ANTH 463
Religion and Society

Credit:  4 hours.


Course focuses on theoretical issues raised by religion. Does religion address itself essentially to intellectual, emotional or pragmatic issues? Is religion created by rulers, clerics or worshippers? How does the individual experience religion, and (how) can s/he reshape it? In exploring these and related issues, we will read the writings of German, French, and British social scientists of the past 150 years as well as work by contemporary anthropologists. Theoretical perspectives covered include symbolic, processual, materialist, structural-functionalist, structuralist, and postmodernist approaches. Same as RLST 463. Prerequisite: A 200-level course in cultural anthropology or consent of instructor; or graduate standing.