AN3008 - Myth, Ritual and Religion

Myth and ritual are universal features of human thought and practice and, as such, they reveal vital insights into the nature of human being. Through the careful examination of myths and rituals from different cultural contexts, the subject explores the imaginative engagement between people and their worlds and critically evaluates various anthropological approaches and theoretical contributions to the study of myth, ritual and religion. Students will explore why humans create and articulate myths, and the significance of common themes in myths from different cultural, geographical and historical contexts. Theories concerning the relationship between myth and ritual and the importance of ritual as a special type of human individual and collective practice are examined. Topics covered include contemporary issues of religious conflict and violence, religion and ecological crisis, the role that myth, ritual and religious experiences play in human responses to sickness, death and uncertainty, the aesthetics of ritual symbolism, the power of ritual objects, and the efficacy of ritual performances, such as in initiation rites, healing rites, trance, sacrifice, spirit possession, shamanism, witchcraft, sorcery, and rituals of the state.

Learning Outcomes

• identify and discuss the major anthropological approaches to myth, ritual and religion;
• use anthropological concepts and theories to critically analyse myths, rituals and religious practices from different cultural contexts;
• evaluate the ways that religious beliefs and practices relate to other social institutions such as the state and the market;
• apply anthropological research methods to the analysis of ritual and religious practices.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Participation > Online participation - (30%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.