Fillable Printable Sample Research Proposal

Sample Research Proposal

SAMPLE RESEARCH PAPER PROPOSAL

Krista Feichtinger

Great Books Asian Classics – Prof. Fenkl

Final Project Proposal

Shamanism: An Exploration in the “Technique of Ecstasy”

Introduction: The introduction provides a brief overview of shamanism as an ancient

practice that is found throughout history and across cultures. This paper will examine

traditional forms of shamanism, as well as neo-shamanism, the re-emergence of shamanic

practices in contemporary Western culture. Ultimately, this paper argues that shamanistic

practices are effective methods of healing developed and utilized as a spiritual path for

thousands of years.

Working Thesis: Despite the prevailing dismissive and often negative Western scientific

attitude toward shamanism, this ancient method of healing is an effective practice that,

through a transpersonal experience in which an individual undergoes a change in

consciousness, the individual gains access to his or her archetypal, inner resources which

results in healing, insight, and self-empowerment.

Structure:

I. Traditional Shamanism (the first part of this paper briefly answers the following

questions concerning traditional shamanism):

a. What is a shaman?

This section discusses the definition (and issues of defining) the traditional

concept of a shaman. It provides a brief overview of the origin and

distribution of shamanic practices around the world throughout history.

b. How does one become a shaman?

This section discusses a shaman’s initiation process, training, and death-

rebirth experience.

c. What does a shaman do?

This section examines the methods of healing performed by shamans, (for

either individuals suffering from illness or for a community as a whole)

including: healing of the spirit, herbal healing, bodywork, divination, soul-

leading, ceremony and ritual. It also provides information about a shaman’s

guides or “spirits” and the processes by which a shaman travels to the “other

world” (or induces a “shamanic state of consciousness”). A brief discussion of

cultures that use various hallucinogenic or mind-altering substances is

included, as well as major archetypal themes individuals experience during

their shamanistic journeying.

d. How does shamanic healing work?

This section examines the practices of shamans and the question of “trickery”

or deception surrounding their methods of healing and how it was viewed as a

form of neurosis or schizophrenia since the Enlightenment.

II. Neo-Classical Shamanism and “core shamanism” (the last third of the paper

focuses on the contemporary emerge of shamanistic practices and the personal, social,

and cultural implications):

a. What is neo-shamanism? What is “core shamanism”?

This section explores the emergence of interest in shamanism in contemporary,

Western world and discusses the concept of “core shamanism” developed by

anthropologist Michael Harner. It examines the contributing factors for this

interest within the context of other non-western healing or spiritual practices

(such as yoga or meditation).

b. What is our contemporary understanding of shamanic methods?

This section examines the psychological (with an emphasis on Jungian

psychology), physiological, and chemical mechanisms involved in altered

consciousness and its ramifications upon an individual.

c. How can anyone use shamanistic practices to heal themselves or others?

This last section explores the personal benefits of using core shamanism as a

healing or spiritual practice.

Conclusion: The conclusion examines the broader personal, social, and cultural

implications of shamanistic healing in the 21

century. It discusses how various

shamanistic practices can aid the individual, how it can be used in our community, and

the intended ramifications for the earth at large.

Bibliography:

Abram, David. The Spell of the Sensuous. New York: Vintage Books, 1997. Print.

Eliade, Mircea. Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. Princeton: Princeton

Unversity Press, 1964. Print.

Harner, Michael. The Way of the Shaman. New York: Harper Collins, 1980. Print.

Ryan, Robert E. The Strong Eye of Shamanism: A Journey Into the Caves of

Consciousness. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions International, 1999. Print.

Wallis, Robert. J. Shamanism/Neo-Shamans: Ecstasy, Alternative Archaeologies and

Contemporary Pagans. London: Routledge, 2003. Print.

Walsh, Roger. The World of Shamanism: New Views of An Ancient Tradition. Woodbury,

MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2007. Print.

Webb, Hilary S. Traveling Between the Worlds: Conversations with Contemporary

Shamans. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc., 2004.

Print.