ANTH235

This course will introduce students to the concept of religion as a phenomenon that exists cross culturally, and to the variety ofways in which people practice religion. The course will survey the major anthropological theories in the study of religion, and students will be asked to apply these theories by conducting a short ethnographic research project on a local religious practice. Students will learn
about a wide range of religious practices, including those associated with major
world religions as well as shamanism, magic, witchcraft. The course will also
address the political dimensions ofreligion in the contemporary world, including
progressive and conservative movements.