Religion has been central to the project of modern colonialism. Everywhere European conquerors went, they justified colonial rule in the name of Christianity, sponsored missionary projects of conversion, and regulated the traditions and practices of the colonized. Indeed, some scholars have argued that modern conceptions of religion (and its cognate, world religions) emerged out of colonial conquests. This course explores the constitutive relationship between colonialism and religion. Two broad questions will inform our inquiry: Howdid the colonial encounter shape modern knowledge of religion? How did colonial technologies of rule (law, education, the census, surveillance, welfare) effect transformations in the religious beliefs, traditions, and practices of both the colonizer and the colonized? Our readings will include materials from various modern empires in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We will explore how religion was constitutive of modern colonialism; how religion relates to other sites of social power including race, gender, and nation, and how religion has informed resistance to colonialism. Themes for the course may include religious conversion and freedom of religion, religious institutions and reforms, textuality and interpretation, ritual and material cultures, and legal reforms and regulation. Meets the Critical Learning: HP requirement. Meets the Equity and Power: EPG requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: HP, Equity and Power: EPG

1 unit — Chandrani

Offerings

Term	Block	Title	Instructor	Location	Student Limit/Available	Updated
Spring 2026	Block 7	Colonialism and Religion	Yogesh Chandrani	TBA	25 / 25	05/20/2025