Anthropology - ANTH 211

Course Description

This course provides a survey of religious traditions, including magic and witchcraft, using anthropological concepts and theories. Ethnographic and archaeological examples from both indigenous and world religions are compared, showing commonalities and diversity among cultures. Topics include the function and meaning of religious elements such as myth, ritual, symbols, altered states of consciousness and religious specialists. The historical background and cultural context of religious traditions are emphasized, including perspectives of both cultural insiders and outsiders. The role of religion in culture change, conflict and peace is explored.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Identify the concepts, methods and theories used in the anthropology of religion.
• Apply the anthropological principles of ethnocentrism, cultural relativism and holism.
• Identify common features of diverse religious traditions.
• Identify insider and outsider perspectives on religious traditions.
• Explain the varied functions of religious traditions in societies.
• Describe archaeological evidence of religion.
• Analyze religious traditions in small-scale societies from an anthropological perspective.
• Analyze world religions from an anthropological perspective.
• Identify patterns of religious change.
• Identify examples of the role of religion in war and peace.

Course Schedule