Universität Wien
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240032 VO Anthropology of Religion, Magic and Witchcraft (3.3.5) (2022S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 24 - Kultur- und Sozialanthropologie

The lecturer can invite students to a grade-relevant discussion about partial achievements. Partial achievements that are obtained by fraud or plagiarized result in the non-evaluation of the course (entry 'X' in certificate). The plagiarism software 'Turnitin' will be used for courses with continuous assessment.
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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

If possible, the course is to be conducted in presence. Due to the respective applicable distance regulations and other measures, adjustments may be made.

  • Tuesday 01.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Wednesday 02.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Thursday 03.03. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Friday 04.03. 11:30 - 14:45 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 07.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Tuesday 08.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Wednesday 09.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Thursday 10.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 14.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Wednesday 16.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal III NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Thursday 17.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal II NIG Erdgeschoß

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course focuses on the anthropology of religion, magic and witchcraft. It will take into consideration and analyze human religious experiences from an anthropological perspective, by focusing on topics such as debates about definitions and the origin of “religion”, cosmology, myth and social memory, ritual, magic, witchcraft, ghosts, spirit possession, shamanism, religious healing, spirituality and secularization.

In doing so, it will also provide a historical overview of anthropological theories on these topics, thus informing students on the history of the anthropology of religion as a discipline.

Ethnographic examples from a variety of societies will be analyzed and discussed, in order to illustrate the wealth of religious experiences that exists around the world. Especially examples about East Asian and Japanese religions (including ascetic and shamanic practices) will be central, although also World Religions, contemporary New Age in the West, as well as classical examples about African or Native American religious practices will be taken into consideration.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- Students will learn the historical development of anthropological theories and debates regarding religion and ritual, thus familiarizing with terminology and concepts.
- Students will learn to understand religious and spiritual phenomena in their social context.
- Students will gain an understanding of religion as an institution through which gender, class, identity, morality, health and personhood are expressed and performed.
- 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 scholarly arguments

Assessment and permitted materials

FINAL EXAM (100%):
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.
No aids may be used.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

1 (very good) --> 100-90%
2 (good) --> 89-80%
3 (satisfactory) --> 79-70%
4 (sufficient) --> 69-60%
5 (not sufficient) --> less than 60%

Examination topics

The final exam will be based on the whole textbook, the class slides and the further articles provided during classes.

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: Th 11.05.2023 11:28