Universität Wien
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010101 VU Introduction to Contemporary Paganism (2022S)

Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 28.03. 09:45 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Tuesday 29.03. 11:30 - 16:30 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Wednesday 30.03. 09:45 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Thursday 31.03. 09:45 - 13:00 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Friday 01.04. 09:45 - 13:00 Seminarraum 2 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the phenomenon of contemporary Paganism (also: Neopaganism). At first, the cultural background within which Pagan religions have emerged will be discussed, along with Neopagan identity, conversion to various Pagan paths and methods of studying Paganism. Secondly, the most important and influential Neopagan religions will be presented: Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry (Germanic Paganism) and other Native Faith movements (including Slavic). Students will be acquainted with Pagan worldview, beliefs, ritual practice and attitude to magic. Neopaganism in popular culture and its effect on the milieu will be tackled as well.
Contents:
The topics discussed during the course include:
1. Cultural background and methods of studying Neopaganism (Pagan studies)
2. Pagan identity: ethnicity, Goddess spirituality, ecology
3. Wicca and Witchcraft
4. Modern Druidry
5. Heathenry and other Native Faith (Rodnovery) movements
6. Pagan worldview: beliefs and ethics
7. Pagan rituals: Wheel of the Year festivals and other rituals
8. Organisation (covens and other forms of gatherings) and Pagan priesthood
9. Pagan material culture: from places to artifacts
10. Magic in contemporary Paganism
11. Becoming a Pagan – “coming home” metaphor
12. Neopaganism in popular culture and its effect on the milieu

Methods:
Seminar, lecture, lecture with multimedia presentation, discussion.

Assessment and permitted materials

Final essay in English (70%); active participation in lessons (30%).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Assessment is based on a points system. Students can reach a maximum of 100 points. The essay accounts for 70 points (the essay should be submitted after the course, yet before the end of the term). For active class participation, up to 30 points are awarded. Points required for a positive grade on the course: 51 points. Attendance is compulsory; up to two absences without notice are permitted.
For the active participation in classes: English language skills enabling the students to read academic texts and participate in discussions are needed. For writing final essay: similarly, English language skills enabling to write an academic essay are needed.

Examination topics

Examination topics / content to be learned in the course:

1. Cultural background and methods of studying Neopaganism (Pagan studies)
2. Pagan identity: ethnicity, Goddess spirituality, ecology
3. Wicca and Witchcraft
4. Modern Druidry
5. Heathenry and other Native Faith (Rodnovery) movements
6. Pagan worldview: beliefs and ethics
7. Pagan rituals: Wheel of the Year festivals and other rituals
8. Organisation (covens and other forms of gatherings) and Pagan priesthood
9. Pagan material culture: from places to artifacts
10. Magic in contemporary Paganism
11. Becoming a Pagan – “coming home” metaphor
12. Neopaganism in popular culture and its effect on the milieu

Reading list

Recommended literature – related basic topic:
1. Davidsen M. A., What Is Wrong with Pagan Studies?. “Method & Theory in the Study of Religion” 2012, vol. 24, no. 2, s. 183–199.
2. Anczyk A., The Golden Sickle. An Introduction to Contemporary Druidry. Katowice 2014, 101–117.
3. Anczyk A. and M. Vencálek, Coming Home to Paganism: Theory of Religious Conversion or a Theological Principle?. “Studia Religiologica” 2013, nr 46(3), 161–171.
4. Hoff Kraemer Ch., Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Paganism. “Religion Compass” 2012, no. 6, 390–401.
5. Cowan D. E., Cyberhenge. Modern Pagans on the Internet. New York 2005, 94–116.
6. Butler, J. The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year and Historical Reinterpretations. In: “The Ritual Year and History (Ritual Year 3)”, ed. I. Sedakova. Stráznice 2008, s. 72–78.
7. Simpson S., Strategies for (Re) Constructing Religious Practice in Polish Rodzimowierstwo. “Walking the Old Ways. Studies in Contemporary European Paganism”, ed. A. Anczyk i H. Grzymała-Moszczyńska. Katowice 2012, 11–34.
8. Malita J., Magic in Everyday Life of Polish Wiccans. In: “The Ritual Year 10. Magic in Rituals and Rituals in Magic”, ed. T. Minniyakhmetova and K. Velkoborská. Innsbruck 2015, 394–402.
Other recommended:
1. Doyle White E., Wicca. History, Belief, and Community in Modern Pagan Witchcraft, Brighton, Portland, Toronto 2016.
2. Adler, M., Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers and Other Pagans in America (revised edition). New York 2006.
3. Pagan Pathways. A Guide to Ancient Earth Traditions, ed. G. Harvey and Ch. Hardman. London 2000.
4. Modern Pagan and Native Faith Movements in Central and Eastern Europe, ed. K. Aitamurto and S. Simpson. Durham 2013.
5. Walking the Old Ways in a New World: Contemporary Paganism as Lived Religion, ed. A. Anczyk and J. Malita-Król. Katowice 2017.

Association in the course directory

M2.7, M15, M18, BRP 09rwb, BRP 17rwb

Last modified: Sa 01.03.2025 00:07