121-056 The Human Cosmos

This subject is an introduction to the anthropological study of religion by an examination of myth and/or ritual, with ethnographic examples drawn mainly from Pacific Rim cultures. Students who complete this subject will have acquired a grounding in the anthropological and comparative study of myth and/or ritual; a knowledge of the varieties of religious practice; a knowledge of the principal theories and methods anthropologists employ in the study of religion; and a knowledge of the relationships between cosmology and society.

• have practice in conducting research and speaking articulately;

• have practice in writing clearly in a variety of formats and reading with attention to detail;

• have experience of systematically evaluating a body of empirical data and identifying its theoretical context;

• have experience of methods of critical inquiry and argument leading to improved analytical skills;

• have acquired awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising an essay of 2500 words 60% (due the Monday after SWOT VAC) and three 500 word tutorial papers 40% (due the 3rd, 6th and 9th week of semester).