PHRE 305 - Shamanism

Shamanism refers to a set of practices used by healing specialists in cultures who induce ecstatic (altered) states, which, they believe, allow them access to other realms of existence. Shamans use the symbols of the culture (especially music, dance, traditional stories, and beliefs about gods or spirits) to work out frictions between people, or between individuals and society. Most indigenous traditions of shamanism have disappeared with their cultures, so current forms of shamanism also raise questions of authenticity and cultural appropriation. Through case studies from around the world, including Peru, Brazil, Iceland, North America, and a variety of Asian and African cultures, this course will examine cultural commonalities among and differences between shamans; the psychology, sociology, and medical realities of shamanic healing; and the modern issues surrounding shamanism.

Credit(s): 3
Course Attribute(s):

Social Perspectives and Intercultural Interconnecting Perspectives course for the Dialogues.