The main objective of this course is to explore the development of
anthropological approaches to the comparative study and analysis of
religious belief systems and practices in human societies.
Specifically, through ethnographic case studies and analytical essays,
we will critically examine the structure, organization,
manifestations, meaning and function of systems of religious symbols,
myths, and various forms of ritual acts/performances (e.g., spirit
possession, magic, witchcraft, divination, pilgrimage, and shamanism)
within particular social and cultural contexts.  The historically
changing importance of religion as a crucial part of cultural system
in different societies, the processes of religious change (including
but not limited to secularization/desecularization) and social
transformation and their impact on contemporary politics and violence
will be also discussed.

Required Texts (Some title may vary):
W. A. Lessa and E.Z. Vogt, eds.   Reader in Comparative Religion, 4th
edition.
Peter L. Berger,  The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory
of Religion.
Peter Berger, ed.  The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent
Religion and World Politics.
Clifford Geertz,   Islam Observed: Religious Development in Morocco
and Indonesia.
J. Eade and M. J. Sallnow,  Contesting the Sacred: The Anthropology of
Christian Pilgrimages.
F. G. Bailey,  The Witch-Hunt, or the Triumph of Morality.

Course Requirements (some elements may change):

Undergraduates: course grade will be based on two in class mid-terms
(each worth 50 points for a total of 100 points) and a final
examination (worth 100 points).  All exams will be essay form,
consisting of short-answer questions and longer essays. A five page
(double-spaced typed) critical and comparative review of two of the
ethnographic case studies with particular attention to their value as
effective anthropological contributions (lack thereof) to our
understanding of religion in human societies (worth 25 points).  And a
critical reading and  in-class discussion of weekly required readings
assignment (worth 15 points).  Attendance and participation in class
discussions worth 10 points.  No points will be assigned to students
missing more than three classes during the semester without a written
excuse.  For undergraduate students the course grade will be
determined on the basis of 250 cumulative points.

Graduate students: course grade will be based on two in-class
mid-terms and the final examination (worth 70% of course grade), and
submission of a term paper (worth 30% of course grade).  Topic of term
paper should be decided in consultation with the instructor.