Course Syllabus
Instructor: Ted Vial
E-mail: tvial@iliff.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Course Synopsis
When asked to define religion, most people will begin with belief. This is not surprising in a culture deeply influenced by Protestantism (“justification by faith”). But one could argue (as some have) that it is ritual that defines religious groups, creates religious identity, even forms religious beliefs and structures how we view the world. By reading some of the most important ‘classic’ and recent theorists of ritual, and by learning to observe and understand ritual behavior, this class will examine the important role of ritual in religion. The exciting and sometimes profound thought that has been developed in the field of religious studies can also help us understand the importance and role of ritualized behavior in other important arenas of human behavior (such as politics and sports).
Books for the Course
Arnold Van Gennep, The Rites of Passage (Chicago 1960).
Other readings are available on the course Canvas page.
See Taylor Library's list of online book sellers for purchasing options.
Course Summary:
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