Myth, Ritual and Magic

Catalog description

This is an anthropological course that will examine ancient & historical cultures’ supernatural beliefs, ritual practices, and mystical symbolism, and how these reflect societies’ values and world views about power, gender, and identity. Topics will include: “goddess” cults, witchcraft, spirits/demons, shamans, divination, sacrifice, magic, and cult objects. We will approach these topics through the study of folklore, mythology, historical, and archaeological evidence.