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Anthropology of Religion, Symbolism and Rituals

Code: 101269 ECTS Credits: 6
2024/2025
Degree Type Year
2500256 Social and Cultural Anthropology OB 2

Contact

Name:
Virginia Fons Renaudon
Email:
virginia.fons@uab.cat

Teaching groups languages

You can view this information at the end of this document.


Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.

 


Objectives and Contextualisation

The course is taught during the second semester of the second year. It deals with the development of anthropological theory and the analysis of the cultural diversity of religion, rituals and symbolic-cognitive systems. In addition, it focuses on the application of disciplinary knowledge within these domains in order to identify and study current sociocultural realities (in particular, the analysis of both "traditional" and current rituals). Thus, its main goal is to critically address some assumptions, concepts and theories related to these fields of knowledge.

 


Competences

  • Act with ethical responsibility and respect for fundamental rights and duties, diversity and democratic values.
  • Apprehending cultural diversity through ethnography and critically assessing ethnographic materials as knowledge of local contexts and as a proposal of theoretical models.
  • Carry out effective written work or oral presentations adapted to the appropriate register in different languages.
  • Demonstrate skills for working autonomously or in teams to achieve the planned objectives including in multicultural and interdisciplinary contexts.
  • Students must be capable of applying their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and they should have building arguments and problem resolution skills within their area of study.
  • Students must be capable of collecting and interpreting relevant data (usually within their area of study) in order to make statements that reflect social, scientific or ethical relevant issues.
  • Students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the history of anthropological theory and the genesis of its basic concepts.
  • Take sex- or gender-based inequalities into consideration when operating within one's own area of knowledge.
  • Use digital tools and critically interpret specific documentary sources.
  • Using the discipline's ethnographic and theoretical corpus with analytical and synthesis skills.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Applying the basic concepts of the anthropological theory.
  2. Assess the reliability of sources, select important data and cross-check information.
  3. Assessing critically the explicit and implicit theoretical models in the ethnographic materials.
  4. Carry out ethical use of the information especially when it is of a personal nature.
  5. Communicate using language that is not sexist or discriminatory.
  6. Critically analyse the principles, values and procedures that govern the exercise of the profession.
  7. Critically identify and compose a basic bibliography for the field opf study.
  8. Establishing historical connection between ethnographic and theoretical development.
  9. Express ideas with a specific vocabulary appropriate to the discipline.
  10. Identify main and secondary ideas and express them with linguistic correctness.
  11. Identifying the sociocultural variability through ethnographic texts and audiovisual resources.
  12. Interpreting the cultural diversity through ethnography.
  13. Plan work effectively, individually or in groups, in order to fulfil the planned objectives.
  14. Summarising acquired knowledge about the origin and transformations experienced in the several fields of anthropology.
  15. Summarizing the characteristics of a written text in accordance to its communicative purposes.
  16. Weigh up the impact of any long- or short-term difficulty, harm or discrimination that could be caused to certain persons or groups by the actions or projects.

Content

The syllabus of this course focuses mainly on: the classical theories of religion, symbol, myth and ritual. It attempts to review key questions for the understanding of the religious phenomenon and to take an anthropological approach to different forms of symbolic communication and classification, symbolism, ritual processes and ritual dramas. Also, the course takes a close look on rituality and provides some current examples about symbolic representation (in its broader sense) and its symbolic effectiveness.

Thematic block I on religion

Topic 1: Social anthropology and the study of religion.

Topic 2: Review of key concepts: natural / supernatural, sacred / profane, nature / culture, visible / invisible, etc.

Topic 3: Definition of the religious phenomenon.

Thematic block II on the symbol and forms of classification

Topic 4: Symbolic thinking. The anthropological study of the symbol. Symbol, structure and forms of classification.

Topic 5: Symbolic analysis. The notion of symbolic efficiency.

Thematic block III on the myth and other forms of symbolic communication

Topic 6: The classic theories of myth. The structural analysis of the myth.

Topic 7: Examples of myths and other forms of symbolic communication.

Thematic block IV on the ritual, its content and its effectiveness

Topic 8: Anthropological study of the ritual (theoretical approaches). Symbolism, process and ritual dramas.

Topic 9: Definition of the ritual (characteristics, symbolic content and functions). Ethnographic examples on rituality in different societies. Contemporary rituals and symbolic acts of problematic classification. Process of constant change and creativity.

 


Activities and Methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Screening and further discussion of documentaries 5 0.2 1, 3, 11, 12
Theoretical lectures and lecturer-led practices 45 1.8 1, 3, 8, 11, 12, 14
Type: Supervised      
Supervision via group tutorials on observation, description and analysis of a ritual. Oral and public presentation of the analysis of that ritual 5 0.2 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14, 16
Type: Autonomous      
Comprehensive reading of texts 25 1 3, 8, 11, 13
Observation, description and analysis of a ritual, autonomously, individually or in group 20 0.8 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 14, 16
Personal study 25 1 3, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14

  • Lectures with ICT support and debate in a large group; viewing and discussion of ethnographic documentaries linked to religious systems and rituals; discussion of texts related to the different thematic blocks; discussion and analysis of rituals.
  • Definition of key concepts, especially religion, symbol, ritual and myth; Comprehensive reading of texts; application of theoretical concepts to the analysis of ritual situations; theoretical work and analysis of a ritual from a guide for its realization.

 

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Assessment

Continous Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Individual or collective practical work on the analysis of a ritual 30% 10 0.4 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 16
Individual theoretical work 50% 10 0.4 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Participation in theoretical discussion, practical work, tutorials and / or public presentation of a ritual 20% 5 0.2 1, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15

Continuous evaluation

The continuous evaluation system is organized into 3 modules, each of which has a specific weight in the final grade:

  1. Written test module (50%). The transversal knowledge of anthropological theory will be evaluated around the main thematic fields worked in the classroom.
  2. Practical work module (30%). A practical work will be evaluated upon the analysis of a ritual.
  3. Participation module (20%). This module is not re-evaluable. Classroom discussion of required reading texts and participation in practical work, tutorials and public presentation of the analytical work of a ritual will be assessed.  Both the tutorial and the presentation of the ritual are mandatory tests. Both the participation in the discussion and the delivery of the exercise that has been requested linked to the reading will be evaluated.

At the beginning of the course, the delivery dates of the assignments will be given, as well as the instructions for developing them. At the time of carrying out each evaluation activity, the lecturer will inform the students about the procedure and date for grade reviewing.

  • To have passed the subject, it is necessary to have passed modules 1 and 2 with a minimum grade of 5 each.
  • To be EVALUABLE, the student must have presented at least in modules 1 or 2 and have obtained a minimum grade of 5 in one of them.
  • Therefore, a student who has not completed these tests during the semester will NOT be EVALUABLE.
  • If the student is assessable, but does not pass modules 1 or 2, he / she will be able to recover it onthe date established by the Academic Management and which will be notified in the subject's Moodle.

Students who engage in misconduct (plagiarism or copying) in an assessment activity will receive a mark of “0” for the activity in question. In the case of misconduct in more than one assessment activity, the studentsinvolved will be given afinalmark of “0” for the subject.

 

Unique assessment

This mode of assessment foresees three activities on a date fixed at the end of the semester.

  1. Written test module (50%). Transversal knowledge of anthropological theory around the main thematic fields worked on in the classroom will be assessed.
  2. Practical work module (30%). A practical work on the analysis of a ritual will be assessed.
  3. Presentation module of the analytical work of a ritual (20%). Oral test.

The same assessment method as continuous assessment will be used.

 


Bibliography

Recommendation for students when citing bibliography: How to cite and prepare the bibliography: https://www.uab.cat/web/estudia-iinvestiga/com-citar-i-elaborar-la-bibliografia-1345708785665.html

 

Readings (Dossier)

Thematic block I on religion.

Evans-Pritchard, Edward E. (1991 [1965]). “Las teorías psicológicas” i “Las teorías sociológicas”. A: Las teorías de la religión primitiva. Madrid: S.XXI, pp. 41-82 i 83-128.

Delgado, Manuel (1993). “La religiosidad popular. En torno a un falso problema”. Gazeta de Antropología, 10.

Godelier, Maurice (2000 [1972]). “Hacia una teoría marxista de los hechos religiosos”. A: Economía, fetichismo y religión en las sociedades primitivas. Madrid: S.XXI, pp. 346-354.

Durkheim, Émile (2003 [1912]). “Definición del fenómeno religioso y de la religión”. A: Las formas elementales de la vida religiosa. Barcelona: Alianza, pp. 57-93.

Godelier, Maurice (2000 [1972]). “Lo visible y lo invisible en los baruya de Nueva Guinea”. A: Economía, fetichismo y religión en las sociedades primitivas. Madrid: S. XXI. pp. 355-365.

Sarró, Ramon (2007). “Cómo los pueblos sin religión aprenden que ya tenían religión: notas desde la costa occidental africana”. A: C. Salazar (coord.) Religió, Cultura i cognició. Perspectives des de l’antropologia, Quaderns de l’Institut Català d’Antropologia, 23, pp.103-121.

Thematic block II on the symbol and forms of classification.

Douglas, Mary (1991 [1966]). “La profanación secular”. A: Pureza y peligro. Un análisis de los conceptos de contaminación y tabú. Madrid:S. XXI, pp. 27-41.

Durkheim, Émile & Mauss, Marcel (1969 [1903]). “Sobre algunas formasprimitivas de clasificación. Contribución al estudio de las representaciones colectivas”. A: Durkheim E. (1996). Clasificaciones primitivas (y otros ensayos de antropología positiva). Barcelona: Ariel, pp. 25-103.

Turner, Victor (1980 [1967]). “Símbolos en el ritual Ndembu” i “La clasificación de los colores en el ritual Ndembu: un problema de clasificación primitiva”. A: La selva de los símbolos. Aspectos del ritual Ndembu. Madrid: S. XXI, pp. 21-52 i 65-102.

 

Thematic block III on the myth and other forms of symbolic communication.

Lévi-Strauss, Claude (1971 [1962]). “La ciència del concret”. A: El pensament salvatge. Barcelona: Edicions 62, pp. 19-50.

Bidou, Paul (1989 [1979]). “A propósito del incesto y de la muerte. Un mito de los indios tatuyo del noroeste de la Amazonia. A: Izard M. i Smith P. (eds.) La función simbólica. Madrid: Júcar, pp.113-145.

 

Thematic block IV on the ritual, its content and its effectiveness.

Lévi-Strauss, Claude (1987 [1958]). “La eficacia simbólica”. A: Antropología Estructural. Barcelona: Paidós, p. 211-227.

Douglas, Mary (1991 [1966]). “Magia y milagro”. A: Pureza y peligro. Un análisis de los conceptos de contaminación y tabú. Madrid: S. XXI, pp. 61-79.

Turner, Victor (1988 [1969]). “Niveles de clasificaciónde un ritual devida y muerte”. A: Proceso ritual. Madrid: Taurus, pp. 13-53 i 101-136.

Geertz, Clifford (1987 [1973]). “Ritual y cambio social: un ejemplo javanés”. A: La interpretación de las culturas. Barcelona: Gedisa, pp. 131-151.

Delgado, Manuel (1997). “Exorcismo y martirio delas imágenes. La iconoclastia como violencia corporal en las sociedades mediterráneas”. A: Checa F. i Molina P. (eds.), La función simbólica de los ritos. Rituales y simbolismo en el Mediterráneo. Barcelona: Icaria/ICA, pp. 367-398.

Christian, William (1995). “La devoció a les imatges brunes a Catalunya. La Mare de Déu de Montserrat”, Revista d’Etnologia de Catalunya, 6, pp. 24-33.

 

General bibliography

Cantón Delgado, Manuela (2001). La razón hechizada. Teorías antropológicas de la religión. Barcelona: Ariel.

Díaz Cruz, Rodrigo (1998). Archipiélagos de rituales. Teorías antropológicas del ritual. Barcelona: Anthropos.

Duch, Lluís (1997). Antropologia de la religió. Barcelona: Publicacions de l'Abadia de Montserrat.

Izard, Michel & Smith, Pierre (eds.) (1989 [1979]). La función simbólica. Madrid: Júcar.

Leach, Edmund (1978 [1976]). Cultura y comunicación. La lógica de la conexión de los símbolos. Madrid: S.XXI.

Morris, Brian (1995 [1987]). Introducción al estudio antropológico de la religión. Barcelona: Paidós.

Salazar, Carles (2009). Antropologia de les creences. Religió, simbolisme, irracionalitat. Barcelona: Ed. Fragmenta.

Sperber, Dan (1980 [1974]). El simbolismo en general. Barcelona: Anthropos.

Vallverdú, Jaume (2008). Antropología simbólica.Teoría y etnografía sobre religión, simbolismo y ritual. Barcelona: UOC.

Waal Malefijt, Annemarie de (1975). Introducción a la antropología religiosa. Estella: Verbo Divino.

 

*Para profundizar en los autores clásicos también pueden ser útiles las enciclopedias antropológicas:

Barnard, A. & J. Spencer (eds) (1996). Encyclopedia of Social and Cultural Anthropology. London & NY: Routledge.

Bonte, P. & M. Izard (eds) (1991). Dictionnaire de l’Ethnologie et de l’Anthropologie. Paris: PUF (Hi ha traducció al castellà editat per Akal el 1996).

 

Recommended bibliography (available an extensive bibliography by subjects)

Augé, Marc (1998). Dios como objeto. Símbolos-cuerpos-materias-palabras. Barcelona: Gedisa.

Balandier, Georges (1994 [1992]). El poder en escenas. De la representación del poder al poder de la representación. Paidós.

Douglas, Mary (1991 [1966]). Pureza y peligro. Un análisis de los conceptos de contaminación y tabú. Madrid: S. XXI.

Douglas, Mary (1998 [1996]). Estilos de pensar. Barcelona: Gedisa.

Geertz, Clifford (1994 [1968]). Observando el islam, Barcelona: Paidós.

Geertz, Clifford (1987 [1973]). La interpretación de las culturas. Buenos Aires: Gedisa.

Gledhill, John (2000 [1999]). El poder y sus disfraces. Barcelona: Edicions Bellaterra.

Griaule, Marcel (1987 [1948]). Dios de agua. Barcelona: Alta Fulla.

Leenhardt, Maurice (1997 [1947]). Do Kamo. La personne et le mythe dans le monde mélanésien. Paris: Gallimard.

Lévi-Strauss, Claude (1987 [1958]). Antropología estructural. Barcelona: Paidós.

Mallart, Lluís (1983). La dansa als esperits. Itinerari iniciàtic d’un medecinaire africà. Barcelona: La Llar del Llibre.

Turner, Victor (1990 [1967]). La selva de los símbolos. Madrid: SigloXXI.

Turner, Victor (1988[1969]). El proceso ritual. Estructura y antiestructura. Madrid. Taurus.

Ventura i Oller, Montserrat (2012). En el cruce de caminos. Identidad, cosmología y chamanismo Tsachila. Quito: FLACSO / Abya-Yala/ IFEA.

 


Software

Word processor (Word type), Powerpoint.


Language list

Name Group Language Semester Turn
(PAUL) Classroom practices 1 Catalan second semester morning-mixed
(TE) Theory 1 Catalan second semester morning-mixed