Welcome to Magic in the Ancient World, a course designed to introduce you to the main themes and ideas of ancient magic from the eighth century B.C.E. through the sixth century C.E. We will explore the social, ritual, and ideological contexts of Greco-Roman magic, with a particular emphasis on ancient practitioners and their wares. Additionally, we will compare Greco-Roman magical practices with those of other contemporary traditions, including ancient Judaism and Christianity, and will explore where these traditions overlap and intersect. Through a combination of lectures, peer-facilitated discussions, and student writing assignments, we will actively engage and critically analyze the documents left to us by or about ancient "witches, warlocks, seers, and saviors." By the end of the term you, the student, will possess the skills needed to study ancient magic academically and will have expertise in various methods used to analyze and discuss ancient texts and their relevance within contemporary contexts. Readings from BC Library will require a BC email login; it is advisable to log in to the library reources at the start of each session. For external links you will be directed outside of this site.
- Subject:
- Arts and Humanities
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Provider:
- CUNY
- Provider Set:
- Brooklyn College
- Author:
- Brian Sowers
- Emily Fairey
- Date Added:
- 03/15/2021
