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RELI384
Imagining the Other: Alterity Theory in Religious and Anthropological Perspective
RELI384 FA
Crosslistings: ANTH382
Photo Caption and Credits
Next Offered in 9899 FA
In the social construction of meaning, concepts contrary to
dominant representations are suppressed, repressed, and
relegated to the margins. They become simultaneously
despised and desired, and in a religious context, may serve
as scapegoats or the source of sacred power. The course
will examine examples of both positive and negative
projections onto marginal groups, theoretical explanations
for the creation and maintenance of alterity, and
suggestions for the celebration, rather than vilification,
of difference.
MAJOR READINGS
Bakhtin, RABELAIS AND HIS WORLD
Dower, WAR WITHOUT MERCY
Hyde, THE GIFT: IMAGINATION AND THE EXOTIC LIFE OF PROPERTY
Sanford, Evil; THE SHADOW SIDE OF REALITY
Brown, Mama Loa; A VODOU PRIESTESS IN BROOKLYN
Stallybrass and White, THE POLITICS AND POETICS OF
TRANSGRESSION
Jenkins; SUBVERSIVE LAUGHTER:THE LIBERATING POWER OF COMEDY
O'Barr: CULTURE AND THE AD: EXPLORING OTHERNESS IN THE
WORLD OF ADVERTISING
Golden; THE WOMEN OUTSIDE: MEANINGS AND MYTHS OF
HOMELESSNESS
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
2 short writing assignments,
midterm and final exam.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
This course
fulfills the "Religion in Society" requirement for the
department major.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting
or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the
first class, they will be dropped from the class list.
NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form
to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Discussion
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS RELI
Prerequisites:
None
Last Updated on MAR-10-1997
About the Photo:
A rubbing from an ancient stone stele depicts the Chinese
philosopher Confucius.
Reference:
Hoobler, Dorothy; Hoobler, Thomas, CONFUCIANISM:
WORLD RELIGIONS, New York: Facts On File, 1993.
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459