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Anthropology of Magic and Religion

ANTH B352-001

Instructor: Kimberly Cavanagh

Class Info:
Library 237
South Campus
T/TH: 12:151:30

Course Description
A comparative examination
of such topics as ritual,
cosmology, revitalization
movements, magic, witchcraft,
myth and possession. Satisfies
USCB General Education
Global Citizenship and
Multicultural Understanding
Requirement. (USCB 20122013 Bulletin)

Office Info:
South Campus,
Library 258
843-208-8347
kcavanagh@uscb.edu

Office Hours:
M/W/F: 11-12:30
T/Th: 10:45-12:15
By appointment

Course Objectives and Learning

Outcomes

Drawing on local perspectives and making cross-cultural connections, this

course examines religious practices and belief systems (including myth,
magic and witchcraft) from cultures around the world. Through lectures,
films, experiential learning, ethnographic readings and discussion, we will
challenge the images and assumptions made about contemporary religious
beliefs and followers by mass media. The course will attempt to foster an
understanding of how religions are mediated through socio-economic and
geo-political factors, along with a comparative exploration of specific case
studies from a variety of global regions including the Middle East and
North Africa, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Just a few of the topics to be examined include issues of identity, language,

gender, tourism, economics, migration, and globalization. Additionally, we
will discuss the role and purpose of myths from the past and situate them
within our own culture today though a critical exploration of
contemporary texts that have captured our national (and global)
imagination, including Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, Lord of the
Rings, and The Hunger Games.
Required Textbooks:

1) Magic Witchcraft and
Students who complete this course with a grade of C or better should be
Religion: A Reader in the
able to do the following:
Anthropology of Religion 9th ed.
Be able to identify and challenge their cultural assumptions in order
by Moro and Myers, 2013
to better understand other belief systems.
(ISBN: 13 9780078034947)
Have the tools to analyze and discuss both traditional topics in the
AND
anthropology of religionsuch as symbols and mythsand more
2) Religions in Practice, 6th ed.
recent onessuch as the globalization of religion and the role of myth
By Bowen, 2014 (ISBN: 10:
in contemporary story telling, and using anthropological terminology
to do so
0205917666
Understand how social systems impact supernatural beliefs and
practices in different cultural settings.
Additional readings may be
Participate in current social, economic, and political discussions
assigned and will be available
focusing on the presence of a variety of belief systems within
via the course Blackboard page
cultures in a global society
under the heading Readings.

Critique and analyze images of religious followers found within

All readings must be completed
various media
BEFORE class.
Develop, conduct, and analyze original ethnographic research based
on a local religious/spiritual community

Prerequisites: None
Credit Hours: 3

Course Readings

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ANTHROPOLOGY OF MAGIC AND RELIGION

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Verification and Evaluation

The student will demonstrate competency in
these areas through
1. Regular attendance to class and being
prepared to discuss questions based on
lecture materials, readings, and class
activities
2. Completing and obtaining an overall
average grade of C or better based on the
designated activities

Assignment
Total Possible Points
Mid-term Exam
15%
Final Take Home Exam
15%
In class quizzes/Activities
10%
IRB Training
10%
Spiritual Narrative
10%
Rite of Passage Narrative
10%
Ethnographic Research Paper
30%

Accommodating Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you
have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your
performance in this class, please contact the Office of Career Services/Disability Services at
843-208-8263 as soon as possible. The Career Services/Disability Services Office will
determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation. Please refer to
the USCB Student Handbook, the USCB Bulletin, or the USCB web site for more information.

Blackboard
Blackboard. You are expected to access Blackboard and make sure that your email address in
correct. If you do not, you will miss out on important, and often time sensitive, class updates.
Check Blackboard daily!
Your grades will be posted on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to double check the grades
posted with the grade you received on your assignment/exam. You MUST inform me of any
discrepancies within 3 class meetings after posting. Do NOT wait until the end of the semester
to verify your grades!

Email Etiquette
Below are the guidelines I expect you to follow
when emailing me (or any of your other professors,
for that matter!)
1. Your email should include the name and number
of the class.
2. Include greetings and SIGN YOUR NAME!
3. Emails should be detailed yet concise.
4. The grammatical and sentence structure should
be appropriate (avoid overusing emoticons,
texting, or chat acronyms).
5. The format of any attachments should be either
in .pdf, .doc or .docx format.
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Course Requirements

Missed Exams
I do NOT give make-up exams. If you
miss the mid-term exam, then the
grade you earn on the final exam will
be counted as double. All students
MUST take the final exam. If you miss
the final exam, you will receive zero
(0%) for it.

Remember

Attendance

Attendance means more than just

being physically in the classroom.
You must also be present mentally.
In addition, either turn your cell
phone off or turn it to silent mode
when in class. Text messaging, web
browsing, movie watching, etc. will
not be tolerated during class. If you
read, sleep, or repeatedly talk
during the lecture or films you may
be asked to leave class and be
marked absent for that day.

Attendance will be taken at the start of each class by

means of a sign-in sheet. It is your responsibility to
ensure that you sign in every class. If you know you will
be absent, it is strongly recommended that you contact
me beforehand.
USCB requires the regular reporting of student
attendance. Any student who does not attend class on a
regular basis [more than 3 absences] WILL be subject to a
grade penalty. For a clarification of the university's
attendance policy; see the appropriate pages in the
Undergraduate Studies Bulletin.

Assignments
All work is due on the date assigned. I do NOT accept
late work without penalty (1pt per day late) unless
there is a valid reason for it (such as an accident,
major illness, or comparable situationsimply
stating that you were ill will NOT be sufficient unless
you contacted me beforehand). If you know that you
have a conflict with an assignment date (for example,
if you are a member of an athletic team at USCB and
you will be out of town), please contact me at least
ONE WEEK prior to the due date to make alternate
arrangements.
I do NOT accept assignments via email. If you have
absolutely no alternative and cannot submit it by the
stated time due to unforeseen circumstances, email
me with an explanation. However, do NOT assume
that I have received your email until you get a
confirmation email from me. We will make
arrangements for when and how you should hand in
your assignment.

I expect that all written assignments

produced outside of class will be completed
in a professional manner. This means that
each assignment (excluding in-class
activities and exams) MUST be typed (12pt
font, preferably in Times or Times New
Roman), double-spaced, one inch margins,
black ink, white paper, use standard capital
and small letters, cite sources and
quotations (course citation guide available
just ask!), use paragraphs properly, and
demonstrate thoughtful consideration of
your topic and sources. Papers should be
free from spelling errors and grammatical
errors (make the most of your word
processor program!!). Pages should also be
numbered, preferably in the bottom center
or top right corner. You will submit
assignments as per the directions on the
assignment instructions.

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Grading Guidelines
Please use these guidelines for all course work.
"A" 90-100%: With Distinction - Exceeds academic standards: Superior application of
communication concepts and principles as outlined in readings and exercises. Clearly follows
assignment guidelines/requirements. Superb analysis, insight, and thought. No grammatical,
spelling, punctuation, format, and/or typographical errors.
B+ 85-89: Superior - Meets academic standards. Work that is quite good. Sometimes,
beautifully written and well argued papers that are simply uninteresting. Very few
grammatical, spelling, punctuation, format, and/or typographical errors.
"B" 80-84%: Very Good - Approaches academic standards: Effective application of
communication concepts and principles as outlined in readings and exercises. Follows
assignment guidelines/requirements. Approaches effective analysis, insight, and thought. A
minimum number of grammatical, punctuation, format, typographical errors.
C+ 75-79: Average. Some application of communication concepts and principles as
outlined in readings and exercises. Misses a few assignment guidelines/requirements.
Approaches ineffective analysis, insight, and thought. A moderate number of grammatical,
spelling, punctuation, format, and typographical errors.
"C" 70-74%: Satisfactory - Does not approach academic standards. Most often work in this
category is overly simplistic. The student fails to prove his or her argument and support the
assertions made in their work. Specific details are avoided in favor of broad generalizations.
Often assignments will be mechanically correct, but fail to exhibit the analytical skill
necessary for college level work or is structured like a high school paper. Or an assignment
may be brilliant, but the writer is mechanically sloppy. Papers with multiple mechanical
errors (grammar, punctuation, usage) will never receive higher than a "C."
D+ 65-69: Marginal Pass. Work that shows some effort, originality or potential, but is not
of sufficient quality for college-level courses. Most often this grade is received for good papers
which do not follow the assignment or thoughtful work which are riddled with mechanical
errors.
"D" 60-64%: Minimum Pass - Barely meets academic standards. An inconsistent application
of communication concepts and principles as outlined in readings and exercises. Misses
several assignment guidelines/requirements. Ineffective analysis, insight, and thought.
Frequent grammatical, spelling, punctuation, format, and typographical errors.
"F" 0-59%: Unsatisfactory - Does not meet academic standards. There is little/no sign of
awareness of communication principles/ concepts as outlined in readings and exercises. No
comprehensive analysis, insight, and thought. Misses key assignment guidelines and
requirements. Frequent and serious grammatical, spelling, punctuation, format,
typographical errors. Evident carelessness or failure to complete the assignment according
to directions or failure to submit the complete assignment by the due date.

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A Note Concerning Plagiarism

Dont do it. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. The University of South CarolinaBeaufort has clearly articulated its policies governing academic integrity. Any deviation from
these expectations will result in academic penalties as well as disciplinary action, even a first
offense. Each student is expected to be familiar with and follow the requirements of the USCB
Honor Code. The honor code states that a student may not cheat on any quiz, examination, or
other graded work nor assist another student to do so. Cheating may include, but is not limited
to, direct copying of another persons work, use of unauthorized materials during exams or
quizzes, or representing another persons work as ones own. Any student who engages in
plagiarism will receive an automatic F or failing grade for the course and may be subject to
review by the Academic Honor Board. For more information on campus policies see the USCB
Student Handbook, the USCB Bulletin and/or the USCB Web site. For additional information see:
www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/plagiarism.html
The area of greatest potential risk for inadvertent academic dishonesty is plagiarism. Plagiarism
includes, but is not limited to, paraphrasing or direct quotation of the published or unpublished
work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. I will post a citation guideline
on Blackboard for reference. I do not care which format of citation you use; choose one and be
consistent.

Expectations of the Instructor

I am here to facilitate learning, to answer questions appropriately, to be fair and objective in
grading, to provide timely and useful feedback on assignments, to maintain adequate office
hours, and to treat you (the students) in a respectful manner. I will respect every students
perspective, and attempt to balance all perspectives and allow every student a voice. If you feel
uncomfortable in class, you can expect me to listen your concerns.

Amending the Syllabus

Extra Credit Opportunities

Amendments and changes to the syllabus,

including evaluation and grading
mechanisms, are possible (although unlikely).
The instructor must initiate any changes.
Changes to the grading and evaluation scheme
must be voted on by the entire class and
approved only with unanimous vote of all
students present in class on the day the issue
is decided. The lecture schedule and reading
assignments (daily schedule) will not require
a vote and may be altered at the instructors
discretion. Grading changes that unilaterally
and equitably improve all students grades
will not require a vote. Once approved,
amendments will be distributed in writing to
all students via Blackboard.

There will be opportunities throughout the

semester to receive extra credit (up to a
possible total of 4 points). These opportunities
will be announced in class and via Blackboard.
Typically, extra credit opportunities will be in
the form of campus lectures, films, or readings
and will require a 2-page minimum write up.
Exact details of what will be expected will be
given with the EC announcement
Remember, your final grade is not under my
control but rather under YOURS. Complete
the readings and assignments on time,
attend class, actively take notes (during
lectures, films, and readings), ask
questions, and have fun and your grade will
reflect your effort.

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PRIMATES, PEOPLE, AND PREHISTORY

Date
8/21
8/26-8/28

Course Schedule

Topic

Lets Get Started! What

is Anthropology?
Anthropological
Research Methods and
Ethics

Readings

Notes

8/26: Body Ritual

Among the
Nacerima by Miner
(in class NOT on
Blackboard)

Last day to add/drop (without W) (8/27)

Other: Introduce Spiritual Narrative
Other: Introduce IRB Training Assignment

8/26: Fieldwork:
Collecting
Information by
Salzman, King,
Moloney, and
Mendoza-Denton
(Blackboard)

9/2-9/4

Anthropological
Perspectives on
Religion

8/28: Thinking and

Acting Ethically in
Anthropology by
Kingsolver
(Blackboard)
9/2: Bowen (Ch. 1)
9/4: MM (Eller 1)
9/9: MM (Harris 3)

Labour Day: No Classes 9/1

Film: Strange Beliefs: Sir Edward EvansPritchard (52 min)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q9HyONL
_10)
Other: Introduce Research Paper

9/9-9/16

Understanding
Religion and Overview
of World Religions

9/18-9/23

Speech, Relics, and

Power

9/25-9/30

Religion and Healing

9/9: Bowen (Ch. 2 &

3)
9/11: Bowen (Ch.
12)
9/11: MM (Wagner)
9/16: MM (Lee 4)
9/18: Bowen (Ch.11
and 13)
9/23: MM (Geertz 9)
9/23: Bowen (Ch. 7 &
8)
9/25: Bowen (Ch. 5)
9/25: MM (Gilmore
30)
9/30: Spirits,
shamans, and
nightmare death:
Survivor stress in a
Hmong refugee by
Tobin and Friedman
(Blackboard)
9/30: MM (Fadiman
28)

Other: Spiritual Narrative due (9/9)

Film: Around the World in 80 Faiths (59 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzCPg9Uw
F-4
Other: IRB Training Assignment due (9/11)
Other: Ethnography Site Selection paragraph
due in class (9/11)

The Split Horn (56 min)

Other: Ethnography Participant Observation
Narrative due (9/30)

10/2-10/7

Shamanism and
Review

10/9

MID-TERM

10/1410/21

Rites of Passage and

Rituals

10/2110/30

11/611/13

Witchcraft, Magic, and

Sorcery

Myth

10/2: MM (Vitebsky
17)
10/7: MM (Turner 16)

10/14: Bowen (Ch. 4)

10/14: MM (Turner
11)
10/16: MM (Kapchan
15)
10/16: MM (Myerhoff
13)
10/21: Bowen (Ch. 6)
10/28: MM (Gmelch
35)
10/28: MM (Brown
36)
10/30: MM
(Luhrmann 33)
11/6: MM (Narayan 7)
11/11: MM
(Daugherty 10)

Film: Shamanism: a universal science (39 min)

(10/7) Come prepared for peer-driven midterm review
Last day to drop classes without a WF
(10/9)
Film: Sweating Indian Style: Conflicts over
Native American Ritual (57 min)
Film: Inside Mecca (60 min)
Other: Introduce Rites of Passage Narrative
Assignment
Film: High Sheriff, Lowcountry Witch Doctor
(30 min)
Fall Break: No Classes 10/23-10/24
Other: Ethnography Interview Narrative due
10/30
Film: The Message of the Myth (58 min)
Election Day: No Class 11/4
Other: Rites of Passage Narrative
Assignment due (11/13)

11/18

Virtual Religion

11/18: Bowen (Ch. 15)

11/2011/25

Secularisms and
Religions in Modern
States

11/20: Bowen (Ch. 16)

11/25: MM
(Juergensmeyer 45)

12/11

Final Exam

Other: Hand out Take Home Final Exam

Final Exam due (12/11)