Anthropology of Religion, Magic, Witchcraft, and Healing

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to the anthropological study of religion and examines the way religion is lived and practiced in diverse cultures and the role of religious beliefs in human experiences of health and healing. Topics include the origins, forms, functions, and expressions of belief systems and ritual within their cultural contexts, varieties of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices cross-culturally, mythology, symbolism, totemism, syncretism, shamanism, the healer, traditional healing and medical systems, magic, divination, witchcraft, ancestor worship, and death. Requires participation in field trips at alternative class meeting times.