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