Re St 368 - Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

What is religion? In this course, we explore how religious ritual may help to clarify the nature and function of religion. We first consider some "classic" theories of religion and ritual, such as those of James Frazer, Sigmund Freud, Emile Durkheim, Mircea Eliade, Max Weber, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, and Clifford Geertz. We also consider some more recent theories of ritual and its relationship to religion (such as those of Victor Turner and Maurice Bloch). Alongside and in light of these theoretical writings, we look at specific instances of ritual practice from various cultures and periods. Note: This course is required for Religious Studies majors and minors. It is recommended that this course be taken after completion of Re St 202 and Re St 203.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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