ATH 240 - Witchcraft,Magic,& Sorcery

Institution:

Muhlenberg College

Subject:

Description:

This course will examine beliefs and practices of witchcraft, magic, and sorcery in both EuroAmerican and nonWestern societies. Emphasis will be placed on comparative analysis of the dynamics and functions of magical practice in crosscultural context. Special attention will be paid to answering the following questions: What sorts of cultural information are transmitted through acts of conjuring and witchcraft What are the social functions of magical ritual Why do cultures embrace notions of malevolent supernatural power How is sorcery used to control social behavior Topics to be addressed throughout the course include the functions of ritual, shamanism, magic, sorcery, vampirism, divination, possession, sacrifice, and the use of oracles. Taught every other year. Prerequisite: ATH 112 Cultural Anthropology or permission of instructor Meets general academic requirement R.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.muhlenberg.edu

Phone Number:

(484) 664-3100

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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