Delivered at:: School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies

Course type:: Elective course

When:: 2 year, 1-3 module

Abstract

Magical thought has always attracted human imagination. In this course we will introduce you to the Middle Ages through a wide conception of magic. Students will have an approach to medieval culture, beliefs and practices from the perspective of History and History of Science. Popular magic, as well as learned magic (alchemy, geomancy and necromancy) will be addressed. Moreover, we will also deal with how eastern practices and texts influenced western culture. In July 2016, the course will contain a brand-new module devoted to astrology. Magic in the Middle Ages offers a captivating overview of medieval society and promotes reflection about certain stereotypes associated with this period.

Learning Objectives

In this course we will introduce you to the Middle Ages through a wide conception of magic.

Expected Learning Outcomes

will be able to analyze historical documentation from the Middle Ages and recognize the most common patterns of juridical documents regarding witchcraft
will be capable of distinguishing between popular magic and the magic of the learned people
will have a notion of which spiritual practices were allowed in medieval Europe and which ones were related to the devil, and will be aware of the link between a cultural product and the society that produced it.
will have overcome the usual prejudices about the Middle Ages

Course Contents

Introduction to medieval magic
Magic & Heresy
Magic in Islam
From Magic to Witchcraft
Astrology & Geomancy

Assessment Elements

Самостоятельная работа
Экзамен в конце курса

Interim Assessment

2021/2022 3rd module
0.7 * Самостоятельная работа + 0.3 * Экзамен в конце курса

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Zambelli, P. (2007). White Magic, Black Magic in the European Renaissance. Brill.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

E. E. Evans-Pritchard. (1973). The intellectualist (English) interpretation of magic. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.95811B2
Kieckhefer, R. (1994). The specific rationality of medieval magic. American Historical Review, 99(3), 813. https://doi.org/10.2307/2167771

Authors

NOSACHEV PAVEL GEORGIEVICH

Master’s Programme 'Religion and Society'

Contacts

Magic in the Middle Ages

Course Syllabus