Magic, Witchcraft, Cults, and New Religious Movements

Catalog description

Through an examination of magic and witchcraft, the course introduces the study of the beliefs and practices, past and present, associated with new religious movements, sometimes referred to as "cults." Topics examined include ritual, symbolism, altered states of consciousness and healing, as well as syncretism, change and the social roles of these beliefs and practices. The course also examines examples of various historical religious influences on new religious movements.