Course Description

Throughout the centuries and in all cultures, human beings have attempted to reach out to the Divine through prayers, rituals, and worship.  This course will introduce ritual forms from various religious and secular traditions.  Drawing upon historical, anthropological, sociological, and theological sources, this course will explore the role of ritual in the lives of human beings.  Students will study, experience, analyze, and evaluate various ritual forms.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students will:

•Articulate how rituals have played an important role in human history

•Explain how rituals play an important role in shaping identity, world view, beliefs/

                religion, social order, and social transformation

•Explore the meaning of symbols and symbolic actions of various rituals

•Name the main transition rituals of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Core Tasks

By the end of the semester, students will:

•Use research skills in analyzing rituals from other cultures

•Compare and contrast various ritual forms

•Read texts for comprehension and analysis

•Develop and perform their own ritual forms that are rooted in their experiences