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The Anthropology of Religion

Course Overview

Date / Time Location Credits Minimium Tuition*
9/8/26 - 12/11/26
TuTh 9:30a.m. – 10:45a.m.		 Wheatley-Peters W01-0009 3 $2138 (guest students)
Date
9/8/26 - 12/11/26
Time
TuTh 9:30a.m. – 10:45a.m.
Location
Wheatley-Peters W01-0009
Credits
3
Min. Tuition*
$2138 (guest students)

Description

A comparative study of religion and spirituality from an anthropological perspective. Topics include: belief, ritual, mythology, symbolism, prayer, magic and sacred texts. The course focuses on traditional and indigenous spiritual systems, as well as global religions. The course examines religion in relation to other dimensions of culture, including political systems, economic structures, family life and the arts. Attention is also given to theoretical developments in the anthropology of religion and to research methodologies developed by anthropologists for the analysis and interpretation of religion. The course will examine traditional religions of sub-Saharan Africa, Christianity in Western Europe, and indigenous spiritual systems of Native North America, among others.

Prerequisites

ANTH 106 or 30 credits or permission of instructor

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Course Details

Session

Regular Academic Session

Class Dates

9/8/2026 - 12/11/2026

Location

Wheatley-Peters W01-0009

General Ed Requirements

World Cultures

Enrolled / Capacity

24 / 25

Status

Open

Instructor

Alan Waters

Tuition*

* The tuition estimate is based on minimum, single-course cost to a new student who is a Massachusetts resident and not enrolled in a multi-course program. State residency, online/in person modality, and matriculation to a degree program may affect cost.

Tuition Details