Universität Wien

240032 VO Introduction to Anthropology of Religion (3.3.5) (2019S)

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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

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Thursday 04.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
Tuesday 09.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 33 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Wednesday 10.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
Thursday 11.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
Tuesday 30.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
Thursday 02.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
Tuesday 07.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 33 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Wednesday 08.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
Thursday 09.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
Tuesday 14.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 33 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7
Wednesday 15.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
Thursday 16.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
Tuesday 21.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal 33 Hauptgebäude, 1.Stock, Stiege 7

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.

- 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.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

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 topics

The 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.

Examination topics

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.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:39