and culture
- Cross-cultural communication
- Academic writing and argumentation
- Digital collaboration in an academic setting