Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)
Module THEO2351: SHAMANISM EAST AND WEST
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO2351:
SHAMANISM EAST AND WEST
Type |
Open |
Level |
2 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Available in 2012/13 |
Module Cap |
None. |
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
Aims
- to give knowledge and understanding of the nature of Shamans,
Shamanism and spirit possession from an anthropological and
cross-cultural perspective.
- to explore how the concept of shamanism has developed historically
and how some classic approaches to shamanism have a continued
influence.
- to provide an opportunity for critical reflection on the western
encounter with other cultures
Content
- This module explores how we can understand 'shamanism' and
how it has evolved from Western encounters with other cultures to become
a significant part of popular culture in contemporary Western society.
It looks at what 'shamanism' is and why those interested in religion
should study 'shamanism' as a way of both looking at 'other' religions
and religion per se since traditional shamanism and neo-shamanism
challenge our Western expectations concerning 'religion'. From an
anthropological and cross-cultural perspective, focusing on the complex
of ideas which surround shamans in various cultural settings, the module
is concerned to show how to appreciate indigenous knowledge and in
particular animism, altered states of consciousness and concepts of self
and illness, fundamental to all shamans. It looks at how the encounter
between West and East raises important questions about religious and
cultural interpretation and the invention of religions in 'other' and
contemporary society.
Learning Outcomes
- A knowledge and critical understanding of the
well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in
the study of both traditional and contemporary shamanism, along with
an understanding of the way in which those principles have developed,
and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different
approaches.
- a critical appreciation of some key issues in the study of
religion in cross-cultural perspective.
- a knowledge of the contexts in which Westerners encountered
shamanism and how it was conceived and represented historically.
- ability to recognise and contextualise Western approaches and
representations of shamanism and other 'animistic'
religions.
- competence in cross-cultural comparisons
- Skills in the acquisition of information through reading,
research and discussion, and in the structured presentation of
information in written form.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to
the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the
subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of
the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating
information.
- Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding
both through preparation and through interaction with staff and
students, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches and
enabling students to develop oral communication skills.
- Tutorials provide feedback on students' work and the
opportunity to discuss specific issues or problems in detail, enhancing
student knoweldge, confidence and writing skills.
- Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and
understanding, and the skills involved in acquiring information through
reading and research and in developing coherent arguments and
independent thought.
- Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and
understanding, and the ability to structure information in written form
under time contraints.
- Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and
understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of
information through reading and research, and in the structured
presentation of information in written form.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
15 |
Weeks 1,2,4,5,7,8,MT; 10,11,13,14,16,17,EpT; 19,20,21
ET |
1 hour |
15 |
|
Tutorials |
3 |
As required |
1 hour |
3 |
■ |
Seminars |
10 |
Weeks 3,6,9 MT; 12,15,18 EpT; 21 ET |
1 hour |
10 |
■ |
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Essay |
Component Weighting: 40% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Essay |
3000 words |
100% |
Essay |
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 60% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Written Examination |
2 hours |
100% |
Written Examination |
One seminar presentation, one essay of 2,500
words.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University