Religion, myth, and magic: the anthropology of religion (Audiobook)

Anthropologist Susan Johnston turns a scholarly eye on one of humankind's primary interests throughout history: the spiritual belief system. Beginning her lectures with an attempt to define religion, Professor Johnston continues this intriguing study with an examination of mythology and symbols, rituals and witchcraft, gender, politics, and religion's place in the many customs surrounding death. A continuing and often contentious presence in the world today, religion, from its origins to the present, is a key component for understanding communities and cultures all over the globe. Course Syllabus Lecture 1 What Is Religion? Lecture 2 Religious Specialists Lecture 3 Mythology Lecture 4 Symbols Lecture 5 What Is Ritual? Lecture 6 What Does Ritual Do? Lecture 7 The Nonhuman World Lecture 8 The Origins of Religion Lecture 9 Analyzing Ancient Religions Lecture 10 Dealing with Death Lecture 11 Magic and Witchcraft Lecture 12 Religion and Gender Lecture 13 New Religious Forms Lecture 14 Religion and Politics