ANTH 125 - Religion, Magic, Witchcraft, and the Supernatural

    Recent Professors
    jpfeiffer@riohondo.edu, sgarcia@riohondo.edu
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Summer 2026, Spring 2026, Fall 2025, Summer 2025
    Class Size
    45 students
    Credits
    3
    Prerequisite
    It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of ANTH 125
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 4 · IGETC Area 4A · CSU GE Area D1
    Description
    This course is for students interested in learning about the diverse religious beliefs and practices that exist around the world. As an introduction to the anthropological study of religion, the course includes an overview of the various forms of religious belief systems; the variety of gods and other supernatural forces; the use of myths, rituals, and ceremonies in religious practice; and the types of shamans, priests, and other religious specialists found in religious systems. The religious use of drugs is explored, along with traditional healing practices and folk medicine remedies used in many Western cultures. A survey of witchcraft, sorcery, the occult, demons, exorcism rites, sacrificial practices, and magic is included. Additionally, concepts relating to death and the afterlife (e.g., souls, ghosts, reincarnation, and zombies) are explored.
    Usually Held
    Tue Thu 2:20pm–3:45pm