Admission requirements
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Description
The aim of this seminar is to give an ethnographic overview of the social and cultural life of the Amerindian groups of the Guianas. Using the wealth of oral traditions these groups have we shall look at how ‘differently’ these Amazonian Amerindians see the world, how the world is conceived and constructed. In the anthropological literature these Amazonian peoples have been characterized as the ‘feel-good’ Amerindians; we look at the philosophy and cultural aspects underlying origin myths whose functions vary from instructional – how to live the good life – to validational. Special attention is paid to the double-sided sword of shamanism, transformation, the construction of worlds, and the reconciliation of conflict.
Course objectives
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Timetable
Mode of instruction
seminar and literature study
Assessment method
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Blackboard
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Reading list
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Registration
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply.
Contact Information
For more information contact teacher: Carlin