Module #1 Introduction to Comparative Anthropology of Magic and Religion Overview of the course, exploring the intersection of magic and religion across cultures
Module #2 Defining Magic and Religion Examining the concepts of magic and religion, their meanings, and implications for cross-cultural comparison
Module #3 Theories of Magic and Religion Survey of key theoretical approaches to understanding magic and religion, including functionalism, structuralism, and post-structuralism
Module #4 Shamanism:A Cross-Cultural Perspective In-depth examination of shamanism, its diverse forms, and its significance in various societies
Module #5 Witchcraft and Sorcery Comparative analysis of witchcraft and sorcery beliefs and practices across cultures, including African, Asian, and European traditions
Module #6 Divination and Prophecy Exploration of various forms of divination and prophecy, including oracles, augury, and scrying
Module #7 Ritual and Performance Analysis of the role of ritual and performance in magic and religion, including case studies from various cultures
Module #8 Magic and Ritual in Ancient Societies Examination of magic and ritual practices in ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece
Module #9 The Anthropology of Possession In-depth exploration of spirit possession, trance, and mediumship in various cultural contexts
Module #10 Magic and Religion in Indigenous Cultures Comparative study of magic and religion in indigenous cultures from around the world, including Native American, African, and Australian Aboriginal traditions
Module #11 Buddhism and the Supernatural Examination of the intersection of Buddhism and magical beliefs and practices in various Asian cultures
Module #12 Christianity and the Occult Analysis of the complex relationships between Christianity and various forms of magic and occultism
Module #13 Islam and Sufism Exploration of the mystical and magical dimensions of Islam, including Sufism and its various expressions
Module #14 Hinduism and the Occult In-depth examination of the role of magic and the occult in Hinduism, including tantric practices and mysticism
Module #15 Magic and Modernity Analysis of the impact of modernity on magic and religion, including the rise of new religious movements and contemporary spiritualities
Module #16 The Commodification of Magic and Religion Examination of the commercialization and popularization of magic and religion in the modern world
Module #17 Ethnographic Approaches to Magic and Religion Practical and methodological considerations for ethnographic research on magic and religion
Module #18 Debates and Controversies in the Anthropology of Magic and Religion Critical examination of ongoing debates and controversies in the field, including the politics of representation and the ethics of research
Module #19 Magic, Power, and Resistance Analysis of the relationships between magic, power, and resistance, including case studies of magical practices as forms of social and political protest
Module #20 Healing and Magic Examination of the intersections between magic, healing, and healthcare, including the role of traditional healing practices in modern healthcare systems
Module #21 Magic, Gender, and Sexuality Exploration of the relationships between magic, gender, and sexuality, including the role of magic in shaping and subverting gender norms
Module #22 Magic and Material Culture Analysis of the material dimensions of magic and religion, including the role of artifacts, symbols, and rituals in shaping cultural meanings
Module #23 Digital Magic and Religion Examination of the impact of digital technologies on magic and religion, including online spiritualities and virtual rituals
Module #24 Magic, Ecology, and the Environment Exploration of the relationships between magic, ecology, and the environment, including the role of magical practices in environmentalism and conservation
Module #25 Magic and Colonialism Critical examination of the impact of colonialism on magic and religion, including the histories of suppression, syncretism, and resistance
Module #26 Magic and Nationalism Analysis of the relationships between magic, nationalism, and identity, including the role of magical narratives in shaping national identity
Module #27 Magic and Globalization Examination of the impact of globalization on magic and religion, including the flows of magical ideas and practices across borders
Module #28 Magic and the State Exploration of the relationships between magic, the state, and governance, including the regulation and suppression of magical practices
Module #29 Magic, Ethics, and Morality Critical examination of the ethical and moral dimensions of magic and religion, including debates around morality, harm, and benefit
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Comparative Anthropology of Magic and Religion career
