ANTH 8
About Anthropology 8: Witchcraft, Magic, and Religion
Join us as we explore different supernatural belief systems across the globe. Using an anthropological framework, we will cover both small-scale indigenous beliefs and global religious traditions. As a human universal which sets us apart from all other animal species, supernatural belief systems are a key area of study in anthropology. This class offers a cross-cultural exploration of magic, witchcraft, and religion, and analysis of the context in which such beliefs and practices exist, including culture, gender, social class, ethnicity, and geography. This class is designed for anthropology majors and anyone interested in the vast variety of past and present belief systems.
Anth 8 is a 3-unit, GE-transferrable course.
Anth 8 meets CSU GE Area - D. Social Sciences and IGETC Area - 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
Course Materials:
No need to buy a book!
All articles, chapters, podcasts, films, and other readings are posted on the class Canvas page
You can read the materials online or print it out (available as accessible word or pdf docs)
In person Fall 2023 Schedule:
I will email the syllabus to all enrolled & waitlisted students one week prior to the start of the semester.
ANTH 8 CRN# 30883
This class is a regular-start, 17.5 week class, 3-unit course
Class dates: January 16, 2024 - May 22, 2024
Class hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:10 AM - 12:25 PM
Location: Batmale Hall, room 349, Ocean Avenue Campus.
Important Dates:
Last Day to Add: February 2, 2024
Last Day to Drop with full refund: January 29, 2024
Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: February 2, 2024
President's Day Holiday: February 16 - 19 2024
Flex Day: March 5, 2024
Midterm period ends: March 15, 2024
Spring Break: April 8 - 14, 2024
Last Day to Drop with a W or apply for leave of absence: April 18, 2024
Final Exam Schedule: Tuesday, May 21 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
All CCSF Classes End: May 22, 2024
Course topics
Email me if you want to see the syllabus
History and methods of the anthropology of religion
Myths, origins stories, and legends
Rituals and rites of passage
Magic, divination, and mediums
Taboos, norms, cults, and superstitions
Healing, trances, possession, and ecstatic practices
Witchcraft, spells, curses, and witchcraft accusations
Death, ghosts, and ancestor veneration
Course policies:
Regular attendance, timely completion of assignments and papers, and keeping up with the required readings is your key to success. The class structure will include: lecture, discussion of the readings and selected topics, interactive small-group exercises and discussions, occasional guest lectures, and films.
Adds/drops:
For in-person classes, I do not give out add codes over email. Please come to class and talk to me if you wish to obtain an add code.
Students can miss no more than 6 hour of absences (2 weeks of school), unless there are verified extenuating circumstances. Unfortunately, students with excessive absences may be dropped from the class if you don't reach out to me