4cr The experience of African slaves in North America - from the time of capture off the Guinea Coast of Africa to becoming American citizens - is one of the most intriguing phenomena in American history. This course examines the crucial and ambiguous role of religion in that transformation process. The major thesis of the course is that a proper understanding of African-American religion stems from knowledge of the African religious heritage of the slaves. Thus a large section of the course is devoted to the study of African traditional religion. The mutual impact of Christianity and African traditional religion in the context of North American slavery also receives substantial attention.