How do rituals work? Ancient Ritual and Modern Theory

Harvard FAS

How do rituals work? What makes them succeed (or fail)? For whom do they work? Why do we perform them? Which experiences do rituals elicit? In this class, we will explore these questions, by looking at evidence from the ancient world in light of modern theories of ritual. The study of ritual draws from many disciplines, ranging from religion, philosophy, anthropology, and history to sociology, psychology, and biology. We will draw connections between all these disciplines and the ancient…