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
WALKER D S
David Walker
4.5
49 reviews
AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors
Fall 2025 . Walker D S
ELLSN2816
M
09:00 AM - 11:50 AM
RG ST 150WR Walker D S Fall 2025 Total: 13
See All
49
4.5
RGST7 . Walker D S 8 Days Ago

I thought the class was a little disorganized, but still really interesting. I enjoyed the lectures a lot; I just wish he had spoken a bit more slowly and included more notes on the screen. He also offered plenty of extra credit.

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RGST7 . Walker D S A Month Ago

Absolute favorite professor and class I've taken at UCSB (which I say as a math major). Prof. Walker covered some really interesting topics in lecture and challenged me to think about American religious history in an entirely new light. He has a unique lecture style but I really looked forward to it because he really kept me engaged the whole time.

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RGST7 . Walker D S A Month Ago

Walker tied in lots of pop culture references! The TAs were super helpful; only 2 online tests formatted as exams. Walker had some very interesting connections to real-world and newer examples tied into religious history. Every lecture felt like attending a conference!

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RGST7 . Walker D S 9 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 . Walker D S 10 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 . Walker D S 11 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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See all 49 reviews
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