Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Anth 220 - Magic Witchcraft and Religion - Dr. Laurie Solis

Course:Magic Witchcraft and Religion
Professor:Dr. Laurie Solis
Email:laurie.solis@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
  • OnlineLive
  • HyFlex
  • Hybrid
  • InPerson
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Photo of a woman with brown hair, smiling

Dr. Laurie Solis is an adjunct instructor in the Dept of Anthropology at College of the Canyons and Antelope Valley College. She has been a college instructor for 18 years and a professional archaeologist for 25 years. She holds a MA in Anthropology with an emphasis on Archaeology and a Doctorate in Religious Studies.

She is the author of Tataviam: People Who Face the Sun, Introduction to the Indians of California, co-author on Beliefs: An Open Invitation to the Anthropology of Magic, Religion, & Witchcraft,  and editor for Representations: An Open Invitation to Anti Racist Anthropology.

Academically, her primary interests are prehistoric archaeology, Native American belief systems, and religious ritual.

Course Description

The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft is a cultural study of different religious ideas, motivations, and movements. This class will focus on world religions and spiritual beliefs and takes a cross-cultural analysis of religion. Anthropology 220 will begin with simple concepts of religion, then movie to more in depth concepts such as myths, souls, and the afterlife. This course will also discuss current religious trends and how they influence people today.

 

Student Learning Outcomes Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are faculty-defined expectations of knowledge and skills students can demonstrate as a result of learning acquired in a course. The SLOs for this course are that you will be able to discuss other cultures in a non-ethnocentric manner and evaluate religious behaviors using basic anthropological concepts and theories.

What to Expect in this Course

Students should be expected to complete the following work-

  • Weekly homework assignments based textbook and lecture/activity covered that week
  • In-Class assignments/activities. These assignments are based on the lectures/material covered during the week. These are usually group assignments where you may work collaboratively but must turn in your own work

Technology 

  • Ability to access Canvas on a weekly basis to complete assignments and view grades
  • Microsoft Office compatible software so that students can access content posted in Canvas
  • Video player, speaker - in order to access film content

Types of Assessments

  • Proctored online exams/quizzes
  • Online Discussion Boards
  • Written Assignments
  • In-Class Activities

Textbook Information

There are two suggested textbooks for this course. You will need to choose one to use for this course. 

1.

Man with painted face and hand facing forward and two clay figurinesZERO COST TEXTBOOK (ZCT)

Authors, Zunner-Keating, Brian Pierson; Jennifer Campbell; Laurie Solis; Melody Yeager-Struthers; Oscar Hernández; Sarah Etheridge; Robin Huffman; Marvin Harris; George Gmelch; Griffin Ced; Jennifer Sime; Jill Weiss; Julie Jenkins; Angela Glaros; Tad McIlwraith; Jennifer Faux-Campbell; Jessica Proctor; Martin Tsang; Jennifer Miller-Thayer; and Julie Vazquez

Beliefs: An Open Invitation to the Anthropology of Witchcraft, Magic, and Religion. Available at: https://oer.pressbooks.pub/beliefs/

 

 

 

OR

2.

WOMAN FACING FORWARDApproximate Cost: $29-$80

Authors Stein & Stein – The Anthropology of Religion, Witchcraft, and Magic (4th edition)

https://www.amazon.com/Anthropology-Religion-Magic-Witchcraft/dp/1138692522/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Authors+Stein+%26+Stein+%E2%80%93+The+Anthropology+of+Religion%2C+Witchcraft%2C+and+Magic+%284th+edition%29&qid=1673986557&sr=8-1

Other Relevant Course Information

Class attendance is vital to your success in the class. Since this is a survey course, class participation is vital. 

Class Homework and Assignments need to be completed in order to pass the course.

Extra Credit: For extra credit in Religion, Magic, & Witchcraft you may visit a religious/spiritual ritual or ceremonial place that is tied to a particular culture. Some examples will be provided on the extra credit form.

ADA and DSPS: If you require assistance or accommodation under the ADA or are a DSPS student, please notify me or the DSPS office.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 01/17/2023 Sub#: 1534