京都大学 京都大学

Introduction to Ritual Studies-E2

Numbering Code U-LAS04 20039 LE45 Year/Term 2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Lecture
Target Year Mainly 1st & 2nd year students Target Student For all majors
Language English Day/Period Tue.3
Instructor name LAHOURNAT，Florence (Disaster Prevention Research Institute Senior Lecturer)
Outline and Purpose of the Course This course provides an introduction to the field of ritual studies.
Exploring the core questions of the nature and functions of rituals, we will examine some of the different types of rituals that humans create and participate in, as well as their meaning and significance, in both secular and sacred contexts.
This course will present a number of ritual genres, notably rites of passage, as well as the theories and methods used to study them.
Course Goals There are 3 main objectives for this class.
First students will gain an understanding of the notion of rituals, their meanings and social functions, the scope of ritual studies, as well as an awareness of the wide array of rituals that humans participate in.
Second, they will acquire a working knowledge of ritual theory and of the main categories of rituals and their structure.
Third, the course will help students become more comfortable formulating thoughts and opinions on a specific topic.
Schedule and Contents This is a lecture-type class with an interactive component.
Each session will include a lecture part and followed or interspersed with discussions based on the lecture content and this week's readings.

1- Orientation and overview
2- Defining and delimiting the notion of ritual
3- Studying rituals
4- Elements of rituals
5- Classifications of rituals
6- Ritual theory: how they work, what they do
7- Group work session
8- Daily rituals
9- Rites of passage (P.1)
10- Rites of passage (P.2)
11- Purification and avoidance
12- Secular ritualizations
13- Group work session
14- Final presentations
15- Feedback session

Note: this schedule may be subject to change. The detailed definitive schedule will be handed out during the first class.
Evaluation Methods and Policy Evaluation will be based on class attendance and active participation, group works and presentations and a final project.

Active participation means actively engaging with the class content, actively participating during discussions and group work, and contributing to the class by sharing opinions, experiences and reflections.
Students absent 4 times or more will fail this class.

Tardiness of 15 minutes or more will be treated as absence.
Systematic tardiness and leaving the class early will also result in a decrease of the final grade.
Course Requirements There are no specific requirements for taking this class.
However, students must be willing to prepare each session by completing the weekly readings and assigned tasks, and to participate actively during each session.
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) Students are required to prepare for each session by completing the weekly readings and assigned tasks and should expect to spend 2 to 3 hours weekly reviewing and preparing for class.
Textbooks Textbooks/References There is no textbook for this class.
Weekly readings will be available for download.
Printing and preparing the material is the responsibility of the student.
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