Myth, Ritual, and Belief
Anthropology of Religion
Anth 226
Norbert O. Ross
Spring 2004
COURSE OUTLINE
Topic of the class. The class will be exploring different theories, as well as facets of religion. (myth, ritual, syncretism etc.). Part 1 deals with different approaches to religion in the course of anthropological / sociological history. Several aspects discussed during this part of the class will be taken up later during the exploration of more specific issues. After this initial part we will be looking at myth, cosmological orders as well as the role and function of rituals. During all these discussions it is important not to define religion as something “others” have – different from ones own religion – but to explore our own set of beliefs, myths etc. In this section we will also be looking at shamanism, witchcraft, transgression of boundaries and some aspects of the interplay of religion and the environment. In the final section of the class we will be looking at the role of syncretism and religious conversion. During the whole class we will be addressing different approaches within the study of religion. For example, several researchers explore potential origins of religion, while for others religion as a tool to exert control and to establish group memberships are the focal point.
Structure of the Class. The class is divided into a research part and a seminar / lecture. The research projects (see document) will be carried out parallel to the regular class. For the research we will be splitting up in smaller groups, who will meet with me individually. Each group will periodically report on their findings to the class. Generally, I expect the research projects to explore different religious groups. However, I am open to allow for changes.
The regular class is taught in a lecture / seminar style. This means student’s participation is an important ingredient! Aside from lectures with no reading assignments, there will be lectures based on common readings. During these classes I will be asking students to summarize an argument for me etc. In other cases we will be discussing common readings as a class with students taking over (initiating and guiding) the discussions.
Attendance is required and it is of utmost importance that you come prepared to class. Rather than coming unprepared don’t come at all (both will be reflected in the grade!). For some of the readings (marked in the syllabus) students are asked to write reaction papers. Reaction papers are one page (max. two) long and are due the day of the class in which we discuss the respective reading. The papers will be graded and hence I cannot accept late papers! (This would give an undue advantage for the latecomers as they could work their paper based on the class discussion.) The papers are intended to help you focus your thoughts and come prepared to class. At the same time they allow me to evaluate your efforts and advances. Reaction papers are not summaries of the readings! In the reaction paper you are expected to discuss the major argument of the paper (and maybe some other points). Discussing means you have to briefly explain why you agree / disagree with the paper and / or what other thoughts / question the paper stimulated in you. If students come prepared to class and participate actively in the discussions I will have enough material to base my grading on. However, if this is not the case I will use pop-quizzes to get a better idea about individual student’s advances. There might be outside speakers as well as fieldtrips to local temples during the class.
Research Projects. For the
research projects individuals will split up in several groups each dedicated to
a specific religious group. (As mentioned in special cases I might allow a
research group to focus on a specific topic rather than a religious group.)
Each person will participate in conducting (1) a literature review and (2) two
sets of interviews. Periodically, each group will report their advances to the
class. Research groups will be composed of several individuals (depending on
how many religious groups we find in the
In addition to the readings we discuss in class each student
will write a Book Review of “P. van der Veer,
Religious Nationalism: Hindus and Muslims in
Lambeck, M. A Reader in the Anthropology of Religion. The book presents the writings of the most important thinkers in the Anthropology of Religion.
Atran, S. In Gods we Trust. The book presents a cognitive account of religion.
I will assign chapters on a weekly basis. Even if not explicitly assigned, all chapters must be read during the course of this class. In addition we will be reading several papers that can be accessed through the Library Online journals.
Book for Review:
Van der Veer, P. Religious Nationalism: Hindus and Muslims in India. The book centers on the dispute over the Babari mosque of Ayodhya that was demolished by Hindus in 1992.
Grading: Individuals grade are a composite of several items:
40% class participation / reaction papers
30% research project
30% book review
As with all Vanderbilt courses, the honor code will be followed and all assignments should be the independent work of the student unless otherwise arranged by me. Both the reaction papers as well as the book review are individual projects.
Graduate students. In addition to the mentioned requirements graduate students will be writing a 10-page paper on a topic of their choosing (relevant to the class and approved by me). Due day draft: 03.01.04; Due date final paper: 04.26.04 (no late papers will be accepted!).