The anthropology of witchcraft and sorcery
D Ryan
8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
Objectives Students in this subject can expect to develop the capacity to study phenomena labelled `witchcraft' and `sorcery' as integral parts of a total social system; an understanding, through the examination of specific case studies, of the rationalities that underlie these beliefs and practices; an awareness of the assumptions that underpin a range of anthropological studies of these phenomena; the capacity for independent and critical assessment of material presented to them by writing well organised and logically argued essays on topics provided or chosen.
Synopsis The subject examines witchcraft and sorcery as aspects of magico-religious belief systems in a variety of crosscultural and historical settings. On the basis of selected case studies, the pertinence of a consideration of witchcraft and sorcery in relation to issues such as rationality, religiosity and power is discussed.
Assessment Written (6000 words): 100%
Recommended texts
Douglas M (ed.) Witchcraft confessions and accusations Tavistock, 1970
Evans-Pritchard E E Witchcraft, oracles and magic among the Azande OUP, 1976
Larner C Witchcraft and religion Blackwell, 1984
Stephen M (ed.) Sorcerer and witch in Melanesia MUP, 1987
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