Faculty First Year Seminars 197POLI6 - Rastafari? Relgn or Social Mov
Fall
2014
01
1.00
Carlene Edie
W 2:30PM 3:20PM
UMass Amherst
79691
Known to many as only a religious and global cultural trend associated with glorifying the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, weed smoking and wearing
dreadlocks, Rastafari?s pivotal role as a key agent of cultural resistance to black oppression in modern Jamaica
is often neglected. Originating in the poorest communities in Jamaica, this movement had a significant impact on Jamaica?s national identity and political change in the post-independence period. This seminar seeks to provide students with an understanding of the political and socio-economic context in which the Rastafari movement developed in 20th century Jamaica, highlighting the repression it faced by both the State and the society. A secondary focus will be on the instruments (including Reggae music) used by Rastafari to challenge the existing Jamaican power structure. The seminar closes with reflections on the global spread of Rastafari beyond the Caribbean to North America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.
dreadlocks, Rastafari?s pivotal role as a key agent of cultural resistance to black oppression in modern Jamaica
is often neglected. Originating in the poorest communities in Jamaica, this movement had a significant impact on Jamaica?s national identity and political change in the post-independence period. This seminar seeks to provide students with an understanding of the political and socio-economic context in which the Rastafari movement developed in 20th century Jamaica, highlighting the repression it faced by both the State and the society. A secondary focus will be on the instruments (including Reggae music) used by Rastafari to challenge the existing Jamaican power structure. The seminar closes with reflections on the global spread of Rastafari beyond the Caribbean to North America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.
Freshmen Only