ANTH 421
ANTHROPOLOGY OF RELIGION
- Catalog Entry
ANTH 421. Anthropology of Religion
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisite: ANTH 121 or SOC 11O.
Study of anthropological theories of magic, witchcraft, and religion. Discusses the impact religious ideology has on other aspects of culture. Includes primitive and modern religions as examples.
- Detailed Description of Content of Course
The course content may include:
I. Theories of Religion
A. Evolutionary Theories
B. Religion as Functional for Individuals
C. Religion as Functional for Societies
D. Religion as Ecologically Adaptive for Populations
E. Religion as Revitalization Within Societies
II. Methods in the Anthropological Study of Religion
A. Participant Observation Methods and the Study of Religion
B. Ecological Analysis
C. Symbolic Analysis
III. The Structure of Religion
A. Expressive Elements
B. Status Elements
C. Communal Elements
D. Ritual
E. Beliefs
F. Institutional Aspects
G. Societal Aspects
IV. The Goals of Religion
A. Technological Rituals: Divination and Protective Rituals
B. Treatment: Witchcraft and Sorcery
C. Communal Rituals: Rites of Passage
D. Salvation Rituals: Identity-Transforming Rituals
E. Revitalization Rituals
V. The Variety of Religious Expressions
A. In Other Cultures
B. In the United States
1. Historical
2. Contemporary
VI. The Fit Between Religious Expression and Surrounding Culture
- Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
A lecture, discussion, and in-class writing format is used to further understanding of appropriate readings.
- Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will be offered the opportunity to apply anthropological perspectives, methods, and theoretical concepts to the topic of religion.
- Assessment Measures
Graded and checked assignments may include in-class or take-home examinations and quizzes, homework assignments, in-class writing, and in-class discussions. Journals may be required and checked periodically. Formal oral presentations may be required.
- Other Course Information
A class project may be used to focus the gathering of research materials for a particular purpose (such as for presentation at a professional meeting, or for publication). For graduate credit, students would write a research paper; an oral report of this paper may also be required.
- Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED
September, 2001 Reviewed Peggy A. Shifflett |