Modern Shamanism: Ecstasy and Ancestors in the New Age
RELI 239
Spring 2021 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
REES 282 |
The wise and mysterious native shaman has long held a particular fascination for Western scholars of religion, but does this figure even exist? What does it mean to be a practicing shaman today? Beginning with Eliade's definition of "archaic ecstasy," we examine the idea of the shaman, their role in the New Age movement, and the challenges faced by contemporary indigenous shamans, from negotiating international intellectual property rights law to Ayahuasca tourism and environmental activism. Course materials are supplemented by A/V materials from the instructor's fieldwork in Siberia. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (REES-MN)(REES-Social Sci)(RELI-MN)(RELI)(STS) |
Major Readings:
Eliade, SHAMANISM
Castaneda, THE TEACHINGS OF DON JUAN
Kendall, SHAMANS, NOSTALGIAS AND THE IMF
Lindquist, HEALERS, LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS: SHAMANIC REVIVAL IN SOUTHERN SIBERIA
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Examinations and Assignments:
Readings, class participation and discussion. In class reading responses, two take-home essay question exams and one in-class final. Students interested in completing research projects in lieu of exams can discuss with instructor. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course fulfills the "Historical Traditions" requirement for the Religion major. |
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