Fall 2018 - SA 323 E100
Symbol, Myth and Meaning (A) (4)
Class Number: 7764
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Lauren Harding
lha56@sfu.ca
Office: AQ 5078
Office Hours: WE 15:00-17:00
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Prerequisites:
SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of myth, symbolism, ritual and cosmological systems. Anthropological theories of magic, possession, witchcraft, healing and religious movements analyzed in ethnographic context.
COURSE DETAILS:
In this course we will investigate the potential meanings of a wide variety of cultural symbols, rituals, and myths in diverse cultural contexts. We will explore key theorists such as Clifford Geertz, Mary Douglas, Victor Turner, Pierre Bourdieu and others who have contributed to anthropological approaches to symbol and myth over the history of the discipline. We will also look at the study of symbols and myth in contemporary ethnography. Case studies will range geographically and culturally from storytelling in the Yukon to ethnic nationalism in Tibet to religious pilgrimage in Spain. Students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge through original ethnographic research on symbols and myths using qualitative methods.
Grading
- Participation 10%
- Assignment proposal 5%
- Ritual Analysis assignment 25%
- Group presentation/book review 25%
- Final paper 35%
NOTES:
Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All readings will be available on Canvas or through the SFU Library.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS