RELIGST 2VV3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Participant Observation, Spirit Possession

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: RELIGST 2VV3
• Professor: Shannon Carter

Document Summary

Anthropology: the study of humans, the study of human culture. Anthropology of religion: what is it, blend the popular and the expert and not overlook the popular, may not focus on the religious texts that tell you what the religion is. Everyone"s interpretation is going to be different. A whole lot of religious people can"t read: focuses on everyday understandings, practice and reality of religion and people"s lives, study of the everyday and finding meaning of it, how do we do it, fieldwork. Go to the place and immerse yourself in that place to the extent that you can slowly learn enough until it becomes natural to you. About a year is what people aim for: participant observation. Doing both in a delicate balance trying not to influence things too much and not tampering the normal life. Going to weddings and mentally observing to be able to make my notes when i can: rapport.