Diaspora Churches in the City: Adaptation of Space

College University of Trinity College, Faculty of Divinity
Instructor(s)
Course Code TRT3881HF
Semester First Semester
Section 0101
Online No
Credits One Credit
Location Toronto (St George Campus)
Description

The course examines how the experience of diaspora-common in large metropolitan areas like Toronto-transforms church space and practices. It introduces the notion of vernacular religion! "religion as it is lived" or the way people "do religion." Religions are usually approached and discussed within the boundaries of their official representations. Yeti globalization and migration movements relocate people and modify the expression of their beliefs and ritual habits. Often space is the first to signal modifications of the social and religious dynamics. The notion of vernacular religion is introduced as it takes an important role in analyzing the adaptive changes often misperceived as secularization. While vernacular religion is not regarded as folkloric within the scope of this course, it allows us to examine traditional ethnic elements performed in the churches. Significant adaptation of the ecclesial space is often a function of the fact that small ethnic communities have only a single gathering place available, which transforms the design, functions, and communal relations within religious space. The course is based on data collected on Eastern Orthodox sacred space in Toronto diaspora churches. Yeti it provides an interdisciplinary approach and discusses the concepts of religion, "official" religion, vernacular religion (including folklore and is open to consider plural faith traditions. Students will be invited to reflect on practical differences between homeland and diasporic embodiments of serviceslliturgyl allocation of space! and ecclesial or communal activities. The course explores how relocation changes religious habits and how people recreate their traditions in diaspora.

Schedule Thu
Start Time 17:00
End Time 19:00
Hours Per Week 2
Minimum Enrolment 5
Maximum Enrolment 20
Additional Notes

Field trips are part of this course

Teaching Method
Lectures
Readings
Means of Evaluation
Class Participation
Reflection Paper
Short Paper
Previously Offered Winter 2019
Currently Offered Fall 2019