Campus

Onondaga
4585 West Seneca Turnpike Syracuse, NY 13215-4585
Record Status
Active
ANT 203
Magic, Witch & Rel
This course examines the nature and evolution of religious beliefs and practices across cultures. Many different cosmologies, mythologies, rituals, and magical systems of thought - such as animism, totemism, witchcraft, sorcery, and shamanism - will be explored from an anthropological perspective. Emphasis will be placed on the religions of indigenous societies and their unique cultural contexts. Students will also consider the role that religion plays in promoting cultural stability and in expressing patterns of cultural change due to colonialism and globalization.