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Curricular information is subject to change
On completion of this module students should be able to:
* synthesise information about ancient magical practices based on the literary and historical sources;
* demonstrate critical understanding of the evidence within its literary, social and cultural contexts;
* evaluate different interpretations of the sources for ancient magic;
* recognise specific aspects of the sources for ancient magic;
* explain ideas clearly in writing.
These learning outcomes will be tested in the mid-term commentary assignment, online MCQ, and in the end-of-semester Take Home Exam.
Topics include:
1. Magic and ancient religion: was there a difference between magic and religion in the ancient world?
2. Sorcerers, shamans, and mages (Greek and from the East)
3. Necromancy and ghosts
4. Witches and witchcraft in Greek literature
5. Erotic magic: witches in Latin literature, love potions
6. Curses, voodoo dolls and amulets
7. Magic and medicine: doctors, temple priests, and magical healing
8. Magic and rhetoric: magical speech and the powers of speech
9. Magic and Christianity: sorcerers during the time of Jesus
10. Magic and ancient legislation against it.
This list is indicative and subject to change.
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lectures | 10 |
Tutorial | 4 |
Specified Learning Activities | 43 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 43 |
Total | 100 |
There is no required prior learning, but students will need some prior knowledge of Greek and Roman history and culture. If you are in doubt please email helen.dixon@ucd.ie
Description | Timing | Component Scale | % of Final Grade | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essay: A list of up to 5 essay questions will be released in Wk 10. Students will answer ONE question in the form of an essay (up to 2000 words) and submit in Week 12. | Week 12 | n/a | Graded | No | 40 |
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Brightspace online quiz: 40 questions (mainly MCQ-style with some short answers in your own words) on a range of material and topics covered over the course of the module. | Week 10 | n/a | Graded | No | 20 |
Assignment: 1500-word commentary on sources relating to magic in the ancient world, e.g. witches, werewolves, ghosts. | Week 6 | n/a | Graded | No | 40 |
Resit In | Terminal Exam |
---|---|
Spring | No |
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
Students will receive individual written feedback on their commentary and essay within 20 working days of submission. Turnaround of the online quiz grades will be faster. Students are welcome to arrange a meeting with the module coordinator to discuss their grade and feedback.