Magic, Sorcery, and Witchcraft in Classical Civilizations and the World’s Religions

Catalog description

This course is intended for all CARS majors as a capstone covering the topics of magic, witchcraft, and sorcery in classical civilizations as well as in the world’s religious traditions, past and present. Engaging with primary and secondary sources, archaeological data, historical narratives, and comparative studies, students develop an inclusive humanistic view of the range of subjects taught in the department by looking at them all through the prism of magic. Magical beliefs, objects, and practices covered in the course may include the Salem Witch Trials, Greek curse tablets, Sanskrit mantras, Egyptian amulets, Islamic alchemy, Jewish Kabbalah, and sex magic. This course also emphasizes the development of oral presentation skills.