THE
PUBLIC
SCHOOL
TELIC ARTS EXCHANGE

This course will examine various shamanistic practices in the world, to provide a foundation for anyone interested in learning about shamanism or engaging in shamanistic practice.  We will focus on shamansim in Central Asia (Siberia, Mongolia), East Asia (Korea), and the Americas.  We will look at general theoritcal texts (Eliade, Rouget, Levi-Strauss, Lewis) and more recent literature on contemporary shamanistic practices.  We will also discuss shamanism in popular culture and New Age culture (Carlos Castaneda, Burning Man, craigslist).  Class participants interested in ethnographic research will be encouraged to present their own findings/experiences.  When possible, we will visit field sites.

4 sessions, 2 hours each