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RELS 257 Indigenous Sages and Wisdoms Units: 3.00
Following the specific roles usually associated with the category "shamanism", this course examines empirical accounts on the knowledges and practices of various types of spiritual specialists, such as sages, healers, diviners, priests, sorcerers, and mediums in Indigenous traditions in Canada and various regions of the world.
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study)
Requirements: Prerequisite (Level 2 or above) or (6.0 units of RELS at the 100-level).
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the character and cultural practices referred to by the broad categories “shaman” and “shamanism” in Indigenous contexts.
- Describe the shaman’s relationship with humans and non-humans, and list the traditional knowledges associated with them.
- Analyze in what ways shamanic practices and utterances produce symbolic and material effects.
- Understand the concept of “shamanism” as a colonial tool imposed onto Indigenous subjects.