ANTH 13 - Magic, Witchcraft and Religion

    Recent Professors
    Tanya C. Kieselbach, Melody R. Struthers, Michael J. Pilakowski, Robin A. Huffman, Miriam L. Roeder, Lisa D. Westwood
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Summer 2026, Spring 2026
    Class Size
    35–38 students
    Credits
    3
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of ANTH 13
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 4 · CSU GE Area D1
    Description
    This course is a cross-cultural study of the forms and functions of supernatural beliefs and rituals in contemporary and historical societies. Various methods, theories, and models from anthropology and related social sciences are applied to the cross-cultural study of belief systems. An anthropological perspective, emphasizing holism and cultural relativism, is taken to demonstrate how belief in supernatural forces reflects other cultural patterns of behavior and thinking, such as subsistence practices, social organization, and cultural change. Students will gain a comparative understanding of diverse belief systems and their cultural significance.
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 11:00am–12:15pm, Tue Thu 11:00am–12:15pm