When asked to define religion, most people will begin with belief. This is not surprising in a culture deeply influenced by Protestantism (“justification by faith”). But one could argue (as some have) that it is ritual that defines religious groups, creates religious identity, even forms religious beliefs and structures how we view the world. By reading some of the most important ‘classic’ and recent theorists of ritual, and by learning to observe and understand ritual behavior, this class will examine the important role of ritual in religion. The exciting and sometimes profound thought that has been developed in the field of religious studies can also help us understand the importance and role of ritualized behavior in other important arenas of human behavior (such as politics and sports).
Arnold Van Gennep, The Rites of Passage (Chicago 1960).
Other readings are available on the course Canvas page.
See Taylor Library's list of online book sellers for purchasing options.
Incompletes: If incompletes are allowed in this course, see the Master's Student Handbook for Policies and Procedures.
Pass/Fail: Masters students wishing to take the class pass/fail should discuss this with the instructor by the second class session.
Academic Integrity and Community Covenant: All students are expected to abide by Iliff’s statement on Academic Integrity, as published in the Masters Student Handbook, or the Joint PhD Statement on Academic Honesty, as published in the Joint PhD Student Handbook, as appropriate. All participants in this class are expected to be familiar with Iliff’s Community Covenant.
Accommodations: Iliff engages in a collaborative effort with students with disabilities to reasonably accommodate student needs. Students are encouraged to contact their assigned advisor to initiate the process of requesting accommodations. The advising center can be contacted at advising@iliff.edu or by phone at 303-765-1146.
Writing Lab: Grammar and organization are important for all written assignments. Additional help is available from the Iliff Writing Lab, which is available for students of any level who need help beginning an assignment, organizing thoughts, or reviewing a final draft.
Inclusive Language: It is expected that all course participants will use inclusive language in speaking and writing, and will use terms that do not create barriers to classroom community.
| Date | Day | Details |