240014 VO Introduction to Anthropology of Religion (2015S)
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Details
Language: English
Examination dates
- Thursday 26.03.2015 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 31 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 9
- Thursday 18.06.2015 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal A, NIG 4.Stock
- Friday 09.10.2015 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal A, NIG 4.Stock
- Friday 11.12.2015 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal A, NIG 4.Stock
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- Monday 09.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
- Tuesday 10.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
- Wednesday 11.03. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
- Friday 13.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
- Monday 16.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
- Tuesday 17.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
- Wednesday 18.03. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
- Thursday 19.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 31 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 9
- Monday 23.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
- Tuesday 24.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
- Wednesday 25.03. 09:45 - 13:00 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
The course will take into consideration and analyze human religious experience from an anthropological perspective, focusing on topics such as cosmology, myth, ritual, magic, witchcraft, ghosts, and healing. The course will also provide an overview of anthropological theories on and approaches to these topics, thus informing students on the history of the anthropology of religions as a discipline.Ethnographic examples from a variety of societies will be analyzed and discussed, in order to illustrate the wealth of religious expressions that exists around the world. Especially examples about East Asian and Japanese religions (in particular Buddhism, Daoism, Shinto and ascetic and shamanic practices) will play a particular role.Classes will be characterized by the use of multimedia (PowerPoint presentations, audiovisual material), as well as by a high degree of interactivity between the instructor and the students. Discussion about the proposed topics will be a fundamental part of the classes, and each student will contribute to it. Part of the assessment will be based on the contribution to class discussion.
Assessment and permitted materials
FINAL EXAM: 6 open-ended questions on the topics in the textbook. One of the questions will consist in a brief analysis of one topic chosen by the student. Students will be required to answer a minimum of five on six questions overall, including the one on the chosen topic. The final exam will be based on the WHOLE textbook.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
- Students will learn the historical development of anthropological ideas regarding religion.
- Students will gain an understanding of religion as an institution through which gender, class, health, identity, morality and personhood are expressed.
- Students will examine the ways in which religions, and their adherents, respond to social, political and economic changes.
- Students will use appropriate methodological tools to formulate a scholarly argument within the context of anthropology.
- Students will develop an acceptance and appreciation of people informed by different cultures, and to maintain a non-judgmental attitude.
- Students will gain an understanding of religion as an institution through which gender, class, health, identity, morality and personhood are expressed.
- Students will examine the ways in which religions, and their adherents, respond to social, political and economic changes.
- Students will use appropriate methodological tools to formulate a scholarly argument within the context of anthropology.
- Students will develop an acceptance and appreciation of people informed by different cultures, and to maintain a non-judgmental attitude.
Examination topics
CONTRIBUTION TO DISCUSSION:
Class attendance and a positive participation in discussion are expected. Students will have to demonstrate that they have read the assigned material, by contributing with thoughtful comments about the topicsThe modalities of class discussion and evaluation will be decided during the introductory class, according to the number of students enrolled in the course. They can include:
- Individual/group short presentations
- Short reports about the group discussion (about one page) to submit in the following class, or at the end of the semester.
Class attendance and a positive participation in discussion are expected. Students will have to demonstrate that they have read the assigned material, by contributing with thoughtful comments about the topicsThe modalities of class discussion and evaluation will be decided during the introductory class, according to the number of students enrolled in the course. They can include:
- Individual/group short presentations
- Short reports about the group discussion (about one page) to submit in the following class, or at the end of the semester.
Reading list
TEXTBOOK:
Bowie, Fiona. 2006. The Anthropology of Religion: An Introduction (2nd Edition). Malden, Oxford: Blackwell.REFERENCE BOOK:
Eller, Jack David. 2007. Introducing Anthropology of Religion: Culture to the Ultimate. New York and London: Routledge.Further references and suggested readings will be provided during classes.
Bowie, Fiona. 2006. The Anthropology of Religion: An Introduction (2nd Edition). Malden, Oxford: Blackwell.REFERENCE BOOK:
Eller, Jack David. 2007. Introducing Anthropology of Religion: Culture to the Ultimate. New York and London: Routledge.Further references and suggested readings will be provided during classes.
Association in the course directory
Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:39