This page is for Anthropology 1130 students at Douglas College. This syllabus is for the Winter Semester 2009 at the New Westminster Campus.
To email Tad at Douglas click here.
The Anthropology of Religion
Textbooks:
1) Stein, Rebecca L. and Stein, Philip L. 2005. The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft. Toronto: Pearson Ed. (Either edition (1 or 2) is fine.)
2) Davis, Wade. 1985. The Serpent and the Rainbow. New York: Simon and Schuster. (Any edition is fine.)
Handouts By Week
I. The Anthropological Perspective and Theoretical Orientation
Introduction, Theoretical Background and What Is Religion? (January 6, 8, 13)
Syllabus
Readings Questions for The Serpent and the Rainbow
Readings Questions for Stein and Stein (1st Edition)
Readings Questions for Stein and Stein (2nd Edition)
Selected Definitions of Religion
Film Questions for Voodoo
Modes of Production and Religion Comparison Chart
II. Pervasive Topics in the Study of Religion
Ritual (January 15, 20, 22)
Assignment 1 Handout (Ritual Observation; Due February 17)
Film Questions for Dead Birds
Discussion Questions for Rituals
Robert Gardner’s Comments on Making Dead Birds
Mythology (February 3 & 5)
Outline for Mythology Classes
Analysis of Myths Chart
Midterm I Exam Study Guide
Midterm I — February 12 (During Regular Class Time)
Symbols and Magic (Feb 17 & 19)
Questions for ‘Iskut Hunter’ Slides
Week 6 Slides
Assignment 2 Handout (Analysis of a Myth) (Due April 2)
Reminder: Assignment 1 Due on February 17
Practitioners and Altered States of Consciousness (Feb 23, 25)
Film Questions for Holy Ghost People
Flow of Events in Holy Ghost People
Healing and Death (March 3, 5, 10)
Film Questions for Healers of Ghana
Midterm II Exam Study Guide
Witchcraft (March 10, 12, 17)
Midterm II — March 19 (In Regular Class Time)
III. Contemporary Expressions of Religion
Syncretism and Religious Movements (March 24, 26)
Film Questions for Trobriand Cricket
Vodou and Davis Discussions (March 31, April 2, April 7)
Discussion Questions for Serpent and the Rainbow
Questions for The Serpent and the Rainbow Film
Final Quiz Study Guide
Applied Anthropology and Sacred Sites (if time) (April 7)
Final Quiz – April 9 (In Regular Class Time)
Other Resources for Anthropology 1130
List of Ethnographies by Series
List of Ethnographies by Geographical Region
Anthropology of Religion websites via my del.icio.us account; if you have suggestions to add to this list, please email the links to me. (Constantly Updated)
Books Discussed or Referred to In Class (via Library Thing; Constantly Updated)
Books about Vodou (Via Library Thing; Constantly Updated)
Articles about Vodou (Via CiteULike.org; Constantly Updated)
Anthropology of Religion Reference Books
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