Lived Religion in an Uncertain World

What is religion? What purpose does it serve? How does it vary across cultures? Can you have religion without god(s)? Why is it growing rapidly in many parts of the world despite predictions of its inevitable decline? Are new forms of faith emerging to replace the old forms? In this subject, we explore the symbolic systems and ritual practices that help us all make sense of our place in the social world, the political order, the environment, and the cosmos. Drawing on classic and contemporary anthropological approaches to religion, we ask new questions about the ancient and novel religious traditions that seem to be flourishing in the uncertain world of the early twenty-first century. The subject involves interactive lectures and small group discussions.

探讨宗教在现代社会中的实践与意义。

• 1Identify and explain key concepts and theoretical debates in the anthropology of religion
• 2Evaluate diverse manifestations of religious thought and practice in ethnographic settings in Australia and globally
• 3Apply skills of ethnographic observation and writing in relevant contexts
• 4Produce clear and concise written work tailored for a broadly educated non-specialist audience
• 5Summarise, critique, and reflect on the significance of anthropological research in oral formats within both small and large group settings.