This course presents a broad outlook of anthropological perspectives to deal with religion and religious phenomena. It discusses the definitions of religion given by various anthropologists, the role of religions in socio- economic spheres; the theories of origin of religion; the classification of religion and religious cults, rites of passage; the similarities at deeper level and differences of religions, religious symbols, entities and conceptions. Religion as an instrument in maintaining social order and morality in the society, the cognitive and social functions of religion, etc, The course will discuss to give some insights about the issues like paganism, neo paganism, religious changes and emergence of new religions movements, revitalization movements with cross-cultural examples from African, American and Melanesian religions. Cults of saints/spirits, traditionalist revivals and the rise of religious fundamentalisms constitute other major topics of the course. Finally the students will be related about some traditional religious practices.
- Teacher: Subba Reddy