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ANTH 304 Anthropology of Religion

This course takes a cross-cultural approach to religion in relation to the individual life cycle, social order and relations, and culture change. Students examine theoretical constructs and methods and their relation to a variety of religious beliefs and practices in the United States and globally.

Prerequisites

4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 1, 1998 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Understands anthropological approaches to the study of religion and appreciates that changing political and economic relation around the world have influenced these approaches.
  • Can analyze, evaluate, and write about religious beliefs with respect to the local and global contexts that help shape them.
  • Can critically analyze, at an upper division level, the history and context of religious belief and practices, and can write about this to evaluate one's own lived experience.
  • Understands the central role of religion in shaping social and individual identity.
  • Understands the role of religious conviction in mediating or fostering conflict in the contemporary world.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 8: Global Perspective

  • Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  • Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
  • Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

Fall 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Anthropology of Religion Santos, Jose L. Books for ANTH-304-50 Fall 2024 Course details for ANTH-304-50 Fall 2024