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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
46 reviews
See All
46
4.4
RGST7 . 4 Months Ago

One of the best classes I've taken in my entire life. Professor Walker's lectures are unorthodox but super compelling. The connections and arguments he makes are absolutely fascinating. If you go to lecture and pay attention you'll do well.

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RGST7 . 5 Months Ago

he mumbles but content is quite interesting. He's got a nervous energy about him but he's sweet and passionate, particularly about wrestling, which felt like a weird tangent to go on in the class but it made sense in the end. Midterm and final were online and open note. If you go to lecture you should be fine for the exams.

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RGST7 . 7 Months Ago

David Walker is my favorite professor at ucsb. His lectures were genuinely so engaging, informative, and nuanced to the point that I felt like my mind expanded after every class. I would take this class again in a heartbeat.

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RGST7 . 8 Months 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 . 8 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 . 8 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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See all 46 reviews
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