RELI0373A-S25
Possessions
Possessions: Theories of Power in American Religion
Upon reading Faust, Karl Marx concluded that Goethe’s wisdom was simple: “the extent of the power of money is the extent of my power.” Or, in other words: money represents the power to possess a thing and, in possessing it, to wield that thing’s power. Despite this connection made at the roots of Western theories of power, we do not typically regard our possession of private property as akin to the Devil’s possession of human bodies. In this seminar we will explore the rich and troubling overlaps between private property, demonic possessions, mediumship, and power in the Americas. 3 hrs. sem.
Upon reading Faust, Karl Marx concluded that Goethe’s wisdom was simple: “the extent of the power of money is the extent of my power.” Or, in other words: money represents the power to possess a thing and, in possessing it, to wield that thing’s power. Despite this connection made at the roots of Western theories of power, we do not typically regard our possession of private property as akin to the Devil’s possession of human bodies. In this seminar we will explore the rich and troubling overlaps between private property, demonic possessions, mediumship, and power in the Americas. 3 hrs. sem.
- Term:
- Spring 2025
- Location:
- Munroe Hall 217(MNR 217)
- Schedule:
- 1:30pm-4:15pm on Tuesday (Feb 10, 2025 to May 12, 2025)
- Type:
- Seminar
- Course Modality:
- In-Person
- Instructors:
- Justin Doran
- Subject:
- Religion
- Department:
- Religion
- Division:
- Humanities
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- AMR NOR PHL
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 22588
- Subject Code:
- RELI
- Course Number:
- 0373
- Section Identifier:
- A