XVDOO - History of New Orleans Voodoo

Delivery Options Classroom

Course Description

History of New Orleans Voodoo will give a foundational understanding and challenge common perceptions about Voodoo. In this course, you will examine the spiritual aspect of Voodoo absolute, relative or illusory, Ifa, Santeria, Hoodoo, and the Spiritual Church.

You will attempt to answer questions such as:

What is the historical relationship between New Orleans Voodoo and Roman Catholicism?
What are ve ve symbols?
What is the difference between Voodoo and Hoodoo?

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will receive a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and 1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Instructor: Sunni Patterson

Course Outline

See Sample Syllabus

Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

Actively engage with African historical landmarks, cultural sites, and artifacts in New Orleans, applying their knowledge of African history and culture to contextualize these experiences in a meaningful way.
Critically reflect on the contributions of African history and culture to New Orleans, analyzing how African traditions, customs, and historical events have shaped the city’s identity, from its founding to the present.
Develop strategies for interpreting and communicating the African historical narrative, addressing challenges such as underrepresentation, sensitive topics, and ensuring cultural accuracy in their storytelling.
Collaborate with African American historians, cultural practitioners, and community leaders to co-create projects that highlight the significance of African culture in the historical and contemporary fabric of New Orleans.
Connect the historical understanding of African culture in New Orleans to present-day social justice movements, demonstrating how the city’s African heritage influences ongoing discussions about race, equality, and cultural preservation.
Reflect on the ethical considerations of representing African history, ensuring that marginalized voices are uplifted and that complex historical narratives are communicated responsibly and respectfully.

Notes

This course is great for those for following:

Aspiring tour guides
Seasoned tour guides
Hospitality industry
Inquiring Minds
Those who just enjoy learning about the city of New Orleans

Prerequisites

No prerequisites required.

*This course is eligible for the Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism Certificate.

Testimonials

"This course is one of a kind. The iconic instructor, guest speakers and field trips led to an unforgettable, immersive experience. I would recommend this course to anyone seeking authentic and reliable information on the unique culture of New Orleans Voodoo." - Dionne R., Fall 2025