This reading-intensive course delves into the stories and histories of the gods called orishas, orichas, or orixas in the Americas, from their emergence as orisa among West African Yoruba groups to their veneration in Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad, the U.S., and elsewhere. The course pays special attention to their "mythobiographies" as communicated through divination verses and expressed in altars, dances, drum rhythms, food, and other material offerings (which ironically complicate any description of orishas as "gods"). Readings address the impact of transatlantic slave trade and racialization on the orishas? worship; analyze gender/sexuality in rituals of initiation and possession; and emphasize the voices of Black and AfroLatinx practitioners.

Prerequisites: Upper Division Standing

4

Units

Letter

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

Upper division only

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
PEREZ E
Elizabeth Perez
3.6
12 reviews
AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors
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RG ST 107 Perez E Fall 2024 Total: 21
RG ST 107 Perez E Fall 2021 Total: 25
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12
3.6
RGS61 . Perez E 3 Months Ago

Seriously don't get these negative reviews. I was a little intimidated at first b/c of her extensive vocab but after the first week or so I felt more & more comfortable. The material is super interesting and she's an encyclopedia of knowledge! Lots of amazing reads & videos, clear instructions, easy grader. All she wants is effort. Loved her!

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RGST61 . Perez E 1 Year, 1 Month Ago

do not take this class. i dropped out within this first week because of how confusing it was. the professor has a very complex vocabulary. it's really hard to understand what she's saying or to even keep up with all the material. you basically have to teach yourself EVERYTHING

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RGST63 . Perez E 3 Years Ago

Just horrible. This course had a lot of potential to be really cool, but Professor Perez assigns an insane amount of reading and essays for this class and yet the only credit you get is units, nothing for GE. She is confusing and has no clear directions or due dates for anything! She will check Gauchospace to make sure you're clicking on things too

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RGST61 . Perez E 6 Years Ago

Her lectures were unclear and hard to follow.

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RGST61 . Perez E 6 Years Ago

Dr. Perez is the best professor I've had so far. She made the class super interesting and the final and midterm were both take home. Everything is found in the readings and she is willing to go over your answers in office hours. She also offered lots of extra credit opportunities that were fun.

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RGST61 . Perez E 6 Years Ago

Not interested in RGST, but she made the class interesting. Good professor, lots of reading but I did not do it and easily passed the class because the lectures were very informative. 1 midterm and final, both were take home. They take a lot of time but if you just give solid, correct answers found in the reading you will get a good grade.

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