AN3008 - Myth, Ritual and Religion
Credit points: |
3 |
Year: |
2021 |
Student Contribution Band: |
Band
4 |
Administered by: |
College of Arts, Society & Education |
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.
Assumed Knowledge:
|
To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points
(four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level
|
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:
|
AN2008 AND SY2049 AND SY3049 |
Availabilities
|
Cairns,
Study Period 1,
Internal
|
Census Date 25-Mar-2021 |
Coordinator: |
Dr Michael Wood |
Lecturers:
|
Dr Michael Wood, Professor Rosita Henry. |
Workload expectations: |
The student workload for this
3
credit point subject is approximately
130 hours.
- 24 hours workshops
- 13 hours online content
- assessment and self-directed study
|
|
|
Townsville,
Study Period 1,
Internal
|
Census Date 25-Mar-2021 |
Coordinator: |
Dr Michael Wood |
Lecturers:
|
Dr Michael Wood, Professor Rosita Henry. |
Workload expectations: |
The student workload for this
3
credit point subject is approximately
130 hours.
- 24 hours online workshops
- 13 hours online content
- assessment and self-directed study
|
|
|
Cairns,
Study Period 1,
External
|
Census Date 25-Mar-2021 |
Coordinator: |
Dr Michael Wood, Professor Rosita Henry |
Workload expectations: |
The student workload for this
3
credit point subject is approximately
130 hours.
- 24 hours - Online Activities
- 13 hours online content
- assessment and self-directed study
|
|
|
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.