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Explores the relationship between religion and professional wrestling in the twentieth century. Through analysis of historical case studies, wrestlers’ careers and gimmicks, promotions, news coverage, journals, scrapbooks, and fan culture, we interrogate this thesis: that wrestling is a site and species of religious ritual. In what ways is it right or wrong? In what ways can we challenge or re-describe its categories? “Religion,” “ritual,” “play,” “embodiment,” and “popular culture” will be the objects of our analysis in this course, and we will pursue new understandings of their convergence and co-dependency in modern American history.

Prerequisites: Upper Division standing, or RGST 7

4

Units

Letter

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

None

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
David Walker
4.4
43 reviews
See All
43
4.4
RGST7 . A Month Ago

Super cool guy, may take a minute to understand his style but totally worth it. As long as you go to lecture it shouldn't be hard.

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RGST7 . 2 Months Ago

Awesome professor! He is truly passionate about the topics and makes learning about religion interesting. You have to attend lecture since he doesn't post the slides and you have to take detailed notes to do well on the 2 pop quizzes. The midterm and final are also pretty easy as long as you go to lecture and keep up with the weekly readings.

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RGST7 . 2 Months Ago

This professor is lit. Just go to his lecture and listen and you will do well. Felt like I was at some kind of sermon half the time but I was into it.

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RGST7 . 2 Months Ago

One of my favorite professors at UCSB thus far. His lectures are fascinating and you leave class feeling like your mind has expanded and your reality has flipped on its head. Like others say, his lecture style is interesting, but keep an open mind and it will eventually make more sense. Everyone interested in religion should take this class.

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RGST7 . 2 Months Ago

My favorite professor I have had at UCSB. Extremely accommodating, knowledgeable about religious history, and an excellent lecturer. Attendance isn't mandatory, but to succeed in this class all you need to do is go to lectures and stay engaged (which was easy for me, as he is a great speaker and topics were interesting).

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RGST7 . 10 Months Ago

He has a very interesting lecture style, it sounds like he's preaching or something. This course is very interesting though and he'll give great lectures on them, but you do have to listen through them and take good notes. He'll give warnings to when the pop quizzes are going to be. Also, you will have to keep up with the readings.

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See all 43 reviews
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