Magical Spells, Amulets and Voodoo

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Magical Spells, Amulets and Voodoo in the Ancient World (Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies)
Leerdoelen	Upon completion of this course unit: -students will have gained an understanding of the multifaceted field of ancient magic in different religious and cultural contexts of antiquity. -students will be able to contextualize specific relevant texts, objects and materials that have been used to define ancient magic as well as to reflect on the challenge of defining ‘magic’ in antiquity. -students will be able to engage with the subject from the perspective of their own field of study.
Omschrijving	/“Take ... a lead tablet and an iron ring ... write ... the name, the magic signs ... and the following: ‘Bound be his reason, that he may not do this and that’ .... Engrave the magic sign with the writing instrument and perform the binding  with the words: ‘I bind XY for the purpose in question: He shall not speak, shall not resist, shall not contradict, shall not look at me or speak against me, but shall be subject to me as long as this ring lies buried. I bind his sense and his thinking, his spirit, his actions, that he may be incapable against everyone’. … Then carry it away to the grave of a prematurely deceased, dig 4 fingers deep, put it in and say: ‘Demon of the dead, whoever you are, I give you XY, so that he may not do this and that.’ Then cover it and go away. The best time to act is when the moon is waning. ....” (PGM V 304ff.)/ In ancient times, people tried to enforce their own wishes and claims in this or a similar way by trying to control opponents and competitors with curses or binding spells. But ancient magic is multifaceted, covering a large regional area (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire) and a number of religions and cultures, drawing on diverse materials (e.g., metal tablets, papyri, amulets, manuals, magic bowls, gems and figurines) and expecting the effectiveness of spoken and written words in various of languages as well as magical signs in connection with prescribed rituals. This course aims to introduce students to the study of ancient magic and to convey a sense of the conceptual and practical complexity of the matter. Three sessions will provide deeper insight, focusing on Aramaic magical bowls, Greco-Roman curse tablets and Early Christian amulets.
Uren per week	variabel
Onderwijsvorm	Discussiebijeenkomsten, Hoorcolleges
Toetsvorm	Actieve deelname, Opdracht(en), Paper, Presentatie(s)
Vaksoort	Honours College-Bachelor
Coördinator	dr. S.K. Luther
Docent(en)	dr. S.K. Luther
Entreevoorwaarden	Only available for non-Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies students. Only available for students who have been accepted into the BA Honours College Programme.
Opmerkingen	The following condition (Article 3.6 of the EAR, to be found in your Student Portal under Organizations) applies: “Except in the event of extraordinary circumstances, all Honours Programme course units have a 100% attendance requirement, which includes preparation for and active participation in the course units.”
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type Petrus Camper Leergang - Honours College  ( Verbredende modules) 2 semester I keuzegroep