REL 2770 - Magic, Divination, and Witchcraft: Anthropology of Religion (HF or SB)

(3) Credit Hours

Exploration of the religious beliefs, practices, and religious specialists of primary religions, such as, magic (spells, mantras, witchcraft, amulets, etc.), divination (astrology, palm reading, number systems, cards, I-Ching, etc.), and magic-religious specialists (shamans, spirit mediums, witches, fortunetellers, etc.). Also investigates these phenomenon as sub-systems of the “world” religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc.). Presents both the practitioner-insider beliefs and practices and a comprehensive introductory overview of theory and method used in anthropology of religion (in this course: sociological, psychological, phenomenological, cognitive, and evolutionary). Geographical areas include Africa, South America, and the Asia-Pacific Provides information and insights into religion in the contemporary world. Fall and Spring semesters.
General Education Category: Humanities and Fine Arts or Behavioral and Social Sciences