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
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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
Response Papers
Midterm
Final Exam
Final Research Paper & Presentation
20%
20%
25%
15%
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
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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:
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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
W Jan. 30
Interpreting Difference
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
W Feb. 6
Anthropological Perspectives on Religion
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
W Feb. 13
The Body as Symbol
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
W Feb. 20
Speech and Power
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
W Feb. 27
Witchcraft
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
W Mar. 6
Spirit Possession in Niger
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
W Mar. 13
Islam in West Africa
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
W Mar. 20
Ritual and Rites of Passage
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
W Mar. 27
Midterm
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
W Apr. 3
Sex, Gender, and the Sacred
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
W Apr. 17
Haitian Vodou
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
W Apr. 24
Spirit of the Land, Spirit of War
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
W May 1
Female Spirits, Spirit of Death and Rebirth
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
W May 8
Politics of Religious Identity
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
W May 15
Your Research Presentations
Your Presentations
Th May 16
Writing due: Final research paper
Week Seventeen
W May 22
Exam Week
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.
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