Module #1 Introduction to the Anthropology of Magic Exploring the definition and scope of magic, and its significance in human societies
Module #2 Theories of Magic Overview of key theoretical approaches to understanding magic, including functionalism, structuralism, and post-structuralism
Module #3 Magic in Small-Scale Societies Case studies of magic in hunter-gatherer and horticultural societies, including shamanism and divination
Module #4 The Rise of Complex Societies and Magic How magic adapted to changing social and political contexts in ancient civilizations
Module #5 Magic in World Religions Exploring the role of magic in major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism
Module #6 The History of Magic in Europe From ancient Greece and Rome to the Renaissance and Enlightenment, tracing the evolution of magical beliefs and practices
Module #7 Witchcraft and the Witch Hunts The social and cultural context of the European witch hunts, and the significance of witchcraft in modern times
Module #8 Ritual and Performance The role of ritual and performance in magical practices, including the importance of drama, music, and dance
Module #9 Symbolism and Metaphor The use of symbols, metaphor, and other literary devices in magical systems and rituals
Module #10 Magic and the Mind Exploring the psychological and neuroscientific basis of magical beliefs and experiences
Module #11 The Social Construction of Reality How magical beliefs and practices shape our understanding of reality and influence social norms
Module #12 Magic and Power The relationship between magic, politics, and social inequality, including the use of magic for resistance and subversion
Module #13 Magic and Healing The role of magic in traditional healing practices, and the intersection with modern medicine
Module #14 Divination and Fortune-Telling The history and cultural significance of divination practices, including tarot, astrology, and fortune-telling
Module #15 Magic and Sexuality Exploring the relationships between magic, gender, and sexuality, includingErotic magic and sexual rituals
Module #16 Magic and Technology The impact of modern technology on magical beliefs and practices, including online magical communities and virtual rituals
Module #17 Magic in Popular Culture The representation of magic in film, literature, and other forms of popular culture, and its influence on modern magical beliefs
Module #18 Modern Paganism and Neo-Paganism The rise of modern Pagan and Neo-Pagan movements, including Wicca, Druidry, and other contemporary magical traditions
Module #19 Chaos Magic and Postmodernism The development of Chaos Magic and its relationship to postmodern thought and contemporary cultural trends
Module #20 The Ethics of Magic Exploring the moral and ethical implications of magical practices, including issues of harm and benefit
Module #21 Magic and the Environment The relationship between magic, nature, and the environment, including eco-magic and environmental activism
Module #22 Magic in the Digital Age The impact of digital technology on magical practices, including online rituals, virtual shrines, and digital divination
Module #23 The Future of Magic Speculating on the future of magic, including its potential role in shaping individual and collective identities
Module #24 Magic Across Cultures Comparative case studies of magical beliefs and practices across different cultures and societies
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Rituals and Beliefs: The Anthropology of Magic career
