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Overview

Exorcism is the attempted expulsion of a supposed evil spirit from a person or place. This module will examine the nature of spirit possession, its reception and treatments from perspectives of Western and Eastern cultures. Part One will explore exorcism and spirit possession in a secular context, with greater focus on their reception in Western culture through the lens of psychology and psychotherapy. Part Two will explore them exorcism and spirit possession within a religious context, examining their place in both Western and Eastern cultural and religious traditions.

The module begins with an historical survey of spirit possession in relation to evolving conceptions of madness and inspiration across the ages to highlight its ambiguous and multifaceted nature. We then explore some of the key themes and ideas in the study of spirit possession and exorcism, before moving on to a psychological consideration of this phenomena and its treatment. Here we consider how the spirit is interpreted in psychological theories as the invading and alien experience of the unconscious. We consider contrasting theories posed by Sigmund Freud (who regarded spirits as troublesome and unwanted) and Carl G. Jung (who regarded them as crucial guides for our spiritual development and flourishing). We will explore some of their case studies before moving on to examine the psychological phenomenon of dissociation as the key to making sense of the nature and value of spirit possession in both secular and religious contexts. Exorcism and spirit possession are then examined within a variety of Western and Eastern religious traditions, including Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, and African Haiti.

Students are encouraged to engage with the case studies we examine (medieval, contemporary, and fictional) in order to evaluate the limitations and benefits of either a psychological or religious diagnoses and possible cure.

It is hoped that a guest speaker/speakers ( Exorcists/ Deliverance Ministers) will present a class on aspects of their work.

Exorcism is the attempted expulsion of a supposed evil spirit from a person or place. This module will examine the nature of spirit possession, its reception and treatments from perspectives of Western and Eastern cultures. Part One will explore exorcism and spirit possession in a secular context, with greater focus on their reception in Western culture through the lens of psychology and psychotherapy. Part Two will explore them exorcism and spirit possession within a religious context, examining their place in both Western and Eastern cultural and religious traditions.

This module introduces students to key ideas in the psychology of religion, with emphases on the relationship between psychoanalytic thought and religious experience, and spirituality and mental health/illness. Students will examine and evaluate the ambiguous nature of spirit possession and some of its treatments either to alleviate, expunge, or encourage the invading spirit. Various religious traditions will be considered alongside secular responses.

Accounts and case studies of demonic possession will be examined to appreciate the difficulties in differentiating between psychology behaviours and religious experiences, and, by extension, whether exorcism or medical treatment is most suitable.

The module begins with an historical survey of spirit possession in relation to evolving conceptions of madness and inspiration across the ages to highlight its ambiguous and multifaceted nature. We then explore some of the key themes and ideas in the study of spirit possession and exorcism, before moving on to a psychological consideration of this phenomena and its treatment. Here we consider how the spirit is interpreted in psychological theories as the invading and alien experience of the unconscious. We consider contrasting theories posed by Sigmund Freud (who regarded spirits as troublesome and unwanted) and Carl G. Jung (who regarded them as crucial guides for our spiritual development and flourishing). We will explore some of their case studies before moving on to examine the psychological phenomenon of dissociation as the key to making sense of the nature and value of spirit possession in both secular and religious contexts. Exorcism and spirit possession are then examined within a variety of Western and Eastern religious traditions, including Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, and African Haiti.

Students are encouraged to engage with the case studies we examine (medieval, contemporary, and fictional) in order to evaluate the limitations and benefits of either a psychological or religious diagnoses and possible cure.

It is hoped that a guest speaker/speakers ( Exorcists/ Deliverance Ministers) will present a class on aspects of their work.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.  Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.  Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.  Draws on a relatively narrow range of material. -good -Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:  Good structure and logically developed arguments.  At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.  Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning.  Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style. -excellent -A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:  Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.  Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.  Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate capacity to appreciate the tensions between competing ideas and to debate their values and implications succinctly.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the variety of ways religious instinct and experience presents itself.

• Present coherent arguments, with supporting evidence in assignments.

• Understand basic ideas in psychoanalytic theory and theories of religious experience, and their common principles that enable their useful contrast and comparison.