Week 6 - How do people ascribe meaning to life?
Overview: This week we delve into belief systems and organized religion. By the end of the week you will:
- be familiar with the anthropological approach to religion
- have some basic knowledge about a variety of belief systems
- be able to identify commonalities between different belief systems
- identify the connections between belief systems
- recognize the role of religion in culture change
- understand the function of religion within a society
| Readings | CK: 9 ER: Lindholm & Lindholm SM: 27, 29 |
| Lecture | Religion 1 Video | PPT only | MP3 | text Religion 2 Video | PPT only | MP3 | text |
| Assignments | 7/31: Religion PPT 8/1-3: Discussion Board |
| Study Questions | What is the anthropological definition of religion? What are the three parts of religion? What is the difference between animism and animatism? What is mana? What is Durkheim's view on the sacred? What is ritual and what is its purpose? How does comunitas and portrayal influence relate to the study of religion? What is the difference between the law of similarity and the law of contagion? Name and describe the various religious practicioners. Name and define the various patterns of belief? What is the role of religion in social change? What is the function of religion? |
| Optional Readings |
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