REL 170 - Myth, Ritual and Magic

Course Units: 1

(Same as ANT 170) (Not offered 2014-15) This course examines some of the theoretical issues surrounding myth, ritual and magic as well as specific examples of their cultural expression. How do people make sense of themselves, their society and the world through myth and ritual? How do cosmology and belief systems help them gain and organize knowledge about the world and themselves? The course will be examining a number of “occult” and “esoteric” practices, that is, practices that were not commonly known to all members of society, including sufism, kabbalah, alchemy, and shamanism. CC: HUM, LCC Electives (only one cross-listed course can count for the major or minor)