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RELI395

Anthropological Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
RELI395 SP

Crosslistings: ANTH394

Not Currently Offered

Anthropology has become a popular interpretive tool for scholars in many disciplines but consists of multiple theoretical orientations, sometimes widely divergent. This course will provide an overview of anthropological theory and method for the student of religion, beginning with the foundational concept of culture and fieldwork methodology and working through the critical historical and theoretical schools relevant to the study of religion. Each student will be expected to conduct a fieldwork project during the semester.

MAJOR READINGS

Cole, ANTHROPOLOGY FOR THE 90s
Lessa & Vogt, READER IN COMPARATIVE RELIGION: AN
ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH
Basso, PORTRAITS OF THE WHITEMAN
Brown, MAMA LOLA: A VOODOO PRIESTESS IN BROOKLYN
Evans-Pritchard, NUER RELIGION
Mauss, THE GIFT
Taussig, SHAMANISM, COLONIALISM AND THE WILD MAN
Wolf, A THRICE-TOLD TALE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Frequent short writing assignments, fieldwork project, student class presentations, and a final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Fieldwork project will involve weekly reports and a final write-up. This course fulfills a departmental "Critical Disciplines" 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 Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999




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