Custom, Belief and Community (U02738)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-3-U02738

This 20 credit course temporarily replaces the full 40 credit Custom and Belief course (Course Organiser on sabbatical leave in Semester 2 of 2005-06). The course will focus on the study of the rhythms of seasonal and social life, using examples from the early modern period to the present day. The orientation differs from the full-length course in its preoccupation with the impact on particular communities of the various traditions under examination. The course will begin with an introduction to cosmology before moving on to an exploration of various calendars and the ritual observances associated with them. This provides the basis for an exploration of customs and traditions associated with the human lifecycle. A particular feature will be on revealing archaic cognitive elements, such as the rationalisation of the inexplicable through recourse to a belief in supernatural intervention.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Pass at Scottish Ethnology 2 normally required.

? Costs : N/a

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Scottish Ethnology, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 30 minutes per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : Conference Room, 27 George Square.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Expertise in the application of contemporary approaches to the study of traditional custom and belief; the development of a portfolio of critical skills (such as structural analysis) which will enable the student to apply these to case studies and conduct his/her original research in this area; an understanding of the cultural, socio-historical and psychological contexts which tradition custom and belief is encountered; knowledge of useful and precise critical terminology; confidence in the preparation and delivery of oral presentations.