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Unit of study_
ANTH2635: Ghosts, Spirits, and Energies
2026 unit information
We live in a disenchanted world, a “modern world” devoid of mystery, myth, and magic—or so we are told. But as anthropology shows us, if this was ever so, it is certainly not true today. From the spread of “post-truth” conspiracies, to the rise of religious nationalisms, to the growing popularity of animist thought amid ecological crisis, this unit explores the ways in which contemporary life is shot through with enchantments both emancipatory and oppressive. Exploring encounters with humans and more-than-human others—ghosts, demons, aliens, robots, witches, astrological signs—we also ask whether anthropology might itself be invested in certain modes of enchantment, for better and worse.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Arts and Social Sciences
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Anthropology |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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12 credit points at 1000 level in Anthropology |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
The learning outcomes for this unit will be available two weeks before the first day of teaching.
Unit availability
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The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for this year.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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There are no availabilities for previous years.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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