Rites of Passage in Cross-Cultural Perspective
( 25 Modules )

Module #1
Introduction to Rites of Passage
Defining rites of passage and their significance in human societies

Module #2
Theoretical Foundations
Van Genneps theory of rites of passage and its applications

Module #3
Birth and Initiation
Rites of passage at birth and early childhood across cultures

Module #4
Coming of Age:Male Initiations
Initiation rituals for boys and young men in various societies

Module #5
Coming of Age:Female Initiations
Initiation rituals for girls and young women in various societies

Module #6
Marriage and Union
Rites of passage surrounding marriage and partnership across cultures

Module #7
Rites of Passage in Indigenous Cultures
Case studies of rites of passage in indigenous communities worldwide

Module #8
Rites of Passage in Asian Cultures
Examining rites of passage in Buddhist, Hindu, and Shinto traditions

Module #9
Rites of Passage in African Cultures
Exploring rites of passage in traditional African societies

Module #10
Rites of Passage in European Cultures
Rites of passage in historical and contemporary European societies

Module #11
Rites of Passage in Latin American Cultures
Examining rites of passage in Mesoamerican and South American cultures

Module #12
Death and Mourning
Rites of passage surrounding death and the afterlife across cultures

Module #13
Pilgrimage and Spiritual Quests
Rites of passage on spiritual journeys and pilgrimages

Module #14
Contemporary Rites of Passage
Modern adaptations and reinventions of traditional rites of passage

Module #15
Rites of Passage and Identity
How rites of passage shape and reflect individual and group identities

Module #16
Rites of Passage and Power Dynamics
Examining the role of power and authority in rites of passage

Module #17
Rites of Passage and Gender
The intersection of gender and rites of passage in various societies

Module #18
Rites of Passage and Material Culture
The significance of material objects in rites of passage

Module #19
Rites of Passage and Performance
The performative aspects of rites of passage and their cultural significance

Module #20
Rites of Passage and Ritual Failure
When rites of passage go wrong:examining failure and its consequences

Module #21
Rites of Passage and Globalization
How globalization is impacting traditional rites of passage

Module #22
Rites of Passage in Virtual Worlds
Exploring rites of passage in online communities and virtual realities

Module #23
Methodologies for Studying Rites of Passage
Approaches and challenges in researching and documenting rites of passage

Module #24
Ethical Considerations
Ethical issues in researching and representing rites of passage

Module #25
Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion
Planning next steps in Rites of Passage in Cross-Cultural Perspective career

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