Module #1 Introduction to Religion and Ritual Overview of the course, exploring the significance of religion and ritual in cultural anthropology
Module #2 Defining Religion and Ritual Examining the concepts of religion and ritual, their meanings, and their significance in human societies
Module #3 Theories of Religion Exploring different theoretical approaches to understanding religion, including functionalism, structuralism, and symbolism
Module #4 Ritual and Symbolic Action Analyzing the role of ritual and symbolic action in religious practices, including the concept of thick description
Module #5 Religion and Culture Examining the relationship between religion and culture, including the concept of cultural relativism
Module #6 Religion and Society Exploring the role of religion in shaping social structures, institutions, and norms
Module #7 Ritual and Performance Analyzing the performative aspects of ritual, including drama, spectacle, and embodied practice
Module #8 Religion and Power Examining the relationship between religion and power, including the concept of ideology
Module #9 Ritual and Identity Exploring how ritual practices shape and reflect individual and collective identities
Module #10 Religion and Morality Examining the relationship between religion and moral values, including the concept of moral absolutism
Module #11 Ritual and Emotion Analyzing the emotional and psychological dimensions of ritual practice
Module #12 Case Study:Indigenous Religions Examining the religious practices and beliefs of indigenous cultures around the world
Module #13 Case Study:World Religions Exploring the major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism
Module #14 Ritual and Material Culture Analyzing the material aspects of ritual practice, including artifacts, architecture, and art
Module #15 Religion and Media Examining the role of media in shaping religious practices and beliefs in the modern world
Module #16 Ritual and Globalization Exploring the impact of globalization on religious practices and beliefs
Module #17 Case Study:New Religious Movements Examining the rise and spread of new religious movements, including their beliefs and practices
Module #18 Ritual and Tourism Analyzing the relationship between ritual practices and tourism, including the concept of cultural appropriation
Module #19 Religion and Politics Examining the relationship between religion and politics, including the concept of civil religion
Module #20 Ritual and Conflict Exploring the role of ritual in situations of conflict and violence
Module #21 Case Study:Religious Pluralism Examining the challenges and opportunities of religious pluralism in modern societies
Module #22 Ritual and Emplacement Analyzing the relationship between ritual practices and the natural environment
Module #23 Religion and Cognitive Science Exploring the cognitive and neurological basis of religious beliefs and practices
Module #24 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Religion and Ritual in Cultural Anthropology career
