REL 237 - Polytheism, Animism, and Shamanism

3.00 credits.

A survey of indigenous religious traditions worldwide, both ancient and contemporary, with a theoretical and comparative introduction to the way in which these traditions incorporate the practices of polytheism, animism and shamanism. The course explores religious traditions from ancient cultures including Japan, India, Greece and Scandinavia. Comparisons are made with contemporary practices in cultures ranging from Oceania and the Americas to Africa and Asia, focusing on the incorporation of nature into religious practice and belief. Fall semester, alternating years.