ANTH 224: Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft
Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2021 |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 54 |
| Lecture Hours : | 54 |
| Lab Hours: | 0 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 108 |
| Strongly Recommended: | ENGL 101. |
| District General Education: | D2. Behavioral Science |
| Transferable to CSU: | Yes |
| Transferable to UC: | Yes - Approved |
| Grading Method: | Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass |
Catalog Course Description
This introductory course examines the forms and functions of religion cross-culturally and the manner in which anthropology investigates religious beliefs and practices. Applying cultural relativism to the study of topics such as mythology, supernatural beings, souls and ghosts, magic, witchcraft, and altered states of consciousness is emphasized. Connections between religious life and general patterns of human behavior are explored, including the role of ritual in social life, the use of specialists, and processes of cultural change. 54 lecture hours.
Course Objectives
- Explain the anthropological approach to the study of religion and the importance of cultural relativism
- Distinguish between the different theoretical perspectives on the study of religion
- Recognize the common types and classifications of religious phenomena in particular cases of belief and practice
- Describe the functions served by various religious phenomena, both for the individual and society
- Analyze how religious phenomena reflect the culture in which they are found
- Compare religious life to parallel features of secular culture
- Explain why new religious movements happen
Major Course Content
- Characteristics (definitions) of religion
- Worldview and mythology
- Symbolism and ritual
- Religious specialists
- Altered states of consciousness
- Magic and witchcraft
- Souls and ghosts
- Supernatural beings
- New religious movements
Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook
Peer-reviewed journal articles, ethnographies on various religions such as Wicca, Vodou, Orisha, Shamanism, etc. (see book options above for sample too). Ethnographies on healing and ritual as well.
Examples of Required Writing Assignments
Field Project: observe a religious ritual, record fieldnotes, and write a 4-6 page analysis anthropological analysis using terms and concepts from the course.
Examples of Outside Assignments
Field Project: observe a religious ritual, record fieldnotes, and write a 4-6 page anthropological analysis using terms and concepts from the course.
Instruction Type(s)
Lecture, Online Education Lecture
IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
4A. Anthropology and Archaeology