Open Course Space

Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States21A.212
Free, no sign-up neededSpring 2004English
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Human beings are symbol-making as well as tool-making animals. We understand our world and shape our lives in large part by assigning meanings to objects, beings, and persons; by connecting things together in symbolic patterns; and by creating elaborate forms of symbolic action and narrative. In this introductory subject we consider how symbols are created and structured; how they draw on and give meaning to different domains of the human world; how they are woven into politics, family life…

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