AADS2400

Ifa: an Indigenous African Literary & Divinatory Tradition

This course dives into the sacred oral literature of an Indigenous West African thought system known as Ifa. We will explore the structure of the verses and the divinities who feature there. An in-depth reading of several stories will provide cultural context for major themes such as the concepts of personhood and character, predestination, the role of women, and respect for nature. We will also discuss four divination systems that arise out of Ifa.

Course overview

Department
African and African Diaspora Studies
School
MCAS
Credits
3

Requirements fulfilled

No source-backed degree requirement is attached to this course yet.

Official evaluation summary

4.28 / 5

Based on 57 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-07-23. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Michelle Ajisebo Mcelwaine Abimbola · Campion Hall 303 TuTh 12:00 Noon-01:15PM · Offered