Anthropology of Religion 05-AR-AMU-PIE
This course is an introduction to the anthropology of religion. We will begin by discussing anthropological attempts to define religion and proceed to explore key themes in the anthropological studies of religion, like belief, ritual and self-cultivation as well as specific topics like witchcraft and possession. A central theme running through this course is the way in which individuals face life and death in radically different circumstances. Our discussions will be grounded in the wider political, economic and social contexts of religious phenomena.
Module learning aims
Information on where to find course materials
Major
Methods of teaching for learning outcomes achievement
Course module conducted remotely (e-learning)
Student workload (ECTS credits)
Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will:
AR_01 Have knowledge of the main concepts, theoretical perspectives and debates in the anthropology of religion E_W01; E_W02; E_W03; E_W04
AR_02 Develop ability to engage with academic literature and scholarly debates in contemporary anthropology of religion E_W06; E_U01; E_U03; E_U04; E_U06
AR_03 Learn how to explore the place of religious belief and practice in social life EW_07; E_U05; E_U04
AR_04 Have knowledge of the diversity of religious thoughts, practices, ethics and experiences in the contemporary world. E_K01; E_K07; E_K08: E_W05; E_K10
AR_05 Learn how to undertake comparative analysis of religious phenomena by using anthropological theory E_U04; E_U05; E_U06
Assessment criteria
Oral and written feedback on students comments, class presentations and final essays (2000 words).
Practical placement
not applicable
Bibliography
Recommended optional readings:
Boddy, Janice and Michael Lambek (eds.). 2013. A Companion to the Anthropology of Religion. Oxford: Blackwell
Cannell, F. ed., 2006. The anthropology of Christianity. Duke University Press.
Eller, Jack. 2007. Introducing the Anthropology of Religion. London: Routledge
Moro, Pamela A., James E. Myers, and Arthur C. Lehmann (eds.). 2009. Magic,
Witchcraft, and Religion: An Anthropological Study of the Supernatural.
8th ed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing.
Morris, B. 2006. Religion and Anthropology: A Critical Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Weekly readings:
A list of compulsory course readings will be provided by the course convener in the first seminar.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: