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ANTH 5: Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (hybrid) Spring 2013

Professor Debbie Klein Section 40006, SS 205, W 12:50-2:10 Office hours: T 12:45-2:15, W 11:30-12:30 & by appt. @ SS 106 Phone: 408-848-4834 Email: dklein@gavilan.edu Website: hhh.gavilan.edu/dklein ilearn: www.gavilan.edu/disted/ Login information: gavilan.edu/disted/index_tour/tutorial_moodle_02.html

Hybrid Details This is a hybrid course. We meet face to face on Wednesdays and online throughout the semester. You need to purchase or rent three textbooks for this course: The Anthropology of Religion (2nd ed.) by Bowie; In Sorcery's Shadow by Stoller; and Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn (3rd ed.) by Brown. These textbooks are available at the Gavilan library, the Gavilan bookstore, and textbook websites. Course Description This course examines religious and spiritual practices from a cross-cultural and comparative perspective. Over the course of the semester, we will define the key concepts of this course—magic, witchcraft and religion. We will examine connections between the concepts of race, nation and religion: do certain nations look to religion and magic while others look to rationality and science? This course introduces students to: case studies from cultures throughout the globe; anthropological theory; and tools for cultural analysis. We will explore key issues and concepts central to the anthropology of religion through close readings of two ethnographies. In Sorcery's Shadow is about the journey of a US anthropologist conducting research with priests and priestesses in Niger. Mama Lola, a classic, focuses on the history and contemporary practice of vodou in Haiti and New York. Anthropological themes of this course include: cultural

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difference; ethnographic method; ritual; symbolism and the body; sex and gender; speech and power; and religious identity. We will explore the above topics through ethnographic readings, class discussions, films, short papers on the readings, and a final research paper based on your fieldwork in a local community of your choice. By getting a chance to choose, conduct, and write your own ethnographic project, you will practice skills you learn from the course—research methods; descriptive and reflexive writing; and cultural interpretation and analysis. Though we live in a mass mediated world (Internet, Facebook, blogs, Wikipedia, YouTube) where we skim and scroll through vast amounts of information everyday, this kind of “reading” is very different than reading in an intellectually curious and critical manner. In this spirit, I have tried to assign reading and writing that I think you will enjoy. No matter the length of the assignment, do your best to approach all reading and writing with deep inquiry and academic integrity.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Analyze and explain the major theoretical approaches of the Anthropology of magic, witchcraft and religion.

• Analyze and explain particular human behaviors involved in religion and the supernatural. • Assess various histories and politics of religions in western and non-western cultures. • Compare, contrast, and evaluate particular monotheistic and polytheistic religions. • Analyze and explain religious traditions as they are embedded within systems of race,

class, and gender. • Identify and demonstrate the importance and limitations of a culturally relativistic outlook

in today’s world. • Examine and analyze a local religious/spiritual community through ethnographic research

and reflexive, descriptive and analytical writing. • Each of the above outcomes will be measured by: response papers, quizzes, exams,

discussion participation and a semester-long research project. Course Requirements Class Participation 20% Response Papers 20% Midterm 25% Final Exam 15% Final Research Paper & Presentation 20% Class Participation & Attendance (20%) Attendance at all class meetings is required. Do not be late. Participation in our weekly online discussion forums is required. Since this is a hybrid course, your participation in our online forums is equivalent to showing up for class. Completion of all class assignments is required. IF YOU MISS THREE CLASSES, ASSIGNMENTS, AND/OR DISCUSSIONS, YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE COURSE. It is your responsibility to contact me regarding missed classes and work.

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You are expected to read the assignments before each class and come prepared to participate in class discussions and exercises. Be prepared to read between 40 to 130 pages a week. Please read critically and take notes, making sure you understand the authors’ main points. Also, I encourage you to keep a personal reading journal in which you write down your reflections and questions for class discussion. Response Papers (20%) Response papers based on specific readings or films will be assigned in advance. There are no make-up response papers; be sure to keep up with these weekly assignments. A response paper is 1-3 pages, typed and double-spaced. Your paper should make an argument or claim about the material. Support your claim with two to three main examples offered by the author or film. I am interested in your critical thinking here: tell me what you think about the piece and why. While some summary is fine, I do not want a summary paper. For example, you might consider these questions before you write: Given what the author or film was trying to convey, do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Do you have lingering questions about the material presented? Midterm (25%) The take-home midterm consists of two essays. Based on assigned readings, topics covered in class and videos, the first essay will require synthetic and critical thinking. The second essay gives you the opportunity to begin the process of formally writing up your fieldwork experience, using ethnographic writing techniques of thick description and analysis. Final Exam (15%) The final will be a take-home essay exam. Based on assigned readings, topics covered in class and videos, questions will require synthetic and critical thinking. Final Research Paper and Presentation (20%) Your 6-8 page final paper is due on the last day of class. The paper is based on your original ethnographic research in a local community of your choice. You will begin field research for this paper early in the semester. Throughout the semester, you will conduct two rounds of fieldwork for a total of four hours. However, you may conduct more fieldwork if you are inspired! You will give a brief oral presentation on your research during the last week of class. Final Grades YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL OF THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE. Your grade in the course will be based on: class participation & attendance (20%); response papers (20%); midterm (25%); final (15%); final research paper & presentation (20%). 90%-100% = A; 80%-90% = B; 70%-80% = C; 60%-70% = D; below 60% = F

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Important Notes

• If you require special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disabilities, please contact your instructor, counselor, or the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 848-4865.

• You are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.

Classroom Etiquette I aim to create and facilitate a productive, comfortable and exciting learning environment for each student. In order to do this, I need your cooperation and willingness to take this learning environment seriously. Here are some of my requirements:

• Walk into the classroom each day with an open and focused mind. • Turn off ALL electronic devices, including computers and phones. No texting. If you

text during class, you will be asked to leave and will be marked absent for the day. • No leaving early unless you have cleared it with me. • Be 100% present in body and mind.

Required Texts The textbooks are available at the Gavilan library, the Gavilan bookstore, and textbook websites. The videos are available on ilearn, at the Gavilan library, rental stores, and/or YouTube. You are required to view all videos and to read all articles and chapters posted to ilearn and distributed in class. Bowie, F. (2006). The Anthropology of Religion: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Malden, MA:

Blackwell Publishing. Stoller, P. (1989). In Sorcery's Shadow: A Memoir of Apprenticeship Among the Songhay of

Niger. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Brown, K. (2011). Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA:

University of California Press. Weekly Topics and Assignments Week One Interpreting Difference W Jan. 30 Review Syllabus and Course Expectations

Core values exercise Video: Ìlọrin Fieldwork 2012 by Debbie Klein

F Feb. 1 Reading due: Bohannan, L. (1966). Shakespeare in the bush: An

American anthropologist set out to study the Tiv of West Africa and was taught the true meaning of Hamlet. [pdf] Writing due: Post your introduction to the class AND Response paragraph to “Shakespeare in the Bush” article

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Week Two Anthropological Perspectives on Religion W Feb. 6 The Anthropology of Religion

Reading due: Chapter 1, The Anthropology of Religion Th Feb. 7 Writing due: Response to Chapter 1, The Anthropology of Religion AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Bowie 1” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Video: Tracking the Pale Fox (1983) Week Three The Body as Symbol W Feb. 13 Reading due: Chapter 2, The Anthropology of Religion Th Feb. 14 Writing due: Response to Chapter 2, The Anthropology of Religion AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Bowie 2” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Four Speech and Power W Feb. 20 The Rise of Falwellian Fundamentalism

Reading due: Harding, S. (1987). Convicted by the Holy Spirit: The Rhetoric of Fundamental Baptist Conversion.

Film: The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000) by Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato

Th Feb. 21 Writing due: Response to “Convicted by the Holy Spirit” AND

AND field project proposal AND Post your proposal to the class discussion called “proposal” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Video: Hell House (2001) by George Ratliff Week Five Witchcraft W Feb. 27 Ethnographic interviewing practice

Reading due: Chapter 8, The Anthropology of Religion Th Feb. 28 Writing due: Response to Chapter 8, The Anthropology of Religion AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Bowie 8” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Video: Strange Beliefs: Sir Edward Evans-Pritchard (1985)

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Week Six Spirit Possession in Niger W Mar. 6 Reading due: Prologue—p. 108, In Sorcery’s Shadow

Film: Les Maîtres Fous (1955) by Jean Rouch Th Mar. 7 Writing due: Response to prologue—p. 108, In Sorcery’s Shadow AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Stoller 1” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Seven Islam in West Africa W Mar. 13 African Religions and Islam

Reading due: p. 109—p. 232, In Sorcery’s Shadow Th Mar. 14 Writing due: Response to p. 109—p. 232, In Sorcery’s Shadow AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Stoller 2” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Eight Ritual and Rites of Passage W Mar. 20 Reading due: Chapter 6, The Anthropology of Religion

Film: The Ax Fight (1975) by Timothy Asch and Napoleon Chagnon Hand out take-home midterm

Th Mar. 21 Writing due: Response to Chapter 6, The Anthropology of Religion AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Bowie 6” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Nine Midterm W Mar. 27 No new reading due!

Film: N!ai: The Story of a !Kung Woman (1980) by John Marshall and Adrienne Miesmer

Th Mar. 28 Writing due: take-home midterm Week Ten Sex, Gender, and the Sacred W Apr. 3 Theories of Gender in Anthropology

Reading due: Chapter 4, The Anthropology of Religion Th Apr. 4 Writing due: Response to Chapter 4, The Anthropology of Religion AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Bowie 4” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Eleven Spring Break!

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Week Twelve Haitian Vodou W Apr. 17 Reading due: Prefaces, Introduction, Ch. 1, Mama Lola

Videos: True Voodoo Meet Mama Lola, True Voodoo Beer Garden Blessing

Th Apr. 18 Writing due: Response to Brown material AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Brown 1” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Thirteen Spirit of the Land, Spirit of War W Apr. 24 Reading due: Chs. 2-4, Mama Lola

Film: Haiti: Harvest of Hope (1994) by Kevin Pina and Stephen Most Th Apr. 25 Writing due: Response to Brown Chs. 2-4 AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Brown 2” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Fourteen Female Spirits, Spirit of Death and Rebirth W May 1 Reading due: Chs. 8, 11, 12, Mama Lola Th May 2 Writing due: Response to Brown Chs. 8, 11, 12 AND

Post your response to the class discussion called “Brown 3” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Fifteen Politics of Religious Identity W May 8 Reading due: Chapter 3, The Anthropology of Religion

Concluding discussion Th May 9 Writing due: Your thesis statement and supporting points AND

Post to the class discussion called “thesis” AND Reply to two of your classmates

Week Sixteen Your Research Presentations W May 15 Your Presentations Th May 16 Writing due: Final research paper Week Seventeen Exam Week W May 22 Final Exam due Additional Note This syllabus may be revised as the course goes on. You are responsible

for noting such changes and for keeping track of events and readings in the current syllabus.