Magic, Witchcraft, and Society in Anthropological Perspective
( 30 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to Magic and Witchcraft Defining magic and witchcraft, exploring their role in human societies, and overview of course objectives
Module #2 Anthropological Approaches to Magic and Witchcraft Understanding anthropological theories and methods for studying magic and witchcraft
Module #3 The Concept of Magic Examining the concept of magic across cultures, including its meanings, forms, and functions
Module #4 Types of Magic Exploring different forms of magic, such as sympathetic magic, contagious magic, and ritual magic
Module #5 Witchcraft and Sorcery Distinguishing between witchcraft and sorcery, and examining their historical and cross-cultural contexts
Module #6 The Sociology of Magic and Witchcraft Analyzing the social organization of magical practices, including social roles, hierarchies, and networks
Module #7 Magic and Religion Exploring the relationships between magic and religion, including similarities, differences, and intersections
Module #8 The Politics of Magic and Witchcraft Examining the political dimensions of magic and witchcraft, including power, control, and resistance
Module #9 Magic and Gender Investigating the intersections of magic, witchcraft, and gender, including stereotypes, roles, and empowerment
Module #10 Magic and Colonialism Analyzing the impact of colonialism on indigenous magical practices and the role of magic in colonial encounters
Module #11 Witch Hunts and Persecution Examining the history of witch hunts and persecution, including the European witch craze and modern-day witch hunts
Module #12 Magic and Science Exploring the relationships between magic and science, including the Enlightenment, modernity, and rationality
Module #13 Magic in Modern Society Examining the persistence and evolution of magical practices in contemporary societies
Module #14 Witchcraft in Popular Culture Analyzing the representation of witchcraft and magic in media, film, and literature
Module #15 Ethnographic Case Studies of Magic and Witchcraft In-depth examination of magical practices in specific societies, including African, Asian, and Indigenous cultures
Module #16 Magic and Ritual Exploring the role of ritual in magical practices, including initiation, healing, and divination
Module #17 Magic and Material Culture Analyzing the material dimensions of magic, including artifacts, symbols, and sacred objects
Module #18 Globalization and Magic Examining the impact of globalization on magical practices, including the commodification and hybridization of magic
Module #19 Magic and Identity Investigating the relationships between magic, identity, and selfhood
Module #20 Magic and Morality Exploring the moral dimensions of magic, including ethics, values, and moral codes
Module #21 Magic and Embodiment Analyzing the bodily and sensory dimensions of magical practices
Module #22 Magic and Emotions Examining the emotional aspects of magic, including fear, anxiety, and joy
Module #23 Magic and Cognition Investigating the cognitive dimensions of magic, including perception, belief, and understanding
Module #24 Magic and Environment Exploring the relationships between magic, environment, and ecology
Module #25 Magic and Technology Analyzing the impact of technology on magical practices, including digital magic and online witchcraft
Module #26 Magic and Economy Examining the economic dimensions of magic, including the commodification of magic and the magic industry
Module #27 Magic and Law Investigating the legal dimensions of magic, including regulations, restrictions, and freedoms
Module #28 Magic and Education Exploring the role of magic in educational settings, including the teaching of magic and witchcraft
Module #29 Magic and Health Analyzing the relationships between magic, health, and well-being
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Magic, Witchcraft, and Society in Anthropological Perspective career
