CCOG for ATH 212 archive revision 201502

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Effective Term:
Spring 2015 through Spring 2016

Course Number:
ATH 212
Course Title:
Introduction to Shamanism
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines shamanism as it is practiced in various cultures around the world. Students will be introduced to the shamanic cosmologies, values and world views of different tribal societies and use participant-observation to explore different styles of shamanic journeying. Core shamanism and the interface of shamanism and modern medicine and psychotherapy will be explored. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

1.      identify differences and similarities in shamanic cultures (Crit-Think-2)
2.      read and write at a basic college level (Com-2)
3.      understand the shamanic concept of health and illness (Cul-2)
4.      explore different styles of shamanic journeying (Cul-3)
5.      reflect on personal values and how they are shaped by shamanic experience (Self-reflect-2)     

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Student mastery of outcomes may be assessed by any combination of the following:

1.      written or oral examinations
2.      participation in class discussion, exercises or small group work
3.      objective or essay examinations
4.      performances
5.      oral or visual presentations
6.      participation in community or professional events
7.      service learning activities 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes, Competencies and Skills:

1.      examines differences between tribal and core shamanism
2.      practice participant observation skills in a shamanic context
3.      evaluate personal and cultural values related to shamanism
4.      develop writing, speaking and collaborative skills 

Course Content; Themes, Concepts and Issues

Instructors teaching ATH 212 will focus on a combination of topics from the following: 

  • Anthropological theories about shamanism
  • Ethnographic methods such as participant-observation
  • Shamanic cosmologies
  • The shamanic concept of health and illness
  • Shamanic values and world views
  • Different styles of journeying